Hello!
The comments on this profile are unclaimed and thus are unverified.
Do they belong to you? Claim these comments.
Brian
Is this you? Claim Profile »
11 months ago
in Being Vegan on misc.joy
Eating a vegan diet one needs to be particular careful as to getting enough nutrition. Our centers have been sorely lacking of the types of food, especially food combinations, that would provide adequate intake of proteins, vitamin B's, and essential minerals.
As a whole, the standard American (or Vietnamese) diet does not provide for a Vegan LIFESTYLE, therefore practicing Veganism seems to demand a not-so-standard way of looking at food, pursuing different alternatives like amaranth, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, and plenty of greens, and even vegan supplements.
It would be helpful before getting into Veganism to study a bit, and to work with a nutritionist or someone who knows a heck of a lot about what foods to eat when, and in what combinations, to get what the body needs.
This is an important part of the practice, that I don't feel the community has really considered too much. The chemistry of the brain is highly influenced by the foods we eat. Not getting the right nutrition can be directly related to our lack of concentration, our irritability, anger and other states.
Many of us have poor nutrition as it is, and bringing that into the Vege/Vegan world can jeporadize the harmony of the community. Injuries, broken bones, anxiety, being un-mindful, losing track of time, poor memory, depression...these all have something to do with poor nutrition, and unbalanced brain-chemistry. It is wonderful to consider a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle, but it is just that, a lifestyle, and needs to be considered such.
We are engaging on a most revered, and wonderful path. And we need the right tools to support us on that path. A proper diet is a vital part of our transformation and healing.
As a whole, the standard American (or Vietnamese) diet does not provide for a Vegan LIFESTYLE, therefore practicing Veganism seems to demand a not-so-standard way of looking at food, pursuing different alternatives like amaranth, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, and plenty of greens, and even vegan supplements.
It would be helpful before getting into Veganism to study a bit, and to work with a nutritionist or someone who knows a heck of a lot about what foods to eat when, and in what combinations, to get what the body needs.
This is an important part of the practice, that I don't feel the community has really considered too much. The chemistry of the brain is highly influenced by the foods we eat. Not getting the right nutrition can be directly related to our lack of concentration, our irritability, anger and other states.
Many of us have poor nutrition as it is, and bringing that into the Vege/Vegan world can jeporadize the harmony of the community. Injuries, broken bones, anxiety, being un-mindful, losing track of time, poor memory, depression...these all have something to do with poor nutrition, and unbalanced brain-chemistry. It is wonderful to consider a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle, but it is just that, a lifestyle, and needs to be considered such.
We are engaging on a most revered, and wonderful path. And we need the right tools to support us on that path. A proper diet is a vital part of our transformation and healing.
1 reply
That said, I do think that Thay's monasteries need to offer more beverage options. I was at Blue Cliff and had no idea if I was getting proper amounts of B12. I had to go to the fridge to find soy milk most of the time, instead of the meal line the cook set up. EVERYONE should visit a nutritionist, a vegan one, at some point. I went to a talk by a vegan bodybuilder on nutrition and health, and I suddenly felt very knowledgeable about nutrition. Either that or avidly self-educate yourself. It shouldn't take too much time, just a little bit of effort and knowing how to find top quality sources of info. It would be very easy for Thay to educate himself on vegan nutrition. Maybe he already has. It's been six months since I was in the monastery.