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NonVeg-Meats, Vegans & Vegetarians Written by John Joseph Immel, Asheville, NC

Generally, meat includes red meat, poultry and fish. Meat is considered to be a highly potent medicine in Ayurveda and is thus found throughout the ancient texts. Red meat aids the debilitated, those who have overexerted themselves, and is especially useful for athletes. Since meat putrifies quickly in the digestive tract, small quantities (1/4c or less) are sufficient. In modern times, one has to pay careful attention to poor quality of most meats due to feed lots, antibiotics, and lack of exercise of livestock living in cramped conditions.

Meat products are generally sweet, heavy and oily. Fish is the lightest meat followed by poultry. Red meat is the heaviest and thus the most tamasic. Red meat also heats the mind and warms the body, and thus rajasic. Meat builds speed and bulk instead of endurance. Meat quickly builds ojas. Since ojas aids in the production of semen, celibate men may find meat quite uncomfortable, and keeping their vows more challenging! Beef and pork create a domineering personality.

Vegetarian Diets

Vegetarian foods often leave fewer residues after digestion and for some help increase vitality. A vegetarian lifestyle is more environmentally friendly, and can help a person advance on their spiritual journey. But vegetarians have to be careful. Many vegetarians becomes anemic and protein deficient. Adopting a vegetarian lifestyle needs to be a good fit for the individual. In general, Vata types have the hardest time staying healthy with a vegetarian diet. However there are exceptions! Kapha people, on the other hand, often need less meat than they think.

Some recommendations for vegetarian based proteins sources include sunflower seeds, hemp seed, quinoa, mung beans, and tofu. Beans are an excellent source of protein in general but may provoke Vata. Cheese is a great protein source but is more difficult to digest and kapha provoking.

Transitioning to a Vegetarian Lifestyle

Suddenly adopting a vegetarian diet can cause irrepairable damage to intestines. The transition to a vegetarian diet can take years, even generations. Start slow to keep your metabolism stable and cravings at a minimum. For example, trying cutting out red meat gradually (over a year). See how you feel. Try reducing the quantity and frequency of other meats slowly, instead of cutting them out 'cold turkey!' For example having a piece of chicken once a week and then once a month might be a more stable way to transition.

Vegan Diets

Vegans are vegetarians who don't eat dairy products or eggs. This diet is especially challenging to Vata individuals, and often healing for Kaphas.