… but the question is WHAT? As is always true, the community is divided on the subject. Some of us are vegetarian or vegan, either to practice ahimsa or to save the planet. Others of us are not; I count myself in the latter group.
I’ve had blood sugar issues all my life – in my early and middle years, my issue was hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. After hitting peri-menopause, my body shifted. I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes in 2014. Since then, I have dropped some weight and my A1C is currently normal, but that could change. It’s imperative for me to continue on a diabetes friendly diet to stay in the healthy range.
My experience has also include bouts with eating disorders. I don’t want to share the details because I don’t want to give anyone ideas; let’s just say that I’ve harmed my body, mind, and spirit in the process. For me, ahimsa requires that I watch my carbs and sugars, and that I eat ample protein. It also means trying to avoid obsessing about my imperfectly perfect diet.
While I love vegetables, my significant other isn’t nearly as interested. It’s difficult to make a vegetarian meal without using eggplant, mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, or sweet potatoes. Try it, and then try it more than once while at the same time restricting grains and maximizing protein!. Call this an excuse if you like, but in the end I want a food plan that’s sustainable for both my family and for Gaia.
I remain concerned about the environment, and I realize that plant-based eating conserves precious resources. An Eating Well article lists different protein choices and their effects on the environment, in a way that reminds me that this doesn’t need to be an all-or-nothing decision. Kosher or halal meat is butchered as humanely as possible, which provides another way to eat meat responsibly. All of these are facts I take into account when making choices.
Dear Reader, you may have had different experiences from me, and you may have arrived at different conclusions. We can discuss and even debate if we do so with ahimsa in mind; I’m always stunned at how judgmental and mean the conversation can become if we’re not careful. Let’s share recipes and experiment, with a focus on doing a bit better everyday. Are you with me?
Yoga Cielo Stellato 