What DO you eat?

Hello kdawg

Great news that you are feeling so fab and that your knee is improving! I was wondering what your body is asking for? Have you had any cravings for certain foods? Personally I like to follow food combining principles most of the time and it is usually what my body ‘wants’. And I have found it particularly useful, practical and effective whenever I have had shape changing as a goal.

Just so we can help you more (me and other readers) are you asking for specific cookbooks that we have found useful or maybe general ideas? Knowing whether you are in fact vegetarian or enjoy eating particular styles of food may help.

Hey, I just thought I would point you to a discussion that started quite some time ago that I remember has some dietary opinions and advice from other yogis and yoginis: Regaining your figure. You may find some interesting pointers in there.

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂

Hi all!
One of my favorite post-yoga treats is Kombucha tea….my favorite is the gingerberry flavor. Tastes yummy and is good for you (although it’s a little costly-$3.00 a bottle). It’s also great to drink before class, however it makes you a little burpy-Look out in half-moon!
Also, a fabulous cookbook I suggest is ‘Vegetarian Food For Friends’ by Jane Noraika. Delicious recipes and beautiful photographs….but if I’m not in the mood for serious cooking, I’ll just stir-fry some tofu, veggies and avocado for lots of protein and flavor.
Yum!
Namaste

Note from me :cheese:
This question comes from Beverly who posted this in a blog. I thought it would fit really nicely right here in this topic. Will answer it very soon…

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂

I am very confused about diet and nutrition. I am an avid fan of Dr. Mercola and his Eat for your Nutritional Type Diet! He recommends animal fats to stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent insulin spikes. He especially recommends this for type O blood types like myself a meat eater blood type. On the other hand, I am involved in a study with Hallelujah Acres http://www.hacres.com . This is a vegetarian – raw foods type diet or nutrition plan. Both have their arguments and both make sense! I personally cannot stay full or satisfied on a vegetarian diet, maybe I am not getting enough fats with a vegetarian diet, however when I eat meat I become constipated and a little disappointed because I am a Yogi! Do you consume dairy or any animal products and what is your reasons for being a vegetarian?

Namaste and than you for your time! I love HOT YOGA! Beverly

kdawg,

Along with Bikram yoga and cycling, nutrition is one of my top hobbies! I recommend nuts and seeds as a protein source and easy snack. Almonds, soy nuts, pumpkin seeds, brazil nuts, cashews and sunflower seeds make great snacks. I often combine nuts and seeds with a small amount of cheese, I’ve found that the fats and proteins in each balance each other well and fill you up.

I’m also lactose intolerant but I have found that aged cheeses (such as cheddar — real cheddar, not the pasteurized fake orange stuff) and other forms of cultured dairy such as yogurt, greek-style yogurt, cottage cheese and ricotta, are easy to digest because the good living bacteria has done most of the work for you. (As with everything, do not continue to eat these dairy products if you experience ill-effects.)

The combination of rice and beans is a complete protein and one of the very best vegetarian sources of protein. I suggest eating rice and beans very regularly.

If you are an ovo-veg, hard-boil a half-dozen eggs and snack on those or chop them up and add to your salad.

Your Trader Joes should have quinoa in the bulk foods section. This is a South American grain packed chock full of proteins. Quinoa is fabulous when cooked with vegetable stock and diced carrot. Use leftover quinoa to make a cold quinoa salad of chopped veg, parsley and marinated, pan-fried tofu (chilled and chopped or crumbled). If you have tofu questions I have many answers! I think the most important thing is to get the best, locally made tofu available. Look for firmness and “sharp”, clean edges. Make sure to press your tofu before marinating. Wrap the tofu block in a towel (cloth or paper) and place on a plate. Put another plate on top and place something heavy on the top of that plate, a brick or a dictionary or a cast-iron pan all work well. Let this press for about ten minutes. Then marinate your tofu (I like a bit of tamari, sesame oil, a few drops of your cooking oil or choice, and grated fresh ginger) for as long as you like. Cut your tofu into jenga block sized pieces and pan-fry in a HOT pan with a tablespoon or two (depending on pan size, enough to coat the bottom of the pan) of your cooking oil of choice. Add to stirfry, rice, salad, etc etc.

On a personal note, I am a former vegetarian. I found that I lost far too many pounds on a vegetarian diet. Even with the nutritional information I learned, I found that I could not get myself to a good weight. After medical testing, I learned that my body diverts and passes protein at higher-than-average levels (a simple condition called protenuria). My vegetarian diet could not replace the amount of protein I lost throughout the day. I do not now eat meat with every meal or every day, but by incorporating meat back into my diet in a healthful and thoughtful way I was able to build muscle and gain weight. The point it, every body is chemically different and reacts with the world in varying ways. The best thing to do is research, ask questions of others, and listen closely to your body which you seem to be doing quite well.

As always, don’t forget to breathe!
K