Diet & Nutrition – Vegetarianism Vs Veganism

While practicing yoga and going through this 200 hours YTT course, we learned about the 8 limbs of yoga and one of it is Ahimsa. In short, it means non-violence, which includes no killing and consuming of meat products.
While we understand the purpose and philosophy behind Ahimsa, we also need to take action to practice what we learn. That makes me look into the difference between a vegetarian and a vegan and what are the benefits for both.
Most vegetarians do not consume meat, fish, poultry, but they tend to consume dairy products and eggs. Vegan is more of a lifestyle than solely on consumption purpose. While some becomes a vegan due to nutritional concerns or food allergies as their primary reason, most adopt a vegan lifestyle for moral and political reasons. Vegans tend to be stricter compared to vegetarians. Meat, fish, poultry, diary, eggs, and all other animal-based products, like honey and milk, are entirely avoided. It also extends to medicine, clothing and anything else in which animals or animal products are used.
There is a huge influence of becoming a vegetarian or vegan in recent years through Hollywood and social media, changing the conceptions of being a vegetarian or vegan is boring. It is wonderful that much awareness has been created through celebrities, Olympians, bloggers and famous yogis. However, one should not go into it for the wrong reasons, for example, because it is trendy. It is always important to take up a hobby or habit with love, passion and compassion.
We always have to remind ourselves of our surrounding, to not cause any pain or suffering. Becoming a vegetarian or vegan is a choice. However, it should be with good reason and good cause. Being a vegetarian does not mean it is better than a vegan and vice versa. It is always a matter of which is more suitable for your body and what you believe in.
For now, I shall not waste any more time in writing and start to reflect and take action in what I believe and what is more suitable for me.
 
 
Brandy Yang
200 Hrs YTT 2015