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Despite Outcry Mass Animal Sacrifice in Nepal Persists at Gadhimai Festival

Having traveled to different places on the planet, I respect cultural traditions and love learning about them, but one thing I’ve learned is that some cultural traditions can be cruel like the running of the bulls in Spain, cockfighting in Haiti, or the mass animal sacrifice in southern Nepal known as Gadhimai Festival. 

Many have spoken out against this ritualistic killing, but the practice continues to this day. At its peak back in 2009, estimates put the killings at anywhere from 250,000 to 500,000 animals over the course of two days. Even public government officials and activists in Nepal have spoken out against the mass slaughter of animals during this festival. It’s the largest mass slaughter of animals in the world.

Key Takeaways

  • Gadhimai Festival is a Hindu festival held every five years dubbed, "The world's bloodiest festival."
  • Some backlash against Gadhimai Festival has begun with the Nepalese government not in support of it. 
  • It's estimated around 200,000 animals were sacrificed in 2024, but those numbers continue to drop. 

What is Gadhimai Festival?

Gadhimai Festival is a Hindu festival held every five years dubbed “The world’s bloodiest festival.” The sacrifice takes place to the Hindu goddess Gadhimai, an aspect of Kali, the Hindu goddess of power. 

This festival has provoked national and international outrage due to its mass animal cruelty.

Everywhere you look, animals are being beheaded with swords and machetes.

The animals make an exhaustive journey with little food, a lack of water, and cruel beheadings at the end. 

An estimated 90 percent of the animals enroute to Gadhimai Festival come from India with more than 2,000 butchers performing the sacrifices. 

This festival began 265 years ago when Bhagwan Chowdhary, a feudal landlord, was told in a dream that the spilling of blood would please the goddess Gadhimai.

It wished for this after freeing him from prison and protecting him from evil while promising him power and prosperity. While the goddess originally requested human sacrifice, Chowdhary chose the alternative of animal sacrifice.

Many travel to this festival at the Gadhimai Temple in the Bara District of Nepal, about 93 miles from Kathmandu, in the hopes of having their wishes granted. 

The animals sacrificed at the festival include:

  • Goats
  • Buffaloes
  • Rams 
  • Chickens
  • Ducks
  • Rats
  • Pigs

The animals sacrificed have no age limits and one person reported being appalled at the sight of a 10-day-old calf being sacrificed cruelly and headless pigeons being thrown up on a roof. 

Fighting Back against Animal Cruelty

Unfortunately, changing centuries old traditions can take time, and many have tried to fight against it by simply reducing the number of animals sacrificed. Besides reducing how many animals face a cruel beheading at Gadhimai, they have chosen to fight back in less direct ways.

With 90 percent of the animals coming from India, Indian authorities have begun to seize animals from unlicensed traders, reducing how many animals get sacrificed at Gadhimai. This action has had a huge impact because most of the animals transported are illegally transported there.  

Here’s a news story (1) where border officials and animal activists save over 750 buffaloes, goats, pigeons, and chickens from sacrifice at Gadhimai. 

The Nepalese government does not provide support for this event, which has made it easier for people to fight back against this cruel event. 

One example of pushback against the event has been Alokparna Sengupta, the Humane Society India Director, who directly challenged the head priest of the event Motilal Kuswaha. Unfortunately, despite her pleas and the pleas of many, the festival goes on. 

Reasons for Optimism

This festival has a tradition of over 265 years, and with that in mind, many devotees still believe that the festival requires blood to please the goddess Gadhimai. 

Some cracks have begun to show with some believing that they have begun to change their ways. For example, some of the devotees who go to Gadhimai have not taken animals to sacrifice them like in the past years. There are also signs that the temple committee has begun to feel shaken by the pushback. The number of animals sacrificed has gradually begun to drop. 

In 2024, they estimated around 200,000 animals were sacrificed, which included 6,000 buffaloes. That number may sound unimpressive, but it has shown that the numbers have begun to dwindle slightly from the peak of 500,000. 

There are also activist groups within Nepal against the mass slaughter of animals like the Federation of Animal Welfare Nepal. 

They have tried to start a request for a bloodless Gadhimai festival, but changing minds with something so deeply entrenched takes time. 

Many devotees believe that there must be blood sacrificed. The head priest once promised to stop sacrificing animals at Gadhimai in a video, but he later went back on it.

In 2016, the Supreme Court of Nepal made a legal order to those at the head of Gadhimai to slowly stop this barbaric practice of the ritual sacrificing of animals, but the practice continues. 

Unfortunately, you probably won't see an end to mass animal sacrifice any time soon without growing awareness of this problem. 

Increased pressure has changed how Gadhimai Festival takes place. 

Animal welfare organizations in Nepal and India have begun to coordinate their efforts in the hopes of stopping this mass ritual killings. Besides the killings, some worry about hygiene. Many activists described it as a bloodbath with blood, feces, and the smell of death hanging in the air. 

According to the American Academy of CPR and First Aid (2), many diseases spread to humans from the body fluids of animals, and with so much blood at a festival, this place becomes unhygienic at best. 

Final Thoughts

Devotees go to Gadhimai with the belief that ritually sacrificing animals will grant them their wishes, and this has fueled the cruelty of this festival. Animal sacrifice is also a deeply ingrained tradition in Nepal and even Hinduism (although not all Hindus practice it) with many believing it will bring blessings or grant wishes. Another Hindu festival that performs animal sacrifice is known as the Dashain Festival. 

Fighting against festivals like this requires a coordinated effort, and like trying to stop people from eating meat, it takes time to create change.  

References

(1) https://www.hsi.org/news-resources/mass-beheading-of-hundreds-of-thousands-of-animals-takes-place-at-nepals-gadhimai-festival-although-animal-groups-and-border-police-save-over-750-lucky-buffaloes-goats-pigeons-and-chickens/

(2) https://www.onlinecprcertification.net/blog/body-fluids-and-blood-from-pet-can-transmit-infections-to-humans/

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The Pros and Cons of Veganism on the Environment

Veganism has surged in popularity over the past decade, with approximately 1.1% of the world's population abstaining from consuming or using animal products for ethical, environmental or health concerns. Vegan diets generally use less water, produce fewer greenhouse gases, and on the whole tend to foster more compassionate, informed choices that can help elevate the general consciousness towards a more holistic mode of living.

A vegan diet is often hailed as being of huge benefit to the environment. Whilst this is generally true, there are a few caveats to take into account.

Read on for a more nuanced understanding of some of the pros and cons of veganism on the environment.

Key Takeaways

  • Vegan diets significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption compared to animal-based diets.
  • Sustainable sourcing and avoiding monocultures are crucial for maximizing veganism's environmental benefits.
  • Mindful consumption and supporting local producers are key to minimizing environmental impact, regardless of diet.

The Negative Impact Of Non-Vegan Food Production

Animal agriculture is responsible for a wide range of negative impacts on the environment. One of the most persuasive arguments for veganism for the more rationally persuaded lies in the undeniable benefit for the environment above an animal-based diet.

Animal farming, especially cattle, is responsible for large amounts of greenhouse gases such as C02 and methane and also requires large amounts of land and water. A reduction in the amount of animals farmed for human consumption could help with climate change mitigation.


Land Use

Animal farming uses large amounts of both land and water. Land is needed to graze animals, and if the land used was formerly ecologically diverse, and has been cleared, the biodiversity loss will be significant. Similarly, how the land is managed is significant, with the majority of industrialised agriculture having a devastatingly negative environmental impact.

Vegan thinking fosters environmental concern and respect for all forms of life regardless of size. A radical shift towards a vegan diet could free up large swathes of land formerly used for animal agriculture, and allow for regenerative agriculture and reforestation efforts to supplant destructive and cruel industrial agriculture.

On the other hand, there are some farmers employing regenerative agricultural models with animals helping to bring back fertility into formerly over-grazed areas. Grazing animals, if properly managed, can help bring back fertility into the landscape.

Water Use

Animal agriculture is water intensive, and with 1.8 billion people expected to face water shortage in 2025, this is becoming more pressing than ever. Producing a kilo of beef uses significantly more water than a plant-based alternative, such as legumes, grains, vegetables or fruit. This reduction in water usage could prove a vital difference for the many people living in water-scarce regions.


Why Veganism Alone Isn’t Enough

Whilst studies have repeatedly shown that vegan diets can have a lower environmental impact than omnivorous diets, it also depends on the type of plant-based food consumed, how and where it’s grown, packaged and where it’s consumed. 

As previously mentioned, veganism is about increasing the consciousness of mankind so we can make more compassionate choices. So it’s natural that how the food we eat is grown can have an important impact on the environmental effects of our food choices.

Importance of How And Where Your Food Is Grown

Whilst numerous studies have shown that meat-heavy diets have a greater environmental impact than plant-based ones, it also depends on the type of vegan diet and how the food is grown. It’s worth noting that a heavy reliance on crops grown in monocultures or imported from other corners of the globe can have a significantly negative impact. 

Monocultures often rely on heavy amounts of synthetic fertilisers which wreak havoc on soil health and people’s health. It can also destroy biodiversity and soil health, as fields are often left fallow when not in use, leading to the loss of topsoil which increases desertification. 

Those following vegan diets in colder climates may find that the food they consume is grown in far-off places, meaning large amounts of C02 are released during transportation. Focusing on locally grown and seasonal produce can eliminate this problem. However, vegans living in areas with long cold winters and shorter growing seasons may struggle to fulfill their needs with locally grown foods. 

Food Waste

Food waste is a problem facing the sustainability of our food production regardless of dietary choices, with about one-third of food produced being wasted. This involves a huge amount of resources such as land, water, labour and energy being used in vain, which in turn causes an increase in greenhouse gases, and waste being dumped into landfills, plastic packaging as well as waterways being polluted. 

Whilst all food production can lead to food waste, vegan diets, if not carefully managed, can contribute a lot due to the perishability of fresh produce. To counter this, proper food management practices at home such as meal planning can help, as well as either home or community composting initiatives. Managing food waste is equally as important for both vegan and non-vegan diets and needs to be taken into consideration if we are serious about creating a more sustainable food system.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Sustainable farming practices are vital for the health of the environment, whether you follow a vegan diet or not. Whilst vegan diets are generally considered better for the environment, making sure the food you consume is grown with responsible and ethical environmental practices is vital, regardless of your dietary choices as industrialised farming practices have little regard for the health of the planet or that of consumers. 

Focusing on decentralised and localised seasonal farmers and producers can ensure your food choices have the least negative environmental impact possible regardless.

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Understanding the Principles of Ethical Veganism

Ethical vegans oppose the exploitation of animals for human use, with their lives being viewed as being inherently valuable regardless of their utility for humans. Animals are conscious beings who feel pain and suffer, and consequently should not be abused, tortured or killed for our enjoyment or pleasure. 

Ethical veganism can also be rooted in environmental concerns. The foundations of ethical veganism are in making choices rooted in compassion, and respect for all life and the processes of life. 

Veganism is not merely some fad diet, or some obnoxious ideal touted by overprivileged youths, as some ill-informed commentators may have you believe, but is deeply rooted in ancient ideals of understanding and respect.

Read on to better understand the principles of ethical veganism.

Key Takeaways

  • Ethical veganism is rooted in compassion and the belief that all living beings have the right to exist free from harm. It promotes minimizing violence toward animals, the environment, and even oneself through conscious lifestyle choices.
  • Ethical vegans recognize the devastating impact of industrial animal agriculture on deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity loss. By rejecting industries that exploit animals, they contribute to a more sustainable and balanced ecosystem.
  • Ethical veganism extends beyond dietary choices, influencing clothing, cosmetics, entertainment, and consumer habits. It is a holistic approach to living that aligns with values of justice, sustainability, and respect for all sentient beings.

Compassion and Non-Violence

Compassion is the main driving force behind ethical veganism.

It is maintained that all living beings have the inalienable right to exist and that any action that violates this right should be avoided as an ethical imperative. Whilst avoiding all forms of violence is a near impossibility, our actions should aim to minimize violence to other life forms as well as ourselves as much as possible. 

Non-human animals are treated as having intrinsic value and are not used merely as a means to an end or as a commodity for human purposes.

The idea is to avoid the exploitation of animals as far as possible. This includes the consumption of animal-based foods such as meat, seafood, eggs, milk etc. as well as the avoidance of products tested on animals. It is also not merely limited to consumption but includes the avoidance of using non-edible products derived from animals for clothing, shelter, household use or any other function.

Environmental Responsibility

Ethical veganism is also firmly rooted in a holistic understanding of our place on this planet and accepts that our individual survival depends on the survival of the whole. The pervasive, often unconscious, worldview that pervades the modern world is one firmly rooted in the reductionist materialist paradigm, which sees the world as a series of unconnected phenomena, each of which can freely be used for any end.

Ethical veganism aims to recalibrate mankind back into its place as a connected part of the cycle of life that bears a responsibility to respect the planet and the life forces that sustain it. Animals are not viewed merely as a resource to be exploited but as having an inherent value in themselves.

Beyond Dietary Choices

Ethical vegans not only refuse to eat animal-derived products but also refuse their use for clothing, cosmetics, and household items. Leather, fur, wool, silk are avoided as are personal care items that include animal-derived products or are tested on animals. Forms of entertainment that utilise animals are avoided, such as rodeo, bullfighting, animal racing/ fights, etc. 

Ethical veganism serves to highlight animal rights and environmental justice. Ethical veganism recognizes the harm done to the environment through modern agricultural practices, in terms of the degradation of entire landscapes and its corresponding biodiversity through desertification, loss of top soil, water source pollution, and the emission of greenhouse gases. 

  • Ethical vegans live in alignment with their values by avoiding all forms of animal exploitation from food and fashion to cosmetics and entertainment—while also standing up for animal rights and environmental justice.

Away From Dogma and Towards Compassion.

Ethical veganism is not rigidly dogmatic and aims to guide individuals towards more compassionate choices and limit the damage we cause to our environment through the fulfilment of our needs and desires. The idea is to grow in awareness and work towards making choices rooted in compassion for all living beings, to the best of your abilities and capabilities in the present moment.   

Ethical vegans may also feel compelled, out of compassion, to share the potential health benefits of a vegan diet to those suffering from issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, colon issues and certain types of cancers that can be treated with a plant-based diet. 

Clearing Misconceptions

Ethical veganism is largely about social justice and advocates for the rights of all sentient life, meaning its scope extends far beyond the plate. Its concern is much more about living in a fair and equitable world where every living being's right to life is valued as much as each other’s, than with expounding doctrines or laying blame.

Animal-based foods are deeply ingrained in many cultures, with many people believing omitting them from your diet will leave you with deficiencies in protein, omega fatty acids, iron, vitamin b12 and so on. However, with a little understanding and some planning it is easily possible to meet all your nutritional needs with a vegan diet. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Ethical Veganism is about much more than dietary choices. It’s better considered a philosophical viewpoint rooted in a basic belief in the inherent value of all life. Compassion is the driving force behind ethical vegan principles which manifests in more sustainable lifestyle choices, justice for animals and greater respect for the environment and world that sustains us.

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7 Powerful Medicinal Plants You Can Grow in Different Climates

Herbs have been the primary source of medicine for thousands of years.  Long before the petrochemical pharmaceuticals began their reprogramming of the public psyche, people knew which herbs treated which common ailments, and how to grow and prepare them.

By growing your herbs at home, you can easily treat yourself and your family for common ailments and discomforts. Whether you live in the tropics, subtropics, or the temperate world, have large acreage or just a kitchen window, there are numerous types of medicinal herbs you can grow at home to boost your health.

Read on to learn more!

Key Takeaways

  • Learn Your Climate: Understand which medicinal herbs grow best in your specific climate for optimal success.
  • Choose Versatile Herbs: Plants like chamomile, thyme, and tulsi thrive in various conditions and offer a range of health benefits.
  • Embrace Self-Sufficiency: Growing medicinal plants promotes autonomy and supports natural, sustainable wellness practices.

Learn Your Climate

Learn which herbs grow best in your climate to ensure your best chances of success.

Temperate climates are defined by all four seasons, allowing growers to cultivate a range of medicinal herbs. Growers in the tropics or subtropics can  also grow a wide range of medicinal herbs in their gardens

Chamomile

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is one of my favorite medicinal herbs and is perfect for a cup of tea in the nighttime to improve digestion and induce relaxation.

There are two main types of chamomile, Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) and German (Matricaria chamomilla) both have nearly identical benefits and growing requirements.

Roman chamomile, also known as Russian or English chamomile forms a dense ground cover and is a perennial, whereas German Chamomile grows upright and is an annual plant.

Roman chamomile has a sweet, fruity and warm herby scent. Whereas German chamomile has more of strong, sweet herbaceous and hey-like aroma.

Chamomile contains slightly more of the essential oil chamazulene.

Chamomile is easy to grow as well as beautiful!

The flowers are used medicinally and look similar to daisies and have a pleasant scent that is loved by pollinators.

Chamomile grows best in cool semi-shaded positions, with well-drained soil. The flowers can be harvested as soon as they open. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and calming properties. Chamomile easily grows in USDA zones 4-9.


  • Chamomile is a versatile yet calming herb that is perfect for improving digestion and promoting relaxation, with both Roman (perennial) and German (annual) varieties offering nearly identical benefits. Easy to grow in USDA zones 4-9, its daisy-like flowers are loved by pollinators and valued for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Thyme

There are many different varieties of this popular medicinal herb you can grow, the most common being Thymus vulgaris.

Thyme is a sun and heat-loving herb that thrives in somewhat dry conditions and is a herbaceous perennial which can be harvested throughout the year in warmer areas. Thyme will happily grow in poor, rocky or sandy soil.

Thyme’s medicinal profile includes its ability to alleviate cough, reduce inflammation, boost immunity, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, aid digestion and calm digestive issues, amongst more.

Many different types of thyme will grow in zones 4-10.

Lemongrass

Growers in warmer tropical/subtropical areas can grow lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) which thrives in hot, sunny, wet areas, although also adapts to dier and shadier conditions.

Lemongrass has a wonderful citrusy aroma, which is known to repel mosquitos and other pests. Lemongrass is known to help alleviate digestive complaints, has antibacterial properties and is helpful in lowering stress levels. 

Lemongrass will grow best in zones 9-10.

  • Lemongrass thrives in hot, sunny climates (zones 9-10) and adapts to various conditions, offering a citrusy aroma that repels pests while providing antibacterial, stress-reducing, and digestive benefits.

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Tulsi is a sacred plant in India and can be grown in harsh, dry conditions. Tulsi is known for its immune-boosting properties, respiratory benefits and its ability to reduce stress levels. 

Tulsi can be grown and harvested year-round in frost-free areas, zones 10-11, where it acts like a perennial, living up to 4 years. In colder climates, tulsi can be grown as an annual plant, or can be planted in containers and be brought indoors in the colder months.  

Lemon Verbena

Lemon Verbena is another of my favorite herbs that makes a delicious medicinal tea.

As the name implies, the plant has a lovely lemon aroma. Lemon Verbena is known to be rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative compounds, making it useful in reducing inflammation in the body as well as oxidative stress. It’s known to help with digestive issues such as gas, and bronchitis, as well as with diarrhea and constipation and also in reducing stress.

Lemon Verbena will grow in sunny areas but prefers some afternoon shade/dappled light in hotter areas. It’s a perennial in warmer climes, but will go dormant in colder areas and grows in USDA zones 8-11.

  • Lemon Verbena, with its refreshing lemon aroma, makes a soothing medicinal tea rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping reduce stress, inflammation, and digestive issues. Thriving in USDA zones 8-11, it prefers sunny spots with some afternoon shade in hotter climates.

Peppermint

Peppermint (Mentha × Piperita) grows best in moist shaded areas and is suited for cool areas in the mountains, although it’ll also adapt to warmer locations. Peppermint has long been used for its ability to regulate stomach issues such as indigestion, gas,  bloating, and constipation as well as for its benefits for the respiratory tract.

Peppermint is a hardy plant that quickly spreads in a moist area with rich soil.

Comfrey

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) also known as knit-back is a powerhouse of a plant with many uses, both for your health and for your garden. Comfrey is used on the skin to treat wounds and reduce inflammation caused by broken bones or sprains. 

The roots and leaves of comfrey produce allantoin, which helps new skin cells develop, making it a useful first aid plant to have in your garden.

Comfrey grows in moist areas in Europe and some parts of Asia. It has many functions, such as its ability to mine minerals from the subsoil, thanks to its long tap root and is used as biomass, mulch or to make liquid fertilizers. 

  • Comfrey is versatile plant known as knit-back, supports skin healing and reduces inflammation with its allantoin-rich roots and leaves. Thriving in moist areas, it also benefits gardens by mining minerals, providing mulch, and creating nutrient-rich liquid fertilizers.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Growing your own medicinal herbs is a powerful thing to do. Not only does it help give you and your family autonomy, but helps you keep your health and wellness in your own hands and not in those of big pharmaceutical companies. 

Whilst this list is only the tip of the iceberg, I hope it has inspired you to consider growing some medicinal herbs in your home, wherever in the world you are and however much space you have at your disposal.

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A Guide to Vegan Meal-Prepping

Meal prepping is a game-changer for anyone looking to save time, stay healthy, and enjoy delicious, plant-based meals all week long. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just starting out, meal-prepping can feel overwhelming, even if you know the benefits. Cooking and prepping meals in bulk can feel like a lot of work, and it may be hard to determine what ingredients will last, what won’t, etc. 

Here, we’ll discuss some general meal-prepping tips and some of the best vegan ingredients and staples to add to your dishes for maximum convenience and nutrition! 

Key Takeaways

  • Meal-prepping can make eating healthier throughout the week much easier
  • Meal-prepping as a vegan doesn’t have to be any harder
  • The benefits of meal-prepping make the effort worth it

The Benefits of Meal-Prepping 

Everyone has different reasons for meal-prepping. Maybe you’re busy and want to maximize your time throughout the week, or maybe you struggle with snacking and want to be better prepared with healthy options. 

Regardless of your personal reasons, meal-prepping comes with many benefits, such as: 

  • Saves time. By preparing large amounts of food and meals in advance, you save time later by having to get everything out again. Not only does it save cooking and prepping time, but you only have to wash the dishes and equipment once! You can also save time and mental energy by not having to make meal decisions every day, multiple times a day. 

  • Saves money. Often, you save money in the long run by purchasing ingredients in bulk. You can also save money by avoiding the need for last-minute take-out when you don’t feel like cooking! 

  • Reduces food waste. When you have a plan, and everything is prepared, you use everything, significantly reducing food waste. 

  • Improves portion control. Preparing meals ahead of time allows you to control portion sizes, which can help prevent overeating and undereating. 

The Best Vegan Foods for Meal-Prepping

Especially for those new to meal-prepping, it can be hard knowing what foods and ingredients are best to use as not everything keeps well even when stored properly. The following are some of the best vegan foods and items for meal-prepping: 

Grains and Legumes:


  • Quinoa cooks quickly, goes well in many dishes, and can stay fresh for up to a week. 

  • Lentils are full of protein and fiber and work well in soups, salads, mains, and more. 

  • Chickpeas are the perfect addition to salads, soups, stews, and homemade hummus. 

  • Brown rice is incredibly versatile, pairs with so many dishes, and it keeps very well. 

a guide to vegan meal prepping

Veggies:

  • Sweet potatoes are delicious, steamed or roasted, and they hold up well over several days. 

  • Broccoli is also great steamed and retains its nutritional value and texture well once cooked. 

  • Kale and spinach are both sturdy and packed with nutrients - add them to salads or sautes and they’ll stay fresh for a few days. 

  • Bell peppers. Sweet, crunchy, and colorful, bell peppers are versatile and keep well in the fridge. 

Protein:

  • Tofu is incredibly versatile and, whether kept raw or cooked, will stay fresh in the fridge for the week. 

  • Tempeh is high in protein and perfect for salads or stir-fries to last the week. 

  • Edamame is a hearty, young soybean packed with protein. It’s great for a snack or a side and stays fresh for days when kept refrigerated. 

Vegan Foods to Avoid in Your Meal-Preps

Meal-prepping is most effective when done with foods that keep well in the fridge and will still taste great in a few days. Unfortunately, not every vegan staple and nutritious ingredient meets this criteria. While you should still incorporate them into your diet, you’re probably better off avoiding these in your plans:

a guide to vegan meal prepping
  • Avocados. Although extremely healthy, they brown quickly once cut and their texture and flavor don’t last long if not eaten. 
  • Fresh fruits. Most berries are delicate and will grow soft quickly. They’re best eaten fresh or frozen for later use in a smoothie or pie. Bananas also ripen and brown quickly once open, making them poor candidates for planning ahead. 
  • Leafy greens. Things like iceberg and butterhead lettuce and arugula will wilt and become soggy if stored for too long. Use a heartier green like kale if you’d like to prepare salads ahead of time. 
  • Cut tomatoes and cucumbers. Once cut, tomatoes and cucumbers become watery and soft quickly. 
  • Fresh smoothies. While nutritious, the ingredients in homemade smoothies can separate and lose their intended flavor quickly. However, you can make and freeze smoothies to help them last longer, though you’ll still want to drink them shortly after thawing, making them unideal for travelling to work or an event.
  • Dressed salads. If you plan to prepare salads, keep dressing separate until right before it’s time to eat.
  • Cooked potatoes. Mashed potatoes and French fries, for example, don’t keep well; their texture will change, and they can become unappealing quickly.

Meal-Prepping Tips 

Regardless of your chosen diet, meal-prepping can be a challenge for newcomers. While the learning curve is worth it, it’s a process. Keep the following meal-prepping tips in mind for an easier vegan meal-prepping experience: 

  • Start simple. For your first few weeks, stick to recipes that require minimal ingredients and steps. You can also try starting with only one meal. Prep lunches for one or two weeks. Then, add dinner, and so on. This can help it feel less overwhelming. 

  • Plan ahead. Before you go grocery shopping, create your “menu,” so you know what to buy and exactly what you’re making. 

  • Invest in good containers. Choose containers that are the appropriate size for the portions you want and ensure they are airtight - this maximizes freshness. 

  • Prep snacks, too. While healthy meals are the most important part of the day, snacks can be a helpful way to sustain yourself or get an energy boost. You can prep healthy snacks like energy balls or granola bars that also keep well in the fridge or freezer. 

  • Keep track of what works. Consider keeping a journal where you can note your favorite meals, which ones kept well, which ones weren’t unsuccessful, what cooking methods work for you, etc. This will help you develop an enjoyable and effective routine. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

The benefits of meal-prepping are undeniable, but it can be hard to get into, especially as a vegan! However, once you master a few dishes and get into a good routine, it’ll feel like second nature. Make sure you’re using the best ingredients that will stay fresh for at least a few days, and don’t be afraid to be flexible. Lastly, it’s important to incorporate variety - don’t make the exact same thing for weeks on end, it’ll get boring and discouraging quickly! Keep this info and our tips in mind and you’ll be vegan-meal prepping like a pro in no time.

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Product Spotlight: Chosen Foods Avocado Oil and Why We Love It!

With so many oils available, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your cooking needs.

Thanks to its high smoke point and rich nutritional properties, avocado oil stands out amongst the rest. However, with its rise in popularity, the market has become saturated with low-quality options.

In this article, we explore the benefits of avocado oil, highlight the importance of choosing a trusted brand like Chosen Foods, and offer tips on how to ensure you're getting pure, high-quality oil for your cooking needs.

Key Takeaways

  • Avocado oil is ideal for high-heat cooking, while extra virgin olive oil should only be used for cold applications like dressings.
  • 82% of avocado oils on the U.S. market are rancid or mixed with cheap oils, so opting for trusted brands like Chosen Foods is to your benefit.
  • Chosen Foods ensures 100% pure avocado oil through rigorous testing and offers a range of healthy, satisfying products.

Not All Oils Are Created Equal

There are countless oils that exist on the market. Depending on what you’re preparing and how you’re preparing it will determine which oil you should be using.

For example, extra virgin oil should only be used as a cool topping oil for salads or dressing.

It is not recommended to use olive oil at high temperatures as it does not have a high temperature point.

When cooking at high temperatures, to include baking and cooking, the best fat to use if you’re a vegan would be avocado oil.

Avocados are a superfood containing vitamins A, D, E, and K, antioxidants, minerals and healthy fats. Avocados are known for promoting heart health, developing memory, reducing inflammation and improving digestion as they contain healthy amounts of fiber.

Avocados are known to increase nutrient absorption as well as are associated with lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes, all while promoting skin and eye health!

As you can see, avocados are a food to be reckoned with and with a high smoke point make an excellent choice in sauteing, frying and baking. There’s really no reason we couldn’t and shouldn’t be receiving the benefits of avocados on a daily basis!

The Problem with Oils

With so many oils on the shelves it is difficult to know if a brand is advertising itself in truth and totality. Most oils claiming to be pure are actually mixed with rancid or seed oils.

According to a study done at UC Davis, researchers compared 22 different brands of avocado oil sold in the United States and tested them for purity. Of the 22 brands 82% were found to be stale, rancid or mixed with cheap and/or harmful oils. 

Of the samples 15 were oxidized before the expiration date meaning they had lost their nutritional value and flavor and 6 samples were mixed with large amounts of toxic seed oils.

Of the 22 tested brands, solely Chosen Foods and Marianne’s Avocado Oil were found to be the only brands that were 100% pure.

The FDA, is designed to protect consumers through transparency about companies' standards and revealing their methods and ingredients to customers.

However, with avocado oil still relatively new on the market, the FDA hasn’t seemed to catch up with reliable regulation protocols.

Why I love Chosen Foods Avocado Oil

I love a brand that practices full transparency through third-party testing and clear communication with their customers.

The company seems to take pride in promising both quality and transparency to their customers. After being harvested and sorted, avocados are filtered and naturally refined through a process that removes impurities and maintains temperature at a degree that ensures the quality and stability of the oil.

Following inspection, the oil is internally and externally tested to analyze the fatty acid profile to ensure each batch's purity. The bottles then move into the bottling process where they are now sold in stores like Whole Foods and Target.

On their website Chosen Foods declares:  We test every batch of oil to make sure our products only contain 100% pure avocado oil. Our testing is done by analyzing our oil's fatty acid profile to ensure that it is in fact 100% pure avocado oil.

The other thing I’m loving about Chosen Foods these days is not just their commitment to quality but to the range of products they have started to offer their customers.

Chosen Foods is changing the condiment game.

On the shelves they now offer healthy alternatives to mayonnaise, shortening, dips and even chocolate hazelnut spread options!

I personally feel so good about my food choices when I know I’m getting a wholesome fat in that will satiate my hunger for longer periods of time. It’s like I’m doing my future self a favor every time I consume their products.

Tips for consumers:
  • When products become popular and on the rise it is important to recognize that all but especially higher end item ingredients and products will commonly be manipulated to produce higher sales to the public.
  • When purchasing avocado oil, whether you choose to purchase Chosen Foods or not, there are some key signs you can keep an eye out for…

  • The flavor of avocado oil should taste fresh, a bit grassy and buttery. 

  • Virgin oil should be green in color and smell of avocados.

  • Even high quality oil goes rancid in time. It is good to buy reasonable sizes and store in a dark cool place. 

  • Rancid oil will smell like play dough.

  • Choose an oil that closest to the harvest production time to ensure freshness *not the best before date.

Final Thoughts: 

Every time we begin a meal we set the flavor of that meal with the type of fat we choose.

In a world where toxic seed oils such as sunflower, safflower, canola and rapeseed oil are in abundance it is important to make a conscious choice about which fat is going to provide the most nutritious benefit to us.

As a vegan, olive and coconut oil are heart healthy options but when it comes to cooking and baking at high temperatures there is no comparison when it comes to avocado oil.

High smoke point means avocado oil is less likely to burn and more likely to provide a neutral and delicious taste to your meal while providing nutrient rich benefits.

It is vital we take responsibility for what goes onto our plate and into our bodies and take grocery shopping into our own hands.

Because we can’t always trust federal regulations, it works to our benefit to do our own research (or to read an article that ensures someone else has done the research for you).

Chosen Foods Avocado oil promises quality and transparency and if you haven’t gotten on the avo oil train yet, I highly recommend you hop on! 

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Vegan Staples That are Worse for the Planet Than Meat or Dairy

Along with stopping animal suffering, many vegans hope their efforts will save the planet at the same time. Veganism has often been praised as a more environmentally friendly choice with one analysis finding that it leads to 75 percent less climate-heating emissions, water pollution, and land use.

In general, that may be true, but you still need to exercise awareness with what you eat because some vegan foods may still present a challenge to the planet. 

I’ve done some research on this and will give you an overview of the most common culprits that are not environmentally friendly. Veganism normally ranks highly as a diet, but meat production, especially beef, contributes to greenhouse gases and requires large amounts of land and water for it to succeed. 

Key Takeaways

  • Avocados have deforested over 70,000 acres in Mexico in the last 10 years. 
  • Soybean production in Brazil for tofu leads to the deforestation of the Amazon Rainforests. 
  • Almonds require 5 liters of water to produce one almond.
  • Quinoa is problematic due to the unsustainable farming practices around harvesting. 

1. Avocados

The issue isn’t so much to do with avocados but the way we farm them is unsustainable. Mexico stands out as the world’s largest exporter of avocados, but unfortunately, the farming of them contributes to deforestation, particularly in this country. In the states of Michoacan and Jalisco, the demand for avocados has contributed to more than 70,000 acres being deforested in the last 10 years. 

Avocados in Mexico also attract criminal groups who displace people and deforest what was once a lush and beautiful countryside. Besides the issues with clearing out trees, avocados also demand tons of water, and in drought prone areas, this can worsen issues. As one observer in Argentina noted, you start to see everything around the avocado plantation go dry. 

To be clear, avocados still have less environmental impact than animal products, but it would be a mistake to consider avocados sustainable or environmentally friendly since they do come with their problems. 

2. Tofu

Perhaps one of the most common foods you can eat as a vegan for getting your protein, this one took over my plant-based diet at one point. Again, like with avocados, the issue doesn’t stem from the avocados themselves in most cases—the issue comes from how we don’t use sustainable practices. 

Tofu comes from soybeans and provided you farm them in sustainable ways, it never becomes a problem. 

The issue is that soybeans have a reputation as contributing to deforestation especially in South America where they’ve cleared large tracts of rainforest to make room for soybean production. 

Not only does it lead to deforestation of rainforests, but we lose our natural biodiversity, and the rainforests in South America have a reputation as being some of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. 

Other things that harm the environment are the use of dangerous pesticides and the extreme water consumption that hurts the local ecosystem. 

Tofu by itself isn’t a problem, but you want to check that you buy from sources that won’t contribute to harming the environment. To check this, look for labels that indicate organic or non-GMO soybeans. Locally sourced when possible is also best to reduce the carbon imprint from shipping. 

Avoid tofu or soybeans from Brazil in particular where the problem has become widespread.

3. Almonds

Not all nuts are eco-friendly with some being more unsustainable than others. The one I’d like to point out especially is almonds, and this one I point out because many vegans use almonds for their milk. Nuts are a great source of protein, but the issue with them is that they can have huge water footprints. 

Almonds, in particular, commonly produced in the United States have a reputation as demanding 7,302 liters of water.

 It takes 5 liters of water to produce one almond. Cashew nuts are the second biggest culprits with them demanding 6,450 liters of water to produce 1 pound of cashews. 

If you’d like to know about more eco-friendly choices for nuts, peanuts have a reputation as being more environmentally friendly. They typically only require 12 liters of water to produce an ounce of peanuts. For a pound of peanuts, it requires 144 liters, and while that might seem like a lot, it still pales in comparison to almonds or cashews. 

4. Quinoa

A lot of the issues with quinoa, like with avocados or tofu, will come from the sustainable practices of the farm. Unfortunately, industrialized agriculture often ignores sustainable practices in favor of profits.

Chemicals used to farm quinoa to meet demand can cause issues, but another danger comes from how as the demand for quinoa rises, it could put increasing pressure on farmers to make room for more land for it. 

Quinoa has also exploded in popularity in recent years due to it being known as a superfood with a lot of protein. You get 8 to 9 grams of protein per cup. It may not be the worst choice, but people should still be aware of its impact. 

Every health-conscious vegan is looking for more ways to get protein because one of the weaknesses of the vegan diet is getting enough protein. Meat is a huge source of protein but since vegans don’t eat meat, they need to find other sources. Some Bolivian farmers have also noted how the soil has become less fertile since the boom in demand for quinoa. 

Final Thoughts

The point here isn’t necessarily to stop you from eating avocados or drinking a glass of almond milk once in a while. Instead, I hope that this article makes you more conscious of your environmental impact even with vegan food. 

Many of the foods mentioned here still perform far better than meat products in terms of how they impact the environment and there’s nothing wrong with having them once in a while. 

This study from Yale (1) found that vegan diets have one-fourth the impact of meat-heavy diets, but you still need to be conscious of your consumption.

References

(1) https://e360.yale.edu/digest/vegan-diet-climate-meat-vegetarian-pescatarian

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Vegan Equestrian Fitness: How to Strengthen Your Body for Better Riding
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Vegan Equestrian Fitness: How to Strengthen Your Body for Better Riding

As joyful and fulfilling as horses can be, they are also hard work.

Riding is a full-body workout that demands strength, coordination, balance, and endurance. Every part of your body plays a role - the core to stabilize, the legs to grip, balance, and cue the horse, the upper body for steering and control, etc. 

Improving your strength and skills in the saddle helps you take on more challenging tasks and improves safety. Building strength and endurance has two main components: physical workouts and diet. 

Riding your horse is a good workout, but you should not rely on this alone. You can do many exercises out of the saddle to improve your seat and skills.

Maintaining a healthy, balanced, plant-based diet is a fantastic way to support your body as you work hard to train and strengthen. Read on to learn specific things you can do to strengthen yourself for better riding.  

Key Takeaways

  • Riding horses is a full-body workout and should be treated as such.
  • The vegan lifestyle is ideal for staying fit and healthy as an equestrian.
  • Targeted workouts can help build the body you need to ride your best.

Core Strength: The Foundation of Stability 

A strong core is the crux of every ride you have on your horse. A strong, engaged core helps you maintain balance and stability. It enables you to maintain control and communicate effectively with your horse while allowing the legs to function independently. 

Weak core muscles can cause poor balance and miscommunication with the horse. 

In the saddle, sessions with no stirrups can help work your core muscles more than usual. Outside of the saddle, try these exercises to build up core muscles: 

  •  Planks. Even 20-30 seconds at a time can start building muscle. Try side planks for an extra challenge to the obliques.
  •  Bird-dogs. This exercise improves both coordination and balance. Perform this by starting on your hands and knees. Extend the opposite arm and leg while keeping your back flat. Hold for a few seconds, and switch to the other side. 
  •  Yoga poses. Boat pose and cat-cow stretches are good for both strengthening and stretching the core. You shouldn’t neglect stretching, as too much tightness can cause injury

Everyone should go at their own pace, but consistency is key if you want to see improvements. Try incorporating at least ten minutes of core work three to four times weekly.

A few years ago, I was getting much more serious about competing. I wanted to move up a level and successfully jump higher. This would take practice to elevate my skills, but my trainer said I needed to be stronger, too. So, I did three things. 

First, I increased the intensity of my rides. I added more complex exercises and rode for longer - this was good for both my horses and I. I also added more no-stirrup work. This improves strength but also seat, balance, and position. 

Second, I started working out more out of the saddle. Nothing crazy, but I did short core and full-body workouts every day. 

Third, I focused more on my diet. I added more protein, specifically before my rides, and tried to eat more energizing and fulfilling foods. 

It wasn't long at all before I started noticing the difference! I felt stronger, more stable, and it was longer before I became out of breath. This allowed me to practice longer courses, keep up with my horse better, and be strong and successful at higher heights.

I've been competing seriously every year since, and this type of discipline has served me well - particularly last year when I reached a major height milestone with one of my horses. Not only did I reach a height I'd been aiming for for years, but we were overall show champion at this height twice! 

Of course I can't take all the credit - my horses are amazing and they do their part well. But, I could never have gotten myself to this point without placing focus on my physical strength and diet. 

Vegan Equestrian Fitness: How to Strengthen Your Body for Better Riding

Leg Strength for Proper Positioning 

Strong, stable legs are essential for holding the correct position and maintaining good posture. A solid, steady grip helps you stay balanced and strong in the saddle and allows for effective communication with your horse. Your legs are the source of various cues, and your horse won’t know what you’re asking if your cues are unclear. 

Staying strong in the saddle requires using the thighs, calves, and glutes. To improve these areas, try the following exercises:

Vegan Equestrian Fitness: How to Strengthen Your Body for Better Riding
  •  Squats. These build glute and quad strength. Make it more challenging by adding weights or trying sumo squats for variety.
  •  Lunges. Both walking and static lunges build strength and improve balance and coordination.
  •  Wall sits. This will strengthen the thighs and help build endurance. 

TIP:

  • For optimal results, try to perform three sets of 10-12 reps of these exercises at least twice a week.

Upper Body Strength: Improving Communication and Balance

Many riders underestimate the importance of upper body strength. It plays a vital role in balance, posture, and communication with your horse. If you’re riding with a bit, your hands are connected to their mouth, making your balance and control extremely important. Even those riding bitless still apply pressure and give cues, so this must be done correctly. 

When properly balanced and strong, you have better control over your hands and arms. This allows for safe and effective communication with your horse. A weak, unbalanced upper body increases the chances of giving incorrect cues or unintentionally pulling or applying too much pressure as you lose your balance. 

Some examples of effective upper body exercises include:

  •  Push-ups. These are a classic for a reason - they offer a full-body workout focusing on the upper body. You can try modified push-ups on your knees to start, if necessary. 
  •  Resistance band rows. This exercise allows you to mimic the motion of using your reins, helping you improve your balance and control. It also strengthens the back and hips.
  •  Overhead presses. This simple exercise strengthens the shoulders and biceps. You can use light dumbbells to start and slowly increase the weight over time. 

Strength training exercises like these can be performed regularly, but mix it up and work different areas of the body to prevent overworking or straining any muscle group.

Eating a balanced, high-protein diet is also important when doing strength training. Vegan protein sources like tofu, beans, chickpeas, etc., should be incorporated into your diet daily, especially following a workout.

Vegan Equestrian Fitness: How to Strengthen Your Body for Better Riding

Flexibility and Mobility: Staying Fluid in the Saddle

Riding horses can stress and strain certain joints. Maintaining flexibility is not only key to success in the saddle but also for practicing effective workouts. Flexibility is also crucial for adapting to your horse and its movements. Tight muscles can lead to discomfort and injury while limiting your ability to ride well. 

Stretching is key to maintaining flexibility. It’s important to stretch before and after your ride, but also in between. Yoga is a fantastic way to maintain and improve flexibility while also gently building strength and endurance.

Try these yoga poses for flexibility:

  •  Pigeon pose. This one opens the hips for better leg positioning. 
  •  Spinal twists. This improves flexibility in the back while reducing tension. 
  •  Cat-cow stretch. This move loosens the spine while enhancing mobility. 

Even five or ten minutes of yoga daily contributes significantly to improved flexibility and mobility. Try different routines and poses to target your whole body. 

I started doing yoga a few years ago, for many reasons. I was stiff, a lot. The regular stretching and yoga sesssions definitely started helping, both in and out of the saddle. One specific thing I noticed was that my lower back would get extra sore after a training session where my horses and I maxed out our height. 

By adding more stretching to my routine, I was able to mitigate this and make recovering from these sessions much easier. I was also able to remain more stable over the jumps when my stiffness wasn't forcing me into an incorrect position! 

FINAL THOUGHTS

While proper training and coaching are essential for gaining and building skills in the saddle, strength and fitness are just as important. Not only does physical strength help you perform, but it keeps you and your horse safer. 

The good news is that a balanced vegan diet is well-equipped to help you get fit, build strength, and stay flexible. Focus on high-protein pre and post-workout meals with a strong, sustainable energy source before your rides. 

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7 Things to Do With Garden Abundance: Food Preservation Techniques for Everyone

Garden abundance is the dream of every budding gardener out there.

Imagine having so much fresh produce, you don’t know what to do with it!? In temperate climates, the majority of your garden produce will come in the summertime.

Once the heat of the summer wanes and the days start getting shorter, you may wish for the bounty of summertime.

Plan ahead and consider preserving your garden harvest so you can enjoy it during the cooler winter months, when your garden may not provide as much.

Food preservation can be a daunting task for those new to it, but by learning a few simple techniques, you can prolong your appreciation of your precious produce throughout the year.

Read on to learn some ways on how to deal with your garden's abundance.

Key Takeaways

  • Preserve food with methods like fermenting, drying, freezing, and canning.
  • Share excess produce with friends, neighbors, or local charities.
  • Infuse oils, make tinctures, or create homemade gifts to enjoy your harvest all year.

1. Fermenting

A fun, easy and healthy way to deal with produce is to ferment it!

People have been fermenting food for thousands of years, and there are many ways to go about this process. Fermenting, also known as lacto-fermentation involves turning food sugars into lactic acid, which in turn prevents the production of unwanted harmful bacteria, thus preserving the food.

A simple method involves tightly packing vegetables in jars with salt and water and allowing them to sit for some time. How long you leave them depends on factors such as ambient temperature and your desired results. 

Fermenting food also improves the food's nutrient and enzyme profile, and also helps in its digestibility.  Just about any vegetable can be fermented, either singularly or together. You can also add herbs or spices from the garden for added health benefits or simply for taste.

  • Fermenting vegetables is a simple and healthy way to preserve produce, boost nutrients, and enhance digestibility—start by packing veggies in jars with salt and water, and customize with your favorite herbs or spices for added flavor and benefits.

2. Drying/Dehydrating

Most food, including herbs, spices, fruit and vegetables can be dried.

Drying removes all the moisture from food which is where the harmful bacteria and yeasts will grow and prevent their preservation. Many foods, such as fruit or vegetables can be dried directly in the hot sun and will be ready after several days. Things like herbs are best dried in the shade.

You can even build yourself a solar dehydrator, or failing that can purchase an electric one for indoor use, or even use an oven on low heat.

TIP:

  • Vegetables can be dried directly in the hot sun
  • Herbs are best to be dried in the shade

3. Freeze

If you have space and power, freezing is an easy way to preserve your food for the cooler months. Freezing is an easy and low-fuss way to preserve your food long after it’s been grown, and picked.

 Studies show that freezing actually retains foods' nutritional value. Frozen food can be cooked into soups, and stews, used in smoothies or countless other ways.

4. Canning

Canning involves a bit of work but allows you to turn fresh produce into shelf-stable food that will last a very long time.

There are two main methods for canning; water bath canning and pressure canning. If you’re new to canning, be sure to follow basic health protocols, such as properly sterilizing jars and other equipment you need to use

5. Water Bath Canning

This type of canning is ideal for acidic food such as tomatoes, fruit jams, jellies, pickles or chutneys. It’s the quicker of the two processes.

6. Pressure Canning

This process is better for things such as soups, stews, stocks etc. It’s more suited to low-acid vegetables.

7. Give it Away!

If you still have too much and don’t have the time or inclination to preserve it, I'm sure your family, friends and neighbours would be more than happy to take some of the abundance off of your hands! Sharing is caring, as they say! And what’s more caring than sharing rich, nutrient-dense food for your friends and loved ones to nourish themselves with? 

If you’ve got no one to give it to, consider donating it to people in need, to a soup kitchen, or barter it in your local community for other goods. If there’s no swap group in your area then consider starting one.

8. Bonus Ideas

Food can be infused in oil or vinegar which can later be used as a flavorful addition in your kitchen to spice up your winter salads, stews or anything else. If you’re feeling adventurous and have too many aromatic or medicinal herbs, consider making tinctures, creams, or even essential oils.

Whilst these may require more effort, (easily learnt) skills and some equipment, you can create value-added products to your produce to use yourself, give as thoughtful gifts to your loved ones or even sell should you want to.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Preserving the bounty of your summer harvests is a great way to enjoy the abundance throughout the year.

Preserving your food whilst you’ve got it and it’s at its peak allows you to enjoy it in the colder winter months when your favorite summer fruit, vegetables and herbs may have stopped producing.

There are many ways to preserve food, no matter if you choose tried and tested methods used throughout the ages or go for a more modern approach, there are food preservation techniques for everyone to use and spread the bounty of your harvest throughout the year and through your community of friends and relatives.

Remember to like, comment and share if you enjoyed the article!

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vegan blog

What It Means To Seek Enlightenment & Why Yogis Tend To Be Vegetarian

Enlightenment in Vedic spiritual practices, particularly in Hinduism and Buddhism, emphasizes the lifelong journey of a yogi’s spiritual growth.

In this article I will attempt to highlight the connection between enlightenment and the practice of vegetarianism, rooted in the principle of ahimsa (non-violence) as they tend to go hand in hand.

Curious why yogis tend to be vegetarian but not always vegan? This article will attempt to answer this question through my personal lens.

Key Takeaways

  • Enlightenment as a Lifelong Journey: Reaching enlightenment is a long, committed path of spiritual growth, often taking decades.
  • Vegetarianism and Ahimsa: Yogis often follow a vegetarian diet to practice ahimsa (non-violence) and avoid harm to animals.
  • Dairy in Traditional Diets: While traditional yogic diets include dairy for nourishment, many modern yogis choose veganism for ethical reasons.

Enlightenment 

In many Vedic spiritual practices like Buddhism and Hinduism, the goal of existence is to reach enlightenment.

The spiritual goal of enlightenment is to remember one’s true nature and connection to the divine within. It is a lifelong devotion meant to be achieved over years or decades through devoted practices.

One common thread of yogis seeking enlightenment is vegetarianism.

But why is it so essential and where does the practice come from? 

What is enlightenment?

In Vedic culture, enlightenment is the supreme state of consciousness where yogis on the path may completely unite with the divine.

It is the ability to awaken and free the mind of attachment and human desires and reach a bliss state. 

Reaching enlightenment isn't something your average human can master and achieve in this lifetime. To reach enlightenment could take decades.

It is a fully committed lifestyle that essentially requires you to release the human comforts of the world and devote your life fully to God or the Divine. The practice guides you to foster a sense of compassion and mindfulness all in the facilitation of spiritual growth.

Depending on the specific path, whether it be Buddhism or Ancient Indian Scripture, there are major steps involved in the process of reaching enlightenment. 

In yoga or ashtanga the path to reach enlightenment of the mind, body and spirit is to practice through the eight limbs of yoga:

  • Yama: ethical practices
  • Niyama: personal observances
  • Asana: Physical postures
  • Pranayama: Breathing techniques
  • Pratyahara: withdrawing the senses
  • Dharana: Concentration
  •  Dhyana: Meditation

  • Samadhi: Absorption

Within the eight limbs of yoga, you have the yamas and niyamas.

The limbs of yoga contain principles to follow such as: self-study, non-violence, truthfulness, and contentment. 

Ahima belonging to the Yamas is the principle of practicing non-violence.

Non-violence toward yourself and others, to include awareness of thought and speech as well as action. 

Why Yogi's Have a Vegetarian Diet

On the path to reach enlightenment, one significant step that is taken is the adoption of a vegetarian diet. 

As the concept of ahimsa entails, most yogis on the yogic path will choose to live by and abide by the eight limb path. These practices lend themselves into all aspects of a yogis life to include their diet. 

While it may not be a direct interpretation of ahimsa many yogis on the path believe that eating animal products would directly contradict with the principles of non-violence and therefore choose to abstain.

According to Vedic studies, specifically in Ayurveda (the sister science to yoga), animal meat is found to be incredibly tamasic, or dulling to the senses.

The goal of Ayurveda and yoga is to become more sattvic or pure. Because animal protein doesn’t digest as quickly and can rest heavy on the system, it is typically discouraged for most people to consume on a regular basis.

 According to Ayurveda in the cases of malnourishment or a deficiency in the system, meat can be consumed accordingly but generally is not encouraged. Without meat and a smoother digestive process, a fresh and lighter plant-based diet can contribute to a clearer, steady mind and stronger physical practice.

Why Yogi's May Not be Vegan

As the practice of non-violence is a core reason many yogis practice vegetarianism, in my own practices and studies I have found many, if not most yogis to be vegetarian rather than vegan.

Why is this?

The Vedic period dates back to c. 1500-c. 500 BCE.

Traditionally cows are held in high regard and even sacred creatures. According to the Vedas, cows are mentioned to not be killed (“aghnya”) and were found to be revered for religious significance.

In the practice of non-violence, cows were never harmed but the consumed dairy and milk products were considered a staple food and primary source of nourishment. Both Hindu and Buddhist traditions of India consider dairy products essential and holy.

As a result what you’ll find in any traditional vegetarian cookbook are the numerous dairy filled recipes. Particularly cow’s milk, products like yogurt, soft cheese, ghee and curd make up a primary food source of a typical Vedic diet.

  • Many yogis practice vegetarianism instead of veganism because, according to Vedic traditions, cows are revered as sacred and their dairy products are considered holy and essential, aligning with the principle of non-violence without harming the animals.

Final Thoughts

While the consumption of dairy is traditionally standard, it isn’t uncommon to find yogis today have moved away from tradition and adapted to a mostly vegan diet.

Due to the state of current day food standards and ethical sourcing, cow reverence doesn’t exist the way it once did. In order to maintain a traditional and wholesome yogic diet, a lot of conscious effort would need to be put into sourcing high quality dairy.

Either way, whether you’re a practicing yogi or vegetarian and if it's for the purpose of non-harm or ahimsa, know you’re on the path.

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