very year 40% of people in the US make New Year’s resolutions and over 70% of stated weight loss and healthy eating as the habits they most wanted to change. In today’s society, many people are incredibly competitive and result-driven. In an attempt to live healthier lifestyles, they often partake in extreme detoxes, fasting, juicing and cleansing, and adopt its all or nothing attitude.
While this may work for some, for most of us, this sets us up for failure. These unsustainable and short-term fixes will mean our resolutions will eventually fall to the side. Instead, start by setting intentions. A daily intention no matter how small brings about a new stream of consciousness, and that awareness can set a wave in motion. Slow and steady wins the race. For me, that intention is about finding balance in life and one principle that has helped me achieve this is Ayurveda.
Ayurveda is an ancient holistic healthcare system spanning over 5000 years, founded Rishi’s who were spiritual devotees & masters of consciousness They vowed that health and wellness are crucial to spiritual life.
In Sanskrit Ayurveda translates to The Knowledge of life. Ayurveda states that body, just like the seasons is subject to change and so we too go in and out of balance. Have you ever noticed that there are days you feel motivated and elevated and other times downright depressed and moody? Like a meandering stream life also has its twists and turns. Being mindful of this and recognizing that life is never a constant will help us navigate life more seamlessly.
In Ayurveda, health is the dynamic state of balance between mind, body, and environment. So through adopting these three factors, i.e., a balanced diet, exercise, and consciousness will ward off chronic disease and give you boundless energy.
Ayurvedic cooking is about providing your body with nourishing foods that compliment your natural rhythm or body type (Dosha’s) by limiting foods that go against our natural digestive pit (Agni).
Practicing mindfulness, i.e., removing habits and thoughts that don’t serve us and as well as making adopting healthy lifestyle changes –i.e., moving exercise are also important. Have you noticed how some people excel at high-intensity workouts like Soulcycle or Switchwhile others are suited to low-intensity workouts like Yoga, dancing and or swimming? There is no one size fits all, instead of being conscious about which one is right for you is what matters. By taking ownership of our health and making the right daily lifestyle choices, we can find balance in our lives. To learn more about Ayurveda contact the Ayurveda Academy
Ayurvedic foods and drinks will undoubtedly nourish your soul and below here is one of our favorite Ayurvedic libations we created as part of our Health and Wellness cocktail menu.
Photo credit Nandini Austin
By incorporating healing spices into your diet, you can not only liven your spirit but also awaken your soul.
Be Good to Yourself
Cheers Nandini
Nectar of the Gods Recipe
To make combine the following ingredients
1 cup of warm water
1/2 lemon
1 tablespoon of honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
Pinch of cayenne pepper