How to Live a Vegetarian Yogic Lifestyle

Adopting a lifestyle that incorporates yoga and a vegetarian diet can have many rewarding benefits. Although meat has served as a staple in the diet of many Americans for years, obtaining protein can be done in other ways. With the right knowledge, it is possible to learn how to get adequate protein from simple foods such as beans and legumes. Yoga has many health benefits including stress management and managing even chronic health conditions, according to Mayo Clinic.

Instructions

• 1

  Research various types of yoga and find one that complements your needs and lifestyle. There are many types of yoga, and certain types may be more suited for different individuals. For example, Vinyasa yoga uses deep breathing and intense stretching. Someone who wants to raise her energy level would benefit from Vinyasa yoga. On the other hand, for someone who wants to get in touch with herself or may be feeling lost and confused, Siddha yoga might be the perfect match.

• 2

  Eat a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes and fruits. These can also be known in the yogi lifestyle as "sattvic foods," or simple, yet wholesome foods. Cutting out all meat is necessary if you wish to be a vegetarian. Incorporating dark, leafy greens will provide antioxidants and iron. Protein can be obtained from beans, legumes, nuts, milk and cheese. Learn how to make various vegetarian dishes. You might also wish to include teas such as green or detox teas to contribute to your vegetarian diet.

• 3

  Sign up for yoga classes. In some cities, individuals may be able to find yoga classes free of charge or for a very small fee. You do not have to pay high fees in order to learn how to do yoga. You can also purchase a yoga DVD and learn from the comfort of your own home. A yoga instructor can teach you many things about yoga. Going to at least a few classes would be beneficial.

• 4

  Practice yoga daily. According to the website Anahata Balance, this is absolutely essential. A sadhana, or spiritual practice, is necessary each day to make progress spiritually. In addition to doing yoga, practice meditation on a daily basis. This is done at the end of some yoga sessions. Pranayama, or deep breathing exercises, are also an important role in the yogic lifestyle.

• 5

  Adopt a daily cleansing ritual. This should be done before practicing yoga each morning. This is believed to purify and cleanse the body before practicing yoga, which will result in greater benefits. It includes such things as going to the bathroom, cleaning the mouth and tongue, and cleaning the nasal passage. You can clean your nasal passage by using a neti pot. Fill the neti pot with lukewarm water and an organic sea salt. To use, lean your head over a sink and gently pour water in one nostril. Let the water drain out of the other nostril. Do not breathe in while doing this. Massage your body in almond oil. Lastly, take a cold shower. A cold shower is part of the yogi lifestyle because yogis believe that cold water helps blood that has been dormant reach the surface of the skin and open up small capillaries, according to Anahata Balance.