VEGAN NUTRITION – A STEP TOWARDS HEALING YOURSELF AND THE EARTH

HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CONSCIOUSNESS ALL IN ONE

In recent years, more and more people have been showing interest in plant-based eating, and many are curious about what impact it could have on their lives, even if they try a vegan diet only for a short period of time. The essence of vegan nutrition is that it completely excludes animal-derived ingredients: not only that it doesn’t contain meat, but also no dairy products, eggs, or other foods of animal origin.

Health and Lightness

A plant-based diet is easy to digest and full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.


Many people report feeling more energetic and refreshed, and that their digestion improves. A plant-based diet can help balance body weight, stabilize blood sugar levels, and also support cardiovascular health. Thanks to lighter digestion, many people experience less fatigue and greater vitality in their daily lives.

Environmental Protection and Sustainability

Choosing a vegan diet not only has a positive effect on an individual’s health but also helps protect the planet. Animal farming requires enormous amounts of water and feed, and it also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, producing plant-based foods has a much smaller ecological footprint. Those who consume more plant-based foods reduce water and land use and contribute to the preservation of natural resources. Those who consume more plant-based foods reduce water and land use and contribute to the preservation of natural resources.
With such a conscious choice, we not only protect the planet’s resources but also contribute to mitigating climate change and creating a more livable future for everyone.


Compassion and Consciousness

Behind vegan nutrition, there is often a deeper conviction: compassion for all living beings. Giving up meat and animal products is a conscious choice that expresses respect for the sanctity of life. This lifestyle helps us live in harmony not only with our body but also with our soul, as the principle of non-violence (ahimsā) is one of the most important spiritual foundations.
Those who eat this way not only take care of their own health but also of the world as a whole: they cause less suffering to animals, protect nature, and develop a more conscious relationship with food. A vegan or vegetarian lifestyle is thus also a path of inner growth, connecting the body, mind, and soul.

What do Krishna devotees eat – and what don’t they eat?

Krishna devotees follow a strict vegetarian diet, completely excluding meat, fish, and eggs. In addition, they avoid consuming alliums—such as onions, garlic, and leeks—because, according to tradition, these negatively affect the mind and can disturb meditation and spiritual practices.

The foundation of their meals consists of fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, and various spices. Our culinary art is varied and flavorful: we prepare hearty vegetable main dishes, delicious sauces, freshly baked breads (such as chapati), fragrant rice dishes, and a wide range of desserts.

A special feature is that every dish is prepared with love and a pure heart, and then offered to Krishna. Only after this offering do we eat, so the meal becomes not just physical nourishment but also a spiritual experience and a connection with the Divine.


A Taste of the Spiritual Kitchen

If you’d like to taste food prepared by Krishna devotees, visit the Govinda Restaurant, located in the heart of Krishna Valley! Here, you will always find fresh, flavorful, and nourishing vegetarian dishes. The dishes are not only delicious but also carry a special energy, as they are prepared with an offering.

The Govinda Restaurant is an ideal place to explore the variety of plant-based cuisine, while experiencing the peaceful, spiritual atmosphere of Krishna Valley and enjoying the comfort of our guesthouses.

Taste Consciousness at Govinda in Krishna Valley!

Trying a vegan or vegetarian diet can bring not only physical and mental refreshment but also guide you toward a more conscious and compassionate lifestyle. At the Govinda Restaurant in Krishna Valley, you can experience all of this in practice—with fresh, delicious, lovingly prepared meals in a unique, spiritual environment.

Come visit us!

If you’d like to experience and try the benefits of a vegan diet up close, book a room at the Krishna Valley Guesthouses and spend a few days on the farm! At the Govinda Restaurant, everything is provided for you to taste fresh, delicious plant-based meals, while the spiritual environment and ancient wisdom help you rediscover your inner balance and harmonize with yourself and nature.

How to bring the body and soul into balance in everyday life?

The secrets of Ayurveda for everyone

Ayurveda, the science of life, is an ancient Indian healing system dating back more than five thousand years, which has preserved its relevance and power to this day. Although many new sciences and technologies have emerged over time, the profound wisdom of Ayurveda still helps us live in harmony amidst the noise, stress, and challenges of the modern world. How can we incorporate this ancient system into our fast-paced modern lives? What treasures do the Ayurvedic teachings hold that support our physical and spiritual well-being? Let’s examine this together!

What is ayurveda?

The literal meaning of the word Ayurveda is: “ayus” = life, “veda” = knowledge, that is, the “science of life.” This holistic system of health preservation teaches that a person’s physical, mental, and spiritual aspects form a close unity, and we can only be truly healthy when these components are in balance.

According to Ayurveda, every person is unique, so there is no single method suitable for everyone — our body and mind each have a unique “dosha” combination, which determines the lifestyle and diet that will benefit us most.

Dosha types: the key to individuality

Ayurveda distinguishes three fundamental energies, or doshas:

  • Vata – the element of air and ether, which governs the nervous system, movement, and respiration. People with a Vata constitution are generally slender, quick-thinking, and creative, but they tend to be prone to anxiety and feeling cold.
  • Pitta – the element of fire and water, which is the center of digestion, metabolism, and energy. People with a Pitta constitution often have a medium build, strong will, and intense nature, but they tend to be prone to inflammation and irritability.
  • Kapha – the element of earth and water, responsible for the body’s structure, stability, and immunity. People with a Kapha constitution are generally sturdily built, calm, and loyal, but they tend to be prone to weight gain and lethargy.

The doshas are present in each of us in different proportions, and the foundation of Ayurveda is to recognize our own constitutional type and then tailor our lifestyle accordingly.


Ayurvedic lifestyle in practice – simple, yet effective

Ayurveda is not an abstract philosophy, but a very practical guide that helps maintain the harmony of our body and mind in daily life. Here are some fundamental areas where ancient wisdom can be easily incorporated into your daily routine:

1. Nutrition – the healing power

According to Ayurveda, food is not only a source of nutrients but also a source of energy and medicine. It is recommended to eat seasonal, fresh, local, and unprocessed foods, and to ensure that our meals align with our dosha. For example, it is important for Vata types to consume warm, oily, and nourishing foods, while Ayurveda recommends cooling, milder flavors for Pitta types. For Kapha types, light, spiced foods can help maintain balance.

2. Morning rituals

Morning is a perfect time to cleanse our body and prepare it for the day. Ayurvedic practices include oil pulling – rinsing with a small amount of sesame or coconut oil, which supports oral hygiene and helps remove toxins. It is also recommended to clean the tongue and drink warm water, which awakens the digestive system.


hatha yoga in Krishna Valley
3. Movement and breathing

Physical activity – whether yoga, walking, or another gentle form of exercise – is essential for the health of both body and mind. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of breathing exercises (pranayama), which help harmonize energy flow, reduce stress, and improve concentration.


4. Sleep and rest

The quality of sleep fundamentally affects our health. Ayurveda recommends going to bed by around 10 PM so that the body can properly regenerate. Winding down before bed, through meditation or a warm bath, helps promote restful sleep.

meditation
5. Mental cleansing

According to Ayurvedic teachings, a clear and balanced mind is essential for good health. Meditation, mindfulness, and regular inward reflection support mental harmony and help manage the stresses of modern life.

The intertwining of Ayurveda and spiritual life in Krishna Valley

The Krishna Valley Guesthouses are not just accommodations, but spiritual oases where creating physical and mental harmony is the primary goal. For the first time this year, our guests have the opportunity to learn about the Ayurvedic lifestyle during a weekend program, while for years we have been hosting spiritual, meditation, and yoga retreats. With us, you can experience the closeness of nature, which in itself has a healing power.

In our restaurant, we offer the flavors of traditional, vegetarian Ayurvedic cuisine, which not only nourish but also energize the body. We believe that the balance of body and soul arises from a conscious lifestyle, and that every small decision, meal, or habit contributes to creating it.

How to get started?

Ayurveda does not demand sudden changes; rather, it recommends small, step-by-step habits that can be gradually incorporated. With a little attention, listening to ourselves, and practicing acceptance, we can already begin the path toward a more balanced and healthier life.

Come visit us!

If you want to explore the Ayurvedic lifestyle more deeply, receive personalized guidance, or simply rejuvenate your body and mind, we warmly welcome you to the Krishna Valley Guesthouses! Everything here is in place for you to rediscover your inner balance with the help of ancient wisdom and to find harmony with yourself and nature.

How Can We Find Our Place in the World?

In pursuit of our goal in life and happiness

We all have probably felt the feeling that we could not find our place in the world. It is if a space was inside of us, which we would like to fill with the great questions of life: Who am I? Why am I here? How can I be happy? These questions are not only philosophical reflections but are the defining elements of our daily lives that guide us.

Continue reading “How Can We Find Our Place in the World?”