Popcorn for the soul - yoga and nutrition

Well – what are your good intentions doing? Don't worry, it's normal for the initial momentum to wear off. Don't let that discourage you. Here you will get everyday ideas for an easier and more peaceful life.

Admittedly, yogis also like to chill on the couch with popcorn. Which is undoubtedly good for the soul, otherwise it wouldn't be so fun. Don't be too hard on yourself. You need that kind of caress right now, when you're at home balancing between working, having fun with your children and teaching. Is there still room for yoga and mindfulness? Absolutely. You can do something good for yourself every day.

If you already practice yoga, give yourself time regularly - even if it's just three minutes. It's best to do it first thing in the morning, so that self-care doesn't fall behind after a long day. This can be two casual sun salutations or a few conscious breaths. They always go. And if you've never done yoga before, just give it a try. If you can breathe, you can also do yoga, say teachers like Tara Stiles.

By the way, yoga is much more than just gentle movement. It changes your body feeling and your perception. By finding yourself, you are much more likely to feel what is good for you and what is not. Many yogis find that nutrition not only affects their physical body, but also their energy body, and it also affects our emotions. Maybe you would like to change something externally and internally?

Peace food

Everything we eat is a building block for every single cell in the body. And has its own story. When we eat animals, it does not fit with an ethical principle: ahimsa, non-violence, non-harm. It's about not harming yourself or others. This starts with negative thoughts and words and leads us to how we treat other living beings. In our perception, the steak on our plate is completely disconnected from its origin: Hardly anyone sees it as the sentient, living being that was killed.

And who thinks about the fact that only we humans drink the breast milk of another species? Cows produce milk when they have just given birth. For the dairy industry, mother and child are separated immediately afterwards. Most of the calves are slaughtered and the cows are immediately impregnated again. This is cruel and far removed from the idea of ​​non-violent, yogic nutrition.

Fueled incorrectly

It's easier than ever to try out a different diet, with a whole new range of vegetarian and vegan products filling supermarket shelves. A plant-based diet not only saves animals and protects the climate, it is also good for your body. Those who eat a healthy, balanced diet have more energy and protect themselves from lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and obesity. You've probably already experienced this yourself: If we consume a lot of animal or highly processed foods, it blocks our digestion, energy and circulation. It's like putting the wrong fuel in your car.

The right fuel for the body - lots of fruit and vegetables. (Image: Pixabay)

Even though we know all this, we love grilling sausages, eating chips, chocolate cookies or ready meals. Why? In terms of evolutionary history, our desire for fatty and sweet foods is completely normal - we are trained to store as much energy as possible as quickly as possible. Our ancestors ate what nature provided, and there were always times when food was scarce. An imprint that the food industry exploits by constantly seducing us with unhealthy, readily available products. The good news: You recognize this and can change things!

Journey of discovery with superheroes

In addition to Ahimsa, an important point is mindfulness - we can transport this from the yoga mat directly to the kitchen. Become more sensitive to what your body needs. Change your perception: Don't see a healthy, mostly plant-based diet as a chore, but as a journey of discovery. And as your contribution to a more peaceful world.

When you go through the fruit and vegetable section of your supermarket, try new things - instead of your usual varieties, just buy ones that wouldn't otherwise end up in your shopping cart. Find other recipes. It's best to nourish your body every day with fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. It sounds unusual at first, but it tastes good.

Many yogis have stopped planning big things at the beginning of the year. Because they know: You can start over at any moment. Why not just now?

Every moment can be a new beginning. (Image: Pixabay)

Just get started:

• Make a conscious decision to eat meat-free or completely plant-based one day a week: replace sausage and cheese with vegan spreads. Find delicious alternatives to your favorite dishes: Enter “Spaghetti Bolognese vegan” into a search engine. You'll be surprised at how well this classic can be veganized. Works with almost all dishes!
• Do you find it difficult to eat enough fruit and vegetables? Green smoothies can help: just one glass easily covers a large portion of your daily nutrient needs.
• And a tip from yoga: Sit on your heels (Vajrasana) for a few minutes after eating, which supports your digestive organs.

katkoyo – Katrin from Düsseldorf came to yoga from Pilates. The journalist and yoga teacher loves to carefully build a bridge between body and mind in her Hatha and Yin classes. More about Katrin: here.

Trust your Greens – Daniela from Hattingen stopped eating animals at the age of 16. Today, as a plant-based nutrition coach, she helps vegans and mixed food eaters enjoy eating healthier. More about Daniela: here.