Food – such a controversial topic. Eating ‘healthily’ has never been so confusing; from detoxes to meal plans to ‘where do you get your protein’ conversations, I think it’s time we addressed that most of us feel confused about how to feed ourselves.

Sure, I’ve met more than one yogi that went on a juice cleanse once a month to ‘reset’ or cut out caffeine for 38 and a half days to balance their hormones. I’ve also met plenty of vegan and vegetarian yogis who gave up animal products to honour ahimsa, or non-harming, one of the principles of yoga. And that’s cool – you do you. But for many yogis (and a yogi is just someone who does yoga, not a special category of vegans who float in meditation), it isn’t necessarily realistic to go on some crazy restrictive diet of steamed vegetables with a side of broccoli. Just like it isn’t realistic to practice 90 minutes a day, 6 times a week, for all of us.

And also – what’s the fun in giving up all the cheese and bacon in the world, ever, if it brings joy to your life?

Yoga literally means union. Union of the body and soul, and even to the divine if that’s your thing. Or union to the earth, to the universe, to each other. A harmonious body and soul, and living in a way that aligns with your core values, is the foundation of happiness. Not following what ancient Hindu master XYZ had to say about it, necessarily. Especially in our crazy busy modern world.

Eating the yoga way is finding peace and balance in what you’re feeding your body, without judgement. You might find that as your practice progresses, you develop a desire to change how you’re eating, as you gain awareness of your body and how it moves. Or maybe you find that actually, bacon is cool. It doesn’t matter – what matters is how you feel, and just like yoga postures, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all, and there are many modifications.

Many of us live in disharmony with our personal needs, in the hope of finding our ‘thing’. And of course, going vegan can have an immensely positive impact – on the ecosystem, on your wallet, on your health and your energy levels. But if you’re not feeling good, and fail to listen to your body (it always knows best!), that isn’t harmonising in the slightest.

So if you’re ready to make some changes, just take it slow and explore your options. And pick you battles, one at a time; is it buying more organic, consuming less plastic, buying local or reducing your meat intake that matters to you most? What’s the most realistic for you right now? What makes you feel excited?

In conclusion – don’t sweat the small stuff. How can your diet best support your yoga practice and your everyday activities? It’s only food, and there are many ways to feel great. Stay curious and drop the judgement – it’s not because Instagram is full of plant-based zero-wasters that your efforts are insignificant. They really do matter!

If you’re into food (well, who isn’t), and maybe even into making your very own ridiculously good meals, check out the recipes, insights, sourdough-overload over on my Instagram. And go to Crakr for your new favourite sourdough snack. And don’t worry – I’m all about that crispy bacon, too.

Elise Evers - Guest Blogger

POSTED: 14/11/2019

Elise is a foodie, sourdough enthusiast, and coffee fan. She's the chief of all things bread over at Crackr (https://www.crackr.co.uk/) and her online workshops are the dog's proverbials.

Ready to get your yoga on? Sign-Up