What We Eat As Yoga Teachers & Practitioners | David & Jelena Yoga

In this video we talk briefly about what we eat, as this is a topic we get asked about a lot. If you have any questions, please feel free to let us know in the comments section below. :)
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[@alextaws6657]

i just have to say, i so much love and appreciate your acceptance, tolerance and positive understanding towards people! this is for me the embodiment of the ahimsa, not only living vegetarian/vegan lifestyles. being truly accepting and respectful to other (human) beings, not only in this video but in all of your videos.

[@RanaYogaVibes]

great video 🙏 similar stories, I grew up in Turkey and meat is a part of eating culture which was always hard for me to swallow and digest. Like Jelena, I used to hide the boiled eggs and poured milk mixed honey into flower pots. And after a while my mother discovered this little secret of me when suddenly all the plants started to fade. I m a vegetarian over 30 years and I m feeling very healthy, practicing ashtanga yoga for 5-6 times a week.

[@yogaalina972]

In respect to your diet and also those people who are not able to become vegans because of their health. Ahimsa relates also with none harming yourself. Everything in the world is changing, rules and regulations too, the most important is to keep the sacred knowledge of unity and that we all are specks of divine. ❤️🙏 Guru is within all of us. No teacher can tell what to eat. Each and everyone should listen to their body. Let love infiltrate all of our cells. ❤️🙏

[@jenniferpittard78]

Just discovered your channel. I've been a vegetarian 27 years and a vegan for 11. Good for the animals, you and the planet 😊. Thanks for sharing.

[@laurakali6522]

Haven’t eaten meat since the mid 80’s. Never missed it. I gave up dairy years ago as well. If I’m out and someone puts cheese on pizza, I will eat it. I try not to make things too difficult. I’m 60 and am at a very healthy weight, on no life style medications, have no chronic illness, can deadlift 250 pounds (at 115lbs) and still practice 1st and 2nd. I’m always surprised at the questions about protein sources even from my educated friends. I’ve pretty much given up on explaining. But I now invite them to the gym or yoga class to demonstrate I’m fine without animal protein, they always decline.

[@pandoreldr4232]

Do you eat fish?

[@RAHHicecream]

I was vegetarian for 1 year and it was fine. Thanks to this video I’m considering going back!

[@TangoMasterclassCom]

Great to hear! Greetings from vegan tango couple here! Plant based diet with lots of whole foods + B12 supplement of course!

[@Americasorola]

Thank you for this, I have a similar experience to Jelena’s experience. I am Mexican and as a child was never so fond of red meat, I used to tell my mom, it tastes like animal., now I am on my way to veganismo and I am so happy, and it does help and supports my ASHTANGA practice for sure

[@cccherry05]

Hey David and Jelena, thank you for this video. Have been an overweight ashtangi for a year, not that I feel that matters because through this time I have been able to survive Half Primary Series with modifications. This video has motivated me to commit to veganism and change my perspective to how I must eat like an athlete and feeling light instead of must be skinny and look like an ashtangi.

[@rohanthakrar7599]

Thank you for the video 😀. I am curious to learn more about how your ashtanga practice started and how you became more committed over time!

[@phuong2776]

the last sentence of the video is so helpful because there are some foods i like to eat and then the next day i have to confront with my choices 😅 Thank you for sharing! You both are great teachers 💓💓

[@liberator2057]

I tried veganism for about a year but it didn't suit my body, I got ill more often, felt tired more and my metabolism was shot. So like you say, the resentment grew. Now, I found a compromise of no dairy, and meat a few times a week only. This suits me and my body more, so I echo the sentiment of "try it", if vegan works for you that's great. But if it doesn't, don't hate yourself. Besides our lives can be quite long! I'm in my 30s and hope that I can try again being vegan later in life and see if it works as my body ages and circumstances change... nothing set in stone 🙏

[@auktjebuddenberg1568]

You are so right Jelena, for me it comes also from a place of joy and love for all living beings. Thank you for this video. I am also around 8 years vegan, and before that vegetarian , and practise yoga 7 days a week, when i can,

[@madeofoceans2246]

Now I like you even more 🎉 With so much suffering around, we don’t need to consume some being’s suffering as well, especially with so many alternatives available nowadays. It does make an enormous change on the practice and the sensitivity of the body. This is a place of love and compassion. ❤

[@nevenanikolich7979]

Exactly, it is very liberating but it has to come from the right place. I also grew up in the Balkans and when I became vegetarian long time ago, access to non-meat sources of protein was limited. It took years to learn how to eat healthy and properly and I became vegan about 8 years ago. I believed in ahimsa before I was even introduced to yoga. Have been healthy and happy vegan since and have more energy then ever. Even got my 200 ytt and suspension yoga teacher certificates at 50. But there are still many postures I find challenging on the mat and your videos are really helping me with those. Thank you and hope to visit your studio when I’m in TO.

[@RichaChauhandreams]

Love you guys more after this ❤, I m slowly moving from vegetarian to vegan diet and this gave a lot of motivation 🙏

[@SkyeClaussen]

beautifully said 💙

[@angelastevenson4923]

Conny is adorable, and such a happy pup ❤️❤️ Love your videos: they are excellent, thorough and honest - thank you!

[@thh982]

You guys seem so grounded!

[@pierpaolodegobbi4984]

I love you guys 🙏🏼🖤 I really like this video, I am a returning ashtangi and a long time vegan (30 years). Your videos are a great help to find the way once again 😉 And I am freak vegan: apparently my iron level is too high 🤷🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@RAHHicecream]

Can you make a video on restorative yoga? On those days when I feel ashtanga will be too much, I want to know what you recommend to practice.

[@lucisue53]

Thanks for sharing your approach to diet and how it reflects your ethical commitment to yoga. I am not yet fully vegetarian, although perhaps 3/4 of my intake is vegetarian or vegan. Last year I stopped any alcohol for about 10 days to see how my body might react. Though I never drank very much (or very often) it made a huge difference even in that short time span - better sleep, better skin, more resilience on the yoga mat, and more. I gave it up for good and the benefits continue to build. Of course, I'll happily enjoy a glass of bubbly for a special occasion, but I prefer how nondrinking feels! I'll turn 70 this year, so maybe the benefits are more noticeable due to my age.

[@tyharness2527]

i like tofu but not those fake meat products. I love veganism (3 years) and dont miss meat, but i dont get many invites for christmas dinner any more. You guys look good on it.

[@YogaWithDenaMarie]

This video really spoke to me! I became vegetarian last April and just transitioned to vegan in January before I started YTT. I related with everything you both said! I appreciate the non judgement you both offered and the honesty about this lifestyle being a privilege. Also, thank you for saying you eat sugar! I do indulge in moderation and sometimes I feel guilty. Thank you again for everything you both do! If you’re open to it, could you make a video on the koshas?

[@NishantRastogi]

Yes please, make video on koshas

[@sreenivasamurthy4163]

This video reminded me of times when I tried to actively reduce daily carbohydrate and sweet intake. I have been a vegetarian all along, with rice as the staple. It wasn’t easy. So I can understand how difficult it might be for non-vegetarians to make the switch to vegetarian or vegan diet. It might be a good idea to take it in stages. For example, start with resolving to stick to vegetarian or vegan diet during one of the main meals of the day. After successfully sticking to that resolve, for a reasonable period of time, extend that resolve to two of the main meals. And then the third also. Then try to stick to diet of your choice one or two days entirely in a week, and then slowly increase durations. Controlling the mind is key challenge the when trying to make such life-style changes.

[@kristendawson273]

Thank you for going into the deeper motivation Jelena. It's inspiring to be given an emotional path. 🙏💗

[@katemilin]

Your videos are perfect! Keep going!

[@sanyuktadutta5604]

Thank you so much for your valuable inputs. Helps so much. Could you please let us know if there’s anything particular in protein for veg that helps with the practice? Thanks a lot

[@michellemaunder2622]

Thank you 🙏 your integrity is inspiring ❤

[@markb9064]

Thank you for this. A vegan diet is the only sustainable solution if we still want to have a livable surface to our beautiful planet. I do love the way you introduced Ahimsa so gently as reducing harm. I know you know it far deeper than that 😂😂😂❤

[@user-tm8eu5tu4i]

Thank you for sharing! I found this video very informative and helpful

[@meesh9141]

❤ thank you

[@vanessawilliams8305]

I love your channel. 100% correct on cooking with cast iron.

[@sarahjanespa]

Awesome teachers. Could you do an ashtanga primary, etc.. with minimal voice over cues? Yet at a slower pace than full class tempo. Thank you and Namaste.

[@dorakoutoukis]

Thank you so much for your invaluable advice!!!

[@niloufarkhalili]

Hiiii❤❤❤I loveee the ashtanga practice those that I can do practice like 30 minutes with if we can have some more of those videos I would be do more than once in a week

[@sucharitaray4169]

Please tell us about your journeys and how to start yoga for people in their 40s

[@AlessandraManzi-ht4co]

Fantastic video!. Could please make a video on How ti avoid lower back pain when practising ashtanga yoga?. Thank you very much

[@anabelgarzon3]

I love your videos. Can’t wait to see you in Buenos Aires 🤗

[@alicefava6259]

Excellent! Miss you guys!

[@BklynQueeninLA]

Thank you for sharing your dietary practices and reasons for it without being judgmental. I find a lot of that within the vegan community and it’s very off putting and certainly will not encourage me to attempt veganism again. Again, great video. Thanks.

[@martine5716]

I love you guys. I hope you find the funny side of this but I had to giggle at the title page. It says, "what we eat" and there's your dear little pup lying in front of you😳😂❤️

[@shubhadakadav5155]

You both are amazing 🙏🙏

[@jack1796]

I always eat Fried Chicken and Vegan Waffles before I go to Mysore practice. So I have energy and balanced ;) Although I may skip marichyasana d

[@RAHHicecream]

I’ve been wondering about diets, thanks for making this video!

[@Silvainer]

Hi! I loved the simplicity of the message. I couldn't understand what David said works for him with the Iron. Could someone let me know please?

[@lynne5957]

Great to hear your thoughts on vegetarianism and veganism. I’ve been a vegan for about 3 years but travel to Spain quite a lot where I struggle to find vegan food when going out. Do you ‘allow’ yourself vegetarian food if you can’t get vegan food? Thanks 🙏

[@mdevries4400]

Love this video, thanks!

[@aprilblake8810]

Hello, a friend of mine just shared your channel with me. Thank you so much, I’m really looking forward to diving into everything on this page. I’m really so excited. I wish I was in Toronto Canada! I have a question… I’ve been practicing yoga for about 20 years off and on, I’m 58 years old And I have had two spinal surgeries one in 2016 one and 2017 lower lumbar fusion. And I’m sure that my hips hurt and I have aches and pains due to arthritis etc. But, I feel amazing as far as I know I’m super healthy, athletic and energetic. My question is, my practice seems to be quite a bit different and stiff since my surgeries and I’m wondering if the poses that I’m used to doing still safe. Excuse me, but I don’t know the names for all of them, but for instance, when I am in forward fold and I’m rising up with my arms and hands in front of me without my legs being bent my lefthip flexor twinges. Nuances like that. I’d love doing inversions. Although I cannot do backbends anymore, I don’t believe. Could you do a video or an instruction on this? I’ve signed up for yoga certification training in a few months and I’m excited about that. Thank you :-)

[@teardrop720]

Thanks, David and Jelena, really helpful! Could you do a video about yoga and knee arthritis? I think I am beginning to have arthritis but I keep doing my practice. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn't. I have also tried to change my diet and that has helped ... but curious to see if you have come across it

[@dariagradusova9390]

Oh thanks re iron! I find it difficult to retain iron. Never heard about the iron pan!

[@marieolsson5706]

Could you do a video of what you eat in a day? 🙏

[@dlehmann8353]

Thank you

[@mikitsujimura3065]

Khani is so cute❤

[@kristendawson273]

What are a couple examples of typical meals?

[@wenyizhang340]

one question,once u have pets,its necessary to feed them completely non-veg like meat/eggs/diary,how do u balance the feeling of managing your own diet and pet's diet,as still u need to purchase non-veg and prepare it.

[@sonasrankova1186]

Hello, greetings from Slovakia. I want to ask you if you eat bread and bakery products. You are an inspiration to me. Well thank you 🙏♥♥

[@geraldsyta6890]

I always wonder what were your body states or conditions before u both discovered ashtanga..... And what are your struggles in which u both struggled in opening up?

[@dlehmann8353]

Can you speak to when and what you eat before and after practice...

[@LearnEFTwithLucia]

Have sweets but cut the sugar out. Worst thing amongst alcohol and all meat industry things is a sugar addictions. Can easily be substituted with birch tree sugar or stevia or substitute sugar with sweet things like banana or dates etc

[@carmenb4802]

Thank you for the video!! by the way I am vegetarian🙃🙂 and I am new in the channel. My question is how I can start doing yoga again? I did yoga in the past and now I am a little lost...

[@verni444]

Thank You for being open and brave to tackle this very sensitive issue and you did it openly and informed 🫂🫶🏾🪴

[@infiniteawareness69]

I love jells Apple made yoga outfit lol

[@hannahagg9672]

can you tell me about the yogaweek?! which day does the week start and which day is rest day? or can i find it in an old video?!

[@ShnookiBooCuddles]

Jelena: No, David 🤣😭🤣💕

[@cleberdc2293]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@cleberdc2293]

Ahimsa

[@collycampbell510]

I'm with Connie lol 😅

[@le_hardi6984]

I was a lacto-vegetarian for my first ten years of yoga. After a heart attack by thrombosis, the doctors forbade me dairy products and pastries and pushed me to eat fishes again for their fats. What I have done...

[@Christina_the_Astonishing]

"I eat tofu, and that's why I have such large breasts!" 🤣

[@isabelleindaburu3780]

Hello, est ce que vous utilisez des recettes ayurvediques ou pas du tout ?

[@20a3c5f9]

David, what's up with the voice? Is it tofu?

[@talennafedrian]

Hi KANIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

[@KaterynaM410]

Where are you in Canada, guys?

[@DavidandJelenaYoga]

Toronto!

[@rebekahb5275]

Any tips for how to have a well rounded vegan diet ? I have been vegetarian for some years but I eat candy and chocolate and other stuff like that 😵‍💫

[@julietabernstein483]

❤❤❤

[@jadex38]

Thank God you 're Vegan💚 How anyone can claim to be a yoga teacher while consuming the dead bodies of tortured animals is bonkers... ! The 1st Yama: Ahimsa teaches us non-harm/non-violence so if you consume animals and animal products, you are not respecting the yoga sutras... of course, many people throw the term yoga teacher around quite lightly and use it to define a gym fitness instructor and not someone seeking enlightenment... Thank you for also pointing out the HUGE problem with being vegetarian- The Dairy industry is actually worse as the animals endure a life of misery abuse and suffering for that much longer... anyone curious to learn more should take a look at this short but insightful documentary on the dairy industry: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHmwlKGap5l7orc&ab_channel=Viva%21Charity

[@Jess_Moonflower]

There are ethical and sustainable ways to raise animals. But majority of meat/dairy industry especially in the US, yes, is horrid. Also, food for thought, all food is created with dead animals. Many farms growing vegetables use inputs like fish emulsion, chicken bones, etc. so thinking of ahimsa in this way is kind of useless in my opinion. Your vegetables are made with nutrients from dead animals.

[@kiwikim5163]

I only eat meat. Plants were inflaming all my autoimmune diseases to the point that I ended up in a mobility chair. Sooo, sometime one has to think outside the box.

[@Glorytogod18]

For me its no wheat, no sugar, no alcohol, no caffeine... !!!

[@blackfeatherinthewind]

thank you so much for aligning your values, morals, and practice by being VEGAN. I used to tell people to be vegetarian first to make it easier for them. I no longer align with that. You are either an animal abuser or not. When we consume give money to the dairy industry we are part of the murder and violent karma. today thx to the internet there’s no more excuse to take baby steps. we need to each hold ourselves accountable for our own morals and actions. pls look at youtube videos on truth behind the dairy industry. thank you again 🙏

[@jojoblonde]

Am I the only person who thought - oh no not the dog?!

[@MushySquishyy]

Before I watch this video I'll take a solid guess at what these two eat as Yoa Teachers, my answer is... Yogert?

[@jitendrapurohit4227]

Thats is great you both choose to be vegan even with touring all over the world.

[@xhessieify]

Message the ex-vegans around you when your teeth start falling out and our skin looks aged in a couple years. Veganism is a great journey until the body runs out of its stored animal fat stores and you learn that calcium from kale, is not bioavailable, like calcium from dairy.

[@xhessieify]

Maybe adrenochrome? I heard it keeps elite transgenders awfully healthy looking.

[@aeranharris1425]

Love your yoga teaching. Pls stop promoting vegan activism.

[@wakeupYogui]

Vegan Yoga Conscience all this walking always together!!!

[@wakeupYogui]

if you eat suffering what the heck of a spiritual person are you?? yoga is consciousness, so you couldn't eat dead!!!