What DO you eat?

[kdawg]

#1139

Hi- I’ve been doing Bikram for a little over 6 months now and I am so happy with it. I started going because of a knee injury. I was an avid runner and lifted weights before, but now I can’t imagine going back to that workout regime. I’ve lost inches (not sure about actual weight), which has helped my knee tremendously. As well, I’ve gained a lot of strength in my legs and around my knees.

Bikram has definitely changed the way I eat, and what I eat to an extent. However, I am finding that I am bored with my same old food choices and am looking for some suggestions. I know that I could probably lose about 15 more lbs (or some more inches, particularly around my stomach), and would like some suggestions to a healthy choices for dinner. As others have mentioned on this forum, my appetite has changed because of Bikram, but I find that if I don’t eat properly, I am very tired during class. If anyone can point me in the right direction, or offer suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it!!

Namaste!

[Sabina]

#3320

Hey Kdawg

I wanted to feel healthier and lighter so I decided to incorporate more vegetarian meals in to my routine. I noticed that it really made a difference as I didn’t feel as nausious during bikram’s yoga. I suggest you try to eat as many fresh foods as posible. Also creamy vegetable soups that you make yourself are also quite filling and easy to digest.

[Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)]

#3321

Hello kdawg

Great news that you are feeling so fab and that your knee is improving! I was wondering what your body is asking for? Have you had any cravings for certain foods? Personally I like to follow food combining principles most of the time and it is usually what my body ‘wants’. And I have found it particularly useful, practical and effective whenever I have had shape changing as a goal.

Just so we can help you more (me and other readers) are you asking for specific cookbooks that we have found useful or maybe general ideas? Knowing whether you are in fact vegetarian or enjoy eating particular styles of food may help.

Hey, I just thought I would point you to a discussion that started quite some time ago that I remember has some dietary opinions and advice from other yogis and yoginis: Regaining your figure. You may find some interesting pointers in there.

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂

[kdawg]

#3322

Hi and Thanks for your posts! I read over the forum that Gabrielle suggested and saw a lot of interesting things. Here’s what I am currently doing and looking for in eating:

I live alone, so I’m only cooking for myself – which usually translates into heating a frozen dish from Trader Joes or making some sort of stir fry. Or, if I do an afternoon Bikram class, I snack on some carrots and perhaps some cheese and crackers later in the evening because I don’t feel like a huge meal. I will make a big salad for lunch or dinner as well with some goat cheese, sliced almonds, and a bit of fat free raspberry dressing (my favorite salad). But, I’m a bit tired of these mere three selections. I recently bought a little grill so that I can mix things up a bit (grilled veggies, boca burger, grilled quesadilla), but I wish I had more ideas for foods that will be more nutritional but also delicious.

I read about some of the raw food diets and the cleanses, but that doesn’t seem right for me. I like salads and veggies, but all raw foods i’m not sure about. Perhaps I’m just not exactly sure what those entail.

So, maybe I’m in need of a suggested cook book or something along those lines. As I said earlier, I go to Bikram about 6 days a week, so I also need some protein/substance to help me get through it. I have changed my shape, but I know I have a way to go and I feel my body has plateaued and acclimated to my Bikram. I think now I need to really change my eating habits for life – not just for a quick fix diet.

Thanks again for any other suggestions!

Namaste!

[shakti]

#3331

Hi all!
One of my favorite post-yoga treats is Kombucha tea….my favorite is the gingerberry flavor. Tastes yummy and is good for you (although it’s a little costly-$3.00 a bottle). It’s also great to drink before class, however it makes you a little burpy-Look out in half-moon!
Also, a fabulous cookbook I suggest is ‘Vegetarian Food For Friends’ by Jane Noraika. Delicious recipes and beautiful photographs….but if I’m not in the mood for serious cooking, I’ll just stir-fry some tofu, veggies and avocado for lots of protein and flavor.
Yum!
Namaste

[Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)]

#3337

Hello kdawg

Thanks for clearing that up! I am pleased that we can help you in some small way. It seems that you are vegetarian! That makes it easier for me to suggest stuff – being similarly inclined.

I thought about it and decided to set up a blog where anyone can post their favorite foodie ideas, recipes, or products that fit their yoga lifestyle…

Click here:
Your favorite yoga recipe resource list

Have fun!

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂

[Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)]

#3386

Note from me :cheese:
This question comes from Beverly who posted this in a blog. I thought it would fit really nicely right here in this topic. Will answer it very soon…

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂

I am very confused about diet and nutrition. I am an avid fan of Dr. Mercola and his Eat for your Nutritional Type Diet! He recommends animal fats to stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent insulin spikes. He especially recommends this for type O blood types like myself a meat eater blood type. On the other hand, I am involved in a study with Hallelujah Acres http://www.hacres.com . This is a vegetarian – raw foods type diet or nutrition plan. Both have their arguments and both make sense! I personally cannot stay full or satisfied on a vegetarian diet, maybe I am not getting enough fats with a vegetarian diet, however when I eat meat I become constipated and a little disappointed because I am a Yogi! Do you consume dairy or any animal products and what is your reasons for being a vegetarian?

Namaste and than you for your time! I love HOT YOGA! Beverly

[kdawg]

#3397

Hi-

So I began talking with a nutritionist who works with the integrative nutrition approach…a bio-individuality approach to nutrition and overall health and well-being. I was feeling like I needed to eat different, as per my previous post. But, I was also experiencing a lot of acne that I thought was caused by my Bikram practice. Anyway, she asked me to give up Wheat for 2 weeks to see what happens. I am on week 1 right now, and I have seen a slight improvement in my face. I have also given up most dairy products. I know I have a dairy allergy, but I still would have cheese or a little ice cream now and again. I’ve cut most all of that out (beyond cheese on a salad). Anyway, I’ll see if that works with some of my acne issues, as well as fuels me differently in practice and throughout my day.

Thanks!

[kmeisel]

#3401

kdawg,

Along with Bikram yoga and cycling, nutrition is one of my top hobbies! I recommend nuts and seeds as a protein source and easy snack. Almonds, soy nuts, pumpkin seeds, brazil nuts, cashews and sunflower seeds make great snacks. I often combine nuts and seeds with a small amount of cheese, I’ve found that the fats and proteins in each balance each other well and fill you up.

I’m also lactose intolerant but I have found that aged cheeses (such as cheddar — real cheddar, not the pasteurized fake orange stuff) and other forms of cultured dairy such as yogurt, greek-style yogurt, cottage cheese and ricotta, are easy to digest because the good living bacteria has done most of the work for you. (As with everything, do not continue to eat these dairy products if you experience ill-effects.)

The combination of rice and beans is a complete protein and one of the very best vegetarian sources of protein. I suggest eating rice and beans very regularly.

If you are an ovo-veg, hard-boil a half-dozen eggs and snack on those or chop them up and add to your salad.

Your Trader Joes should have quinoa in the bulk foods section. This is a South American grain packed chock full of proteins. Quinoa is fabulous when cooked with vegetable stock and diced carrot. Use leftover quinoa to make a cold quinoa salad of chopped veg, parsley and marinated, pan-fried tofu (chilled and chopped or crumbled). If you have tofu questions I have many answers! I think the most important thing is to get the best, locally made tofu available. Look for firmness and “sharp”, clean edges. Make sure to press your tofu before marinating. Wrap the tofu block in a towel (cloth or paper) and place on a plate. Put another plate on top and place something heavy on the top of that plate, a brick or a dictionary or a cast-iron pan all work well. Let this press for about ten minutes. Then marinate your tofu (I like a bit of tamari, sesame oil, a few drops of your cooking oil or choice, and grated fresh ginger) for as long as you like. Cut your tofu into jenga block sized pieces and pan-fry in a HOT pan with a tablespoon or two (depending on pan size, enough to coat the bottom of the pan) of your cooking oil of choice. Add to stirfry, rice, salad, etc etc.

On a personal note, I am a former vegetarian. I found that I lost far too many pounds on a vegetarian diet. Even with the nutritional information I learned, I found that I could not get myself to a good weight. After medical testing, I learned that my body diverts and passes protein at higher-than-average levels (a simple condition called protenuria). My vegetarian diet could not replace the amount of protein I lost throughout the day. I do not now eat meat with every meal or every day, but by incorporating meat back into my diet in a healthful and thoughtful way I was able to build muscle and gain weight. The point it, every body is chemically different and reacts with the world in varying ways. The best thing to do is research, ask questions of others, and listen closely to your body which you seem to be doing quite well.

As always, don’t forget to breathe!
K

[JayFranco]

#4272

A diet that keeps you energetic and light is the best one. Yoga diet complements Yoga exercise. Include healthy food options in your diet.

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