Written by John Immel, Asheville, NCA common assumption is that Ayurveda is a vegetarian system. That is simply not the case. In Ayurveda, a little of anything is considered medicine and too much is considered poison. This rule stands for meat as well. In the ancient texts of Ayurveda, each animal product is defined by quality and meat is recommended as therapy for many ailments. One example is that bone marrow broth is helpful for rehabilitation after extended illness. In general, meat strongly nourishes rakta - the red part of the blood.

Of course, there are guidelines for eating meat, especially as food practices become more complicated (GMO, pesticides, hormone use, etc.). Choose quality over quantity. A meatball size portion of meat (1/4c) eaten daily with vegetables and grains is an appropriate amount that your body can process fully. Choose organic, hormone-free meat whenever possible. In spending more money on less meat, you will find greater satiation because the food will have a richer nutritional profile. Think of meat as a flavoring, rather than the main dish, and you will do fine.

When to Eat Meat

The best time of day to eat meat is lunch. Agni, the digestive fire, is strongest between 11am and 2pm. Your body can handle the heavy nature of meat most efficiently at this time of day. A simple dinner of vegetables and grains, with occasional light protein such as fish or chicken, will help you have a comfortable night's sleep, and you will wake up ready to hop out of bed in the morning.

How to Eat Meat

Meat is heavy, so spice it while cooking to aid your body in digestion. Marinate with different vinegars, cooking wine or citrus to help tenderize and 'pre-cook' meat. Sprinkle your meat with aromatic rosemary, parsley, sage, thyme, cinnamon before popping it on the grill or into the oven. Aromatic spices aid protein digestion. Digestive spices like cayenne and black peppers. That is why we like it when meat is tender and dislike a dried out steak or chicken breast.

Vegetarian Diets

Vegetarian foods often leave fewer residues than animal products after digestion and for some help increase vitality. A vegetarian lifestyle is more environmentally friendly. However, humans have consumed meat for millennia, and a small amount may be necessary for your health. Many vegetarians become 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.

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