by Petra Davis, RYT
Spring is a great time to detoxify, and lighten the load on our organs. Gall bladder disease is often caused or exacerbated by poor diet, including processed foods and animal products. So this spring, you might consider a plant-based diet for the good of your gallbladder and your overall health.
Plant-based diets, or ways of eating that eliminate animal products, have numerous health benefits. They reduce inflammation in the body, lead to healthy weight loss, and prevent
many of the leading illnesses and causes of death in our country. In addition, by replacing products that come from animals with plants – fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, nuts, legumes – you can contribute to reducing cruel farming practices. In the philosophy of yoga, there is a pillar named Ahimsa, or non-violence, non-harming. Ahimsa suggest we live our lives in such a way that we don’t negatively impact any other beings. So as part of your yoga practice, and in an effort to release toxins from your body and give your organs a well-deserved break this Spring, consider plant-based foods. Maybe you try a full plant-based diet for two or more weeks, to really detoxify. Or, just consider replacing some meals and making healthier choices whenever you feel able and ready to. That way, you can still enjoy some of the health benefits of plant-based eating, such as reducing inflammation and weight loss, and practice Ahimsa.
Sometimes, people feel overwhelmed by the idea of plant-based eating at first, and can’t easily think of alternatives to their traditional diet. So here are some simple suggestions:
- For breakfast, try oatmeal or granola (if you make it yourself you can avoid animal products, refined sugars, etc.) with lots of seeds, nuts, and fruits. Cook oats with water or try cereals with plant-based milks, such as soy milk, rice milk, or hemp milk.
- Try sandwiches with lots of veggies and hummus or other vegan spreads instead of cheese and meat. Especially in the summer, lighter and refreshing meals such as sandwiches, salads, or wraps full of fresh vegetables taste and feel great.
- Next time you make or buy a salad, see if you can skip the meat, cheese, and dairy/egg-based dressings. If you are making salads yourself, try adding quinoa, nuts, and seeds instead for some added protein.
- Think whole grains (rice, quinoa, etc.), legumes (beans, lentils, peanuts, etc.), fresh veggies and fruits, nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.), and seeds (sesame, sunflower, pumpkin, hemp, etc.). There are endless combinations and so many delicious things to try made of these plant foods.
- Check out the deli at your neighborhood health food store, such as PCC, Whole Foods, or co-ops. They often have many plant-based or vegan choices to try, without having to learn how to prepare these foods yourself at first. This can be a great way to get introduced to some new and delicious plant-based foods.
Talk to one of the doctors here at Alpine Integrated Medicine, if you have questions about your diet or how to incorporate more healthy choices. Talk to your yoga teacher if you want to chat about Ahimsa 😉
Love & Peace,
Petra
Petra Davis teaches Yoga classes at Alpine Integrated Medicine on W/Fri mornings, starting at 9:15am. Check her out on our website!