Ayurvedic Wisdom for Plant-Based Vegan Wellness

Introduction

As November 1st, Vegan Day approaches, let us talk about Veganism — a conscious choice to exclude all animal products from our lives, which has surged in popularity, especially within the health and wellness community. When you choose veganism, it is a complete lifestyle change that’s all about making choices that are good for your health, kind to animals, and friendly to the environment. Veganism means saying no to animal products in your food and in everything else you use, from the shoes on your feet to the shampoo in your shower. In this blog, we’re exploring the wisdom of Ayurveda to help you thrive on a plant-based vegan journey. Whether you’re motivated by health, ethics, or the environment, we’ve got tips and insights to make your Vegan Day, on November 1st, even more meaningful. So, let’s get started on your path to plant-powered wellness!

Ayurveda and Veganism: Achieving Balanced Health For Your Wellness

Ayurveda and Veganism both have their roots in the past. Implementing the Ayurvedic principles in your vegan lifestyle is like receiving a double dose of health protection. It helps to boost your immunity level and makes you resistant to life-threatening diseases. According to Ayurveda, food is medicine, and every human should listen to their body’s needs. Your dosha has a strong influence on your everyday health. Therefore, viewing your dosha mind-body type is recommended before choosing the proper Vegan diet for your wellness. Julie Bernier, an Ayurvedic practitioner, mentions in one of her interviews – that ” a real Ayurvedic diet takes into account an individual’s constitution, the current state of health, digestive capacity, habits and customs, and the season. As with most things in Ayurveda, it depends on the person!” When this principle of Ayurveda integrates with Veganism, it brings a harmonious balance of body and mind. Chef Darshana Tacker( an Ayurvedic chef) is an example of someone who has embraced this Ayurvedic wisdom into Veganism. She talked to the “Times of India” about how the combination of vegan and Ayurveda works for her.

Ayurvedic Vegan Recipe for World Vegan Day 2023

To make this Vegan Day extra special for vegans, we’ve rounded up some of the best plant-based Ayurveda dishes that will fuel your vegan soul and satisfy your Ayurvedic spirit. Must try vegan Ayurveda recipes –

1. Vegan Khichadi

List of Ingredients

1 Cup of yellow mung beans soaked
1 and 1/2 cup basmati rice
6 cup Water
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 Bay leaf and cinnamon stick
2 teaspoons turmeric
1and1/2 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
Freshly cracked pepper as per taste
Pinch of Himalayan sea salt
Lemon or lime juice
Fresh Cilantro

Process Rinse the rice and beans and wash them properly. Add some oil to a medium-sized pot and heat it on medium heat. Add the bay leaf and cinnamon stick to the pot, then the cumin, spices and salt to taste. Stir around for 30 seconds. Add the rice and beans to the pot and mix it up until it’s covered with spices. Bring the pot to a boil and let it cook for 30 minutes. Be sure to stir in between breaths to avoid sticking. After 30 minutes, take a look and see if it’s cooked and soft enough to eat. If it’s done, take it out of the heat and garnish it with some cilantro and lime juice. Enjoy it!

2. Mung Dal Soup

(Source- The Ayurvedic Institute) List of Ingredients –

1 cup yellow moong dal
6 cups water
4 tbsp safflower oil
1 tsp black mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
Pinch of hing ( asafetida)
2 large cloves of garlic chopped
Fresh cilantro leaves chopped
5 Curry leaves
1 and ½ tsp turmeric
1 tsp masala powder
¾ salt or as per taste

Process- Take the mung daal, wash it off twice, and put it in a soup pot with 3 cups of water. Bring it to a boil on a medium flame and cook for about 25 minutes, stirring it now and then to keep it from sticking. Then add more water and cook for another 20 minutes. Take the soup out of the pot and beat it with your eggbeater until it’s smooth. Heat the oil in a saucepan until it’s nice and hot. Add the mustard, cumin, and hing seeds and stir until they pop. Add the garlic and let it cook until it’s light brown. Add the curry leaves, cilantro, masala, and turmeric and mix it all. Finally, add a pinch of salt and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Serve it hot.

3. Vegan Rose Smoothie

(Source- One Green Planet) List of Ingredients-

1 cup soaked pumpkin seeds
2-3 tbsp rose jam(recipe below)
Saffrons strand
Cardamom powder
1-2 drop vanilla essence( optional)
Water as required

Process- Blend the pumpkin seeds in a blender with a small amount of water, then add the remaining components and blend again until a smooth, creamy texture is achieved. Your smoothie is now ready to be served! Rose jam recipe- Fill a stock pot with 1 cup of rose petals and add 4 to 5 drops of sweetener according to your taste. Heat it on low for around 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure to keep adding water so the rose petals don’t burn. After 15 to 20 minutes, turn down the heat and your jam should be ready.

Include some Ayurvedic spices and herbs, such as turmeric and ginger. It will improve digestion and add flavor to your vegan diet. If you’re new to the vegan lifestyle, slowly and gradually increase your intake. The individual’s personality (Prakriti), negative personality traits (Vikriti), dosha, and body type should all be considered when planning a vegan diet. Consume these sun-ripened vegan foods because, according to Ayurveda, they contain the most prana (life force), giving you the most energy and nourishment.

When Ayurveda meets Veganism!

The key to a successful Ayurvedic plant-based diet is to create eating habits that are in line with your dosha. Focus on eating warm, ground foods, such as root vegetables and cooked grains, if you have a vata constitution. If you have a pitta constitution, focus on consuming calming and cooling foods, such as leafy greens and yogurt.

Include a range of unprocessed, whole-plant foods, such as nuts, seeds, legumes, grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Include more protein and healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh, and lentils.
Avoid processed foods, sugary beverages, and too much caffeine.
Consume food mindfully.

Conclusion

If you are already a plant-based vegan or considering making the transition, seize the opportunity of Vegan Day to blend the wisdom of Ayurveda with your chosen lifestyle. By harmonizing these two philosophies, you can lead a more balanced, compassionate, and self-aware life. Remember to listen to your body, honor your choices, and stay connected to the wisdom that resonates with you. So, as you savor your next vegan meal and practice mindfulness, appreciate the harmony found in these traditions. Make the most of this day by combining the best of both worlds for a happier, healthier you.

FAQ

What is an Ayurvedic diet?

An Ayurvedic diet is an ancient holistic approach to wellness. This diet follows the Ayurvedic eating principles to maintain a perfect mind, body, and soul balance. Ayurveda states that this diet aids in maintaining the balance of the doshas, which affects general health and well-being.

Does the Ayurvedic diet work?

A lifestyle change has been observed in those who have adopted an Ayurvedic diet to optimize their health. According to studies, an Ayurvedic diet strengthens the immune system, contributing to a person’s increased overall well-being.

Is the Ayurvedic diet healthy?

The goal of an Ayurvedic diet is to promote wellness and good health. Therefore, it is entirely healthy and advantageous.

Is the Ayurvedic diet vegetarian?

The Ayurvedic diet is mostly vegetarian, but it differs according to the diet requirement of a person and their dosha. For instance, it may be advised to consume a small amount of meat in the diet of someone with Vata dosha.

Is the Ayurvedic diet vegan?

Vegans can follow an Ayurvedic diet, but it’s not entirely plant-based. It varies depending on a person’s dosha and preferred mode of consumption.