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How-to Make Ghee at Home
Ghee is a kitchen staple around here. For the longest time I was buying it, and I still do in a pinch, but as I discovered the cost efficiency and simplicity of making it at home, I have made this part of my DIY repertoire.
For those unfamiliar, ghee is a clarified butter, of sorts, that has been cooked down for some time, removing any moisture, milk solids and impurities. What remains is a pure and delicious butter oil, that has turned a beautiful golden color, it’s taste and flavor are slightly sweet and nutty. Ghee brings an aroma, taste and flavor a lot like butter, but even better. The difference between clarified butter and ghee is ghee’s lengthier cooking process, to remove all the moisture and the milk solids are browned in the fat and then strained out, bringing the slightly nutty taste. Ghee has a longer shelf life, due to all the moisture being removed.
Ghee is a wonderful option for those who are lactose or casein intolerant and want to enjoy the taste of butter. Ghee is also clearly a much better option than those scary hydrogenated oil-filled margarines and other highly processed vegan spreads. It does not burn, unless heated excessively, so it’s a wonderful option for stir fries, sautéing, frying, roasting, sauces, ettc. It’s also delicious as a spread, on toast, pancakes, scones, over rice and more. It can also be used on the body, as an oil for massage, as a base for healing herbal treatments, for burns, skin rashes, etc.
In India, ghee is a sacred and celebrated symbol of nourishment and healing, especially in daily rituals. It is also used in every day cooking. Ayurvedic physicians celebrate this liquid gold as being important to health and well-being, balance and vitality. If you don’t wish to make your own, ghee is usually found in the ethnic section of any big grocery store, in most Indian/South Asian stores or online.
Always make ghee with high-quality grass-fed organic butter. Cheap butter contains a lot of water and chemicals and it tends to burn faster. Due to the reduction and straining process, always start with 25% more butter than the amount of clarified butter desired. 1 pound of butter = approximately 1 1/2 cups ghee.
The Benefits of Choosing Ghee:
Rich Butter Taste without the Lactose or Casein. Made from butter ghee has the buttery flavor, but the milk solids have been removed, so if you are lactose or casein free, enjoy without issue.
Ghee has a high smoke point. 485ºF. You can cook and fry with ghee and it will not burn nor will it break down into free radicals, like so many other cooking oils can.
Ghee doesn’t spoil easily. Without the presence of milk fat and water, this makes ghee shelf stable. If you desire, it can be stored at room temperature rather then refrigeration. Ghee will last a couple months in an air-tight container at room temperature. If you aren’t sure if any moisture or milk solids remain, you can certainly play it safe and store in the fridge, to maximize it’s shelf life. That’s generally what I do.
Ghee is rich in fat soluable vitamins A D and E. If you have gluten sensitivity, leaky gut, IBS, Crohn’s or certain pancreatic disorders, you may have a problem absorbing vitamin A. By using ghee for cooking, and as a replacement for butter, you can increase your intake. Vitamin D can be made in the body, after exposure to sunlight, but obviously in the colder winter months is can be challenging for us to make enough. Ghee benefits the body by improving moisture and contains vitamin E, which is an antioxidant whose role is to repair damaged skin, balance hormones, improve vision and help to balance cholesterol. Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed with fat and stored in the gastrointestinal tract — and they are essential to maintaining a healthy metabolism and various biochemical functions in the body. (1)
Ghee is also rich is K2 and Conjugated Linoleum Acid. Studies show K2 is better for building bones than calcium and proper levels of K2 can help fight tooth decay, bone loss and aid in the fight against the calcification of arteries. CJA is antioxidant with anti-viral properties, when sourced from grass-fed cows. Studies indicate that it may help to reduce tumors, lower cholesterol and high blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and actually lower body fat.(2)
Like coconut oil, ghee is rich is medium chain fatty acids, which are quickly absorbed directly to the liver and used as energy. This quick burn can actually lead to weight loss.
Ghee and butter are rich in butyric acid, a short chain fatty acid great for protection against fungal infections and aids in colon health. It’s been shown to support healthy insulin levels, is an anti-inflammatory, and may be helpful for individuals suffering from IBS, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. (3)
Ghee Reduces Inflammation. Ghee’s levels of butyrate play a role in reducing inflammation in the digestive tract and throughout the body. In Ayurvedic practice, ghee benefits the body by creating a more alkaline system that overall reduces inflammation by reducing the leukotriene secretion and reducing prostaglandin in the body(4)
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The Benefits of Travel
If you follow me on social media, you have probably noticed how much traveling I have been doing this year. Being on the road, exploring and discovering – this ignites my soul in a way that I can’t even express into simple words. Just this year alone, I have been on-the-go in bustling cities, I have ventured home to experience the comforts of family and my old stomping grounds, I have hosted and experienced retreats in the forest of Northern California, amongst the mighty sequoias and at an ashram in the desert and I visited a bison ranch run by an inspiring family, following traditional and sustainable practices. However, one of the most relaxing trips I have taken this year, was the luxury and rejuvenation I experienced in Loreto, Mexico, in the Baja California Sur. {You can read a bit about this incredible trip and the delicious food, here}
In the Indian culture there is a tradition of taking retreats to rejuvenate and revitalize the body, mind, and spirit. This is time away from work and responsibilities to focus on the self, to gather strength and wisdom so that we can return to society with new energy and enthusiasm. Yet here in the west we rarely allow ourselves such a luxury. We work too hard, too much, and don’t allow enough time in the day for contemplation, let alone an entire day to devote to our spiritual growth. And we feel it – maybe over time it happens so gradually that we get used to the sluggishness and struggle – but that’s not the way life is supposed to be.
Taking vacations can improve health in several measurable ways. So let’s chat about the Benefits of Travel. Read the rest of this entry »
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10 Benefits to Drinking Warm Lemon Water Every Morning
Something that has been very important for my body during this 7-Day Spring Cleanse, but has also been a part of my daily routine for a few months now, is drinking warm lemon water. I have started (almost) every day with a glass of warm lemon water and it has made a huge differences for me. Warm lemon water in the morning helps kickstart the digestion process for the day. According to Ayurvedic philosophy, choices that you make regarding your daily routine either build up resistance to disease or tear it down. Ayurveda invites us to get a jump-start on the day by focusing on morning rituals that work to align the body with nature’s rhythms, balance the doshas and foster self-esteem alongside self-discipline.
There are many health benefits of lemons that have been known for centuries. The two biggest are lemons’ strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers and their use as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemons contain many substances–notably citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene–that promote immunity and fight infection.
HOW TO DO IT:
You should be using purified water and it should be lukewarm not scalding hot. You want to avoid ice cold water, since that can be a lot for your body to process and it takes more energy to process ice cold water than the warm. Always use fresh lemons, organic if possible, never bottled lemon juice. I squeeze 1/2 a lemon with each glass and I drink it down first thing before I eat a single thing, or workout, etc.
BONUS: try adding freshly grated ginger or a little cayenne for a boost.
10 Benefits to Drinking Warm Lemon Water Every Morning
1) Aids Digestion. Lemon juice flushes out unwanted materials and toxins from the body. It’s atomic composition is similar to saliva and the hydrochloric acid of digestive juices. It encourages the liver to produce bile which is an acid that is required for digestion. Lemons are also high in minerals and vitamins and help loosen ama, or toxins, in the digestive tract. The digestive qualities of lemon juice help to relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as heartburn, belching and bloating. The American Cancer Society actually recommends offering warm lemon water to cancer sufferers to help stimulate bowel movements.
2) Cleanses Your System / is a Diuretic. Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials in part because lemons increase the rate of urination in the body. Therefore toxins are released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy. The citric acid in lemons helps maximize enzyme function, which stimulates the liver and aids in detoxification.
3) Boosts Your Immune System. Lemons are high in vitamin C, which is great for fighting colds. They’re high in potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function. Potassium also helps control blood pressure. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) found in lemons demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects, and is used as complementary support for asthma and other respiratory symptoms plus it enhances iron absorption in the body; iron plays an important role in immune function. Lemons also contain saponins, which show antimicrobial properties that may help keep cold and flu at bay. Lemons also reduce the amount of phlegm produced by the body.
4) Balances pH Levels. Lemons are one of the most alkalizing foods for the body. Sure, they are acidic on their own, but inside our bodies they’re alkaline (the citric acid does not create acidity in the body once metabolized). Lemons contain both citric and ascorbic acid, weak acids easily metabolized from the body allowing the mineral content of lemons to help alkalize the blood. Disease states only occur when the body pH is acidic. Drinking lemon water regularly can help to remove overall acidity in the body, including uric acid in the joints, which is one of the primary causes of pain and inflammation.
5) Clears Skin. The vitamin C component as well as other antioxidants helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes and it helps to combat free radical damage. Vitamin C is vital for healthy glowing skin while its alkaline nature kills some types of bacteria known to cause acne. It can actually be applied directly to scars or age spots to help reduce their appearance. Since lemon water purges toxins from your blood, it would also be helping to keep your skin clear of blemishes from the inside out. The vitamin C contained in the lemon rejuvenates the skin from within your body.
6) Energizes You and Enhances Your Mood. The energy a human receives from food comes from the atoms and molecules in your food. A reaction occurs when the positive charged ions from food enter the digestive tract and interact with the negative charged enzymes. Lemon is one of the few foods that contain more negative charged ions, providing your body with more energy when it enters the digestive tract. The scent of lemon also has mood enhancing and energizing properties. The smell of lemon juice can brighten your mood and help clear your mind. Lemon can also help reduce anxiety and depression.
7) Promotes Healing. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), found in abundance in lemons, promotes wound healing, and is an essential nutrient in the maintenance of healthy bones, connective tissue, and cartilage. As noted previously, vitamin C also displays anti-inflammatory properties. Combined, vitamin C is an essential nutrient in the maintenance of good health and recovery from stress and injury.
8) Freshens Breath. Besides fresher breath, lemons have been known to help relieve tooth pain and gingivitis. Be aware that citric acid can erode tooth enamel, so you should be mindful of this. No not brush your teeth just after drinking your lemon water. It is best to brush your teeth first, then drink your lemon water, or wait a significant amount of time after to brush your teeth. Additionally, you can rinse your mouth with purified water after you finish your lemon water.
9) Hydrates Your Lymph System. Warm water and lemon juice supports the immune system by hydrating and replacing fluids lost by your body. When your body is deprived of water, you can definitely feel the side effects, which include: feeling tired, sluggish, decreased immune function, constipation, lack of energy, low/high blood pressure, lack of sleep, lack of mental clarity and feeling stressed, just to name a few.
10) Aids in Weight Loss. Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. Studies have shown people who maintain a more alkaline diet, do in fact lose weight faster. I personally find myself making better choices throughout the day, if I start my day off right, by making a health conscious choice to drink warm lemon water first thing every morning.
Do you drink warm lemon water every morning? What are your favorite benefits?
I always zest my lemons before I juice them for my daily warm lemon water. I keep a container in the freezer and I just keep adding to it. It’s great to toss into pasta dishes, in salad dressings, etc.
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Spring Cleanse – Broccoli and Chickpea Curry – Gluten-free + Vegan
Good morning guys!! Today is day 4 of my 7-Day Cleanse. Yesterday, day 3, was a lot easier than day 2. No more headaches, but I definitely felt pretty tired. I had that delicious creamy green smoothie for breakfast and for lunch I heated up some of the leftover vegetable soup that I had made the night previously for dinner (see my Facebook page for a photo and description of the soup). I decided a curry for dinner sounded perfect. I need you to know that I fought off every single desire to serve this over brown rice, like I was craving. I wanted to keep the first 3-4 days of my cleanse totally grain free, since I am absolutely a carboholic!! Always have been. Honestly, I didn’t miss the rice one bit. Seriously.
This curry is full of flavor and has a very satisfying crunch and texture to it, and it is insanely simple and quick to make. There is so much going on with the different flavors and the creamy curry sauce is so delicious. And look at all of those beautiful colors! What a feast for your eyes and your tummy! I ended up sprinkling some shredded unsweetened coconut on top after I took photos, along with the fresh cilantro and garlic chives and it was amazing. Mark even liked this dish and it is hard to get him to eat anything that even slightly resembles Indian food (after last year’s food poisoning incident at an Indian restaurant in Austin).
FYI – if you prefer to make your own curry spice blend, definitely go for it. I have a premixed blend that I bought at an Asian market and I really love it, so it makes this dish that much easier.
How are you feeling today on Day 4 if you are following along? What have you been eating? Hope you have all been following along on my Facebook page, where I have been sharing what I am eating for each meal.
[print_this]Broccoli and Chickpea Curry – Gluten-free + Vegan
serves 2- 1/2 – 1 tablespoon olive oil (ghee or coconut oil would be great here too)
- 1 small organic onion, diced
- 1/2 large (or 1 small) organic red bell pepper
- 1-inch nub of ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1-2 tablespoon yellow curry powder (I prefer a lot and a lot of heat, so I use 2 TBS +)
- salt to taste
- 1 head organic broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 medium organic tomato, diced
- 1 cup organic chickpeas cooked, you can use canned (BPA free) or if you soak dried beans over night and cook them, those would be even better
- 2 tablespoons (up to 1/4 cup) full-fat organic coconut milk (you can certainly use more, I was just looking to go light)
- 1 lime
- bunch of cilantro
- Green onions or garlic chives
- shredded unsweetened coconut
In a large pan, heat oil. Add onion and bell pepper. Sautee for a couple of minutes until the onion is slightly translucent and both are beginning to get tender, add the ginger and garlic, stir around and cook for about a minute, until fragrant. Add the curry powder and salt to taste. Give everything a good stir to get it all covered in the spices.
Add in the broccoli, sautée/stir fry until tender to your liking. Add in the tomatoes, chickpeas and coconut milk, stir around and let it all simmer for a 5-10 minutes. Just before serving, squeeze in the juice from half the lime and a bunch of cilantro, stir around and taste. Adjust seasonings to your preference.
Serve as is (which is how I ate it) or over brown rice, topped with some fresh cilantro, green onions, a lime wedge and some shredded coconut if you wish (forgot to put it on for the picture, but it sure is good).
* I know it is repetitive on the “organic”, I truly believe it is always good to choose organic, but it is especially important to consume organic produce when cleansing!
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Spring Cleanse – Curry Quinoa Crunch – Gluten-free + Vegan
It seems kinda odd for the first recipe I am sharing on this cleanse to be a snack, but with today being day 1 of my 7-day spring cleanse, I decided last night to come up with a healthy and cleansing savory snack that would give me the crunchy satisfaction that I often times crave throughout the day. This way I would be sure to stick with the plan and no get derailed by something crunchy and naughty in a moment of weakness. Sure there will be plenty of veggies, but since I will be eating most of them steamed, sautéed or roasted – I knew I would still be craving some of that crunch that I adore. 9 times out of 10, I find myself craving savory and crispy over anything sweet you could ever put in front of me! It doesn’t even have to be salty for me, there is just something so satisfying to me about a crunchy snack.
After I made that Maple Cinnamon Crunch Quinoa Granola a while back, it gave me the idea to tweak the recipe a tad and make something savory for this cleanse. Since I am allowing myself some select grains, sparingly, and quinoa is on that list, I thought it would be perfect. Plus – curry powder which is already one of my favorites, is loaded with so many great spices to aid in digestion, detoxification and cleansing, like cumin, turmeric, fenugreek, pepper, etc.
From Kulreet Chaudhary, M.D. regarding The Secrets of Ayurveda “Ayurveda recognizes 6 tastes—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent. The American diet often has plenty of the first 3 – sweet, sour and salty – but is often missing the last three (which as you might recall are quite beneficial to a spring cleanse.) Because curry satisfies all 6 tastes, it helps you eat less at each meal.Each of the ingredients provides its own unique contribution to health and all the spices together are a powerful combination that counteracts disease and aging. Cumin and coriander in particular help with digestion. Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, gas and abdominal cramps can be remedied with regular use of these two spices. The real ―superstar of curry powder is turmeric. It is a potent antioxidant, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory that has been studied in relation to several conditions including cancer, wound healing, arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease. You can use turmeric in curry powder or get it in tablet form to increase your consumption.”
Feel free to add any of your favorite nuts to this and as mentioned below, using more than a drizzle of sweetener would certainly make for a more clustery type snack, which is what I had intended, but I wanted to use little to no sweetener so I went very conservative.
I have been posting my meals and anything related to the cleanse on my Facebook page so far, and when I have a recipe to share, I will be posting it on here, so please stay tuned for more recipes and tips throughout the week.
[print_this]Curry Quinoa Crunch – Gluten-free + Vegan
- 3/4 cup uncooked organic quinoa, rinsed (I used tri-color)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
- a scant drizzle of honey or maple syrup
- 1-2 teaspoons curry powder (salt free)
- a dash of salt
- a pinch or two of cayenne, if you like a little extra spice.
- Optional: unsweetened organic shredded coconut or coconut chips
Preheat the oven to 375º F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Make sure the quinoa is plenty dry after rinsing (I wish I had let mine drain a bit longer). Toss the quinoa with oil, curry powder and a drizzle of honey. The more honey you use, the more it will cluster, but since I am on a cleanse I wanted to limit the amount. Add a dash of salt. If you’d like you can add coconut and you can add it before you put this in the oven or after. I didn’t think of it until after so that is when it got added.
Toss the ingredients together very well and spread into a thin even layer on the parchment paper lined cookie tray.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the quinoa begins browning. Remove from the oven and let fully cool. Break into pieces or clusters (again it will cluster more than what mine did, with more sweetener).
This is great on it’s own by the handful or it would be really nice on top of salads or steamed/sautéed veggies, etc.
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7-Day Spring Cleanse Shopping List
During a spring cleanse when we are transitioning from the dry cold winter season to the warm and wet spring season, we should be looking to eat more foods that are Pungent (Spicy), Bitter, Astringent / Light, Dry, Warm: such as flavorful steamed veggies, brothy soups, brown rice. Eat less foods that are Sweet, Sour, Salty / Heavy, Cold, Oily: such as fried foods, ice cream, heavy dairy.
Below is my personal shopping list for the upcoming week. Please remember you always want fresh, never frozen or canned and always look for organic, local and non-GMO. Herbs can be fresh or dried.
Again, as I previously mentioned in my original post about the basics of this 7-day cleanse, this isn’t a specific cleanse and I am not a medical professional. I base what I will be eating on this cleanse both on traditional Ayurvedic knowledge and knowing my own body well enough to know what gives me difficulties. Your cleanse and your shopping list will likely look different. Ayurveda doesn’t limit corn, soy or dairy, or even lean meats and fish, on many of it’s cleanses, I however find that I have issues and troubles digesting these things in large amounts and I am choosing to remove them on this particular cleanse to give my body the rest it needs at this time to heal, energize and rejuvenate in preparation for the new season ahead.
Vegetables
Artichokes
Avocados
Asparagus
Beets
Bell Peppers
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Carrots
Celery
Collard Greens
Fennel
Garlic
Ginger
Green Beans
Kale
Leeks
Mushrooms
Mustard Greens
Onions
Peas
Spinach
Swiss Chard
WatercressFruits
Apples
Blueberries
Coconut (fresh and dried)
Grapefruit
Lemons
Limes
Papaya
Pears
Pomegranates
Strawberries
All BerriesLegumes
Any Sprouted Beans
Adzuki
Garbanzo
Kidney
Lentils
Lima
Mung
Split PeaGrains (sparingly)
Amaranth
Brown Rice
Brown Basmati Rice
Millet
QuinoaOils
Olive Oil (in moderation)
Ghee (in moderation)Nuts and Seeds
Flax Seeds
Chia Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds
Sunflower SeedsSpices and Herbs
(Really anything goes, but here are the ones I like to make sure to have around during a cleanse)Black Pepper
Cardamom
Cayenne
Cinnamon
Clove
Cilantro (fresh)
Coriander
Cumin
Fennel
Fenugreek
Ginger (fresh and dried)
Turmeric (fresh and dried)Additional
Almond Milk (unsweetened, use sparingly)
Coconut Milk (use sparingly)
Honey
Herbal Teas such as hibiscus, chicory, cinnamon, dandelion, jasmine, lemon balm lemon grass, peppermint, yerba mate, etc -
My Spring Cleanse. The Basics.
As most of you know from following my blog the past few months, my life has been in a very transitional state. Probably more so than ever before in my life. We sold our house in Buffalo at the end of 2012, after living there nearly 10 years and we closed on it right after the New Year. We went from the hustle and bustle of a ton of events and travel, and all the rest of the holidays – right into packing our house up and putting most of it in a moving truck to go into storage in California awaiting our arrival two months later. From mid-January until mid-February we temporarily moved ourselves to my parent’s house in Buffalo, so we could wrap up all loose ends on the business and in our personal lives, we sold our second car and flew out to California for a week to find a place to live. We got lucky and found a place on day 1 of looking and we got to rest for a bit to take in what would soon be our new home. We flew back to Buffalo and had less than two weeks to finish packing up, see everyone we wanted to see, have one last big sale of our silkscreened posters and other products to what was home to our business for nearly 10 years. Then, we packed up what was left plus ourselves and the pooch into a moving truck and headed west on a week-long drive. We arrived just over a week ago and we have been getting settled and acquainted with our new home ever since.
Needless to say, life has been a whirlwind and I have felt quite floaty and ungrounded for quite some time. Coming from the cold hibernation of Buffalo as well as the hectic transitional state my life has been in for over 3 months, my body is looking to align with the lightness of spring and I am ready to get back to reality of what is my new life here in California. With the Spring Equinox beginning on Wednesday, March 20, I want to prepare my body and mind for a new season and a new life journey. I love celebrating new beginnings with a cleansed mind and body and this is the perfect time to do it. The spring and fall equinoxes are the only dates with equal daylight and dark as the sun crosses the celestial equator. As the earth comes into a time and energetic change, I am seeking to shift my mood and emotions away from the darkness of winter into the brilliant renewing energy of the Spring.
Now is the time to get things moving again and clear out our systems ready for a summer of activity. It is the perfect time to focus on cleansing and rejuvenation to rid the body and mind of toxins. Beginning this Wednesday, March 13 and ending on the Spring equinox, one week later March 20, I am embarking on a 7-day Spring cleanse and I wanted to share my plan with all of you, since I know there was some interest on Facebook.
PLEASE NOTE: I am not a doctor nor a health professional, coach or expert in any way, shape or form. This cleanse is what I have to created based on what I have found to work for me, my body and my energy. Do NOT do anything that isn’t healthy for you and if you have any medical conditions at all, please do not enter a cleanse or a detox without the care or guidance of a physician. I am simply sharing my plan and experiences for anyone that is interested in what I am personally following.
The Tasty Yummies 7-Day Spring Cleanse
Spring is a time of transition, the change from Winter to Spring is one of the most stressful and challenging shifts we go through all year. In many places, Winter, with its cold weather, gradually gives way to the increasing heat of Summer, so we go from a time of excess kapha (water and earth) energy to the increasing heat of the pitta (fire element) season.
As with the cleanses I have done in the past, I am loosely following the Ayurvedic traditions, along with the items I tend to have issues with, personally. Ayurvedic wisdom recommends working with the body’s natural shifts that occur at the juncture of seasons. In addition to this cleanse, I will be continuing my daily yoga practice, focusing a bit more on detoxifying and cleansing asanas. Plus, I will be making time each morning for meditation and self reflection. I would like to someday soon visit a proper Ayurvedic doctor and learn more about my dosha(s) and what is right for me, so I won’t be getting too dosha specific, this time around, as even with many online quizzes, I am still not 100% on which dosha(s) I am. I plan to just focus my food on what is right for the season and the transition from kapha to pitta.
Ashtanga Hrdayam, one of the classical texts of Ayurveda, reminds us that “foods which are hard to digest and cold, sleeping at day time, foods which are fatty, sour, and sweet should [all] be avoided.” Focus instead on foods and activities that are dry, heating, light, and energizing. Enjoy hot water to help flush and rehydrate the system, and eat light, well-cooked foods that will be easy for your body to digest. Each morning, I plan to, as I always do, wake up and enjoy a warm glass of lemon water. The Institute for Integrative Nutrition says “The simple combination of warm water with fresh lemon can boost your immune system, alkalize and kickstart your digestion, improve skin health, and hydrate you. Just make sure to drink the lemon water after you brush your teeth because the citric acid could wear down your tooth enamel if followed by brushing.”
Since, I have had quite a few people ask me about how I cleanse, I thought I would put together a post with a very loose description of what I will personally be doing for this cleanse. If you have any additional questions about what I am doing, please post them below and I will do my best to help. Again, please keep in mind, this isn’t a professional program, it is simply what I have created to work for me, my body and my health. Do what is right for you and please listen to your own body and it’s needs!
I am avoiding the following things:
Dairy†**
Eggs
Refined Sugar
Excess Salt (I will use a very small amount when cooking)
Caffeine
Alcohol
Meat (chicken, beef, pork, etc)
Fish and Shellfish (shrimp, scallops, mussels, etc)
Gluten (wheat, barley, oats, rye, etc)**
Soy
Corn
Peanuts
Foods with preservatives, additives or chemicals, and foods grown in an environment laced with chemical fertilizers or pesticides, and canned, frozen or processed foods.**
I am limited all grains and starches, hoping to avoid them through the entire cleanse, if possible.†Ayurveda doesn’t restrict dairy, but I personally seem to have issues with it and I typically avoid cow’s milk dairy all of the time. On this cleanse, besides ghee, I am avoiding ALL dairy during my cleanse.
** these are all things that I personally avoid on a regular basis, but are very important to a cleanseSo you are probably wondering what exactly I am eating, then…
What I am eating:
Fresh organic fruit. I am going light on the fruit because of the sugar and I am focusing on suggested fruits that are best for digestion such as apples, pears, figs, prunes, papaya, cranberries etc.
Fresh organic veggies. Some of the best for digestion are leafy greens, cabbage, celery, brussels sprouts, broccoli, etc
Whole organic grains such as brown rice, quinoa, amarynth, buckwheat, millet – I plan to limit my grains to VERY little during this cleanse, one serving a day or less
Beans like lentil, split peas, mung beans, etc
Vegetable juice and broth
Soups and stews made with vegetables, legumes and grains.
I am cooking with a small amount of olive oil and/or ghee (indian clarified butter that is GREAT for detox)
Raw honey and maple syrup (extremely sparingly)
lots of luke warm water with lemon and/or ginger
detox tea (I like Yogi brand Detox tea)
I am also taking probiotics in the morning after breakfast (I use a basic Probiotic from just Walgreens, which I am already taking daily)
I will continue to take my variety of daily supplements that I have discovered benefit me and my body’s need, through working with a professional.I plan to get as many recipes on this blog throughout the cleanse as I possibly can, so you can see a good example of how I eat when I am cleansing. During cleanses I like to give my mind the break and not get too crazy with my creations and stressing about my recipes and measuring foods, etc – so many times I will be cooking very, simple and humble dishes, that require little measuring and recipe specific instructions. For this reason, since recipes may not be as abundant on here as you may be looking for, I plan to share, throughout the day each day of the cleanse, what I am eating throughout the day on my Facebook page.
Here are some additional tips that I have learned along the way:
Some of the differences with an Ayurvedic cleanse vs a regular cleanse is that it teaches you to avoid or focus on foods specific to you and your body-mind type (or your dosha) and it’s needs. Also, although you should be eating TONS of fresh fruits and veggies, you shouldn’t eat them raw during this cleanse. Raw foods are harder on your digestive tract, so you should be heating and/or boiling your veggies and eating them warm.Eat whole, fresh, natural foods, organic if you can get it. Buy your produce fresh, and consume it quickly.
Also avoid ICE cold water and beverages, it can disrupt the “fire” needed in your digestive tract.
Cook with digestion-enhancing, detoxifying spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, clove, ajwain, fenugreek, dried ginger, Chinese cinnamon and fennel. Add the turmeric to foods as they are cooking, and sauté other spices in ghee or olive oil and pour over prepared dishes for the best therapeutic benefit.
According to Ayurveda, each meal should be a feast for all of your senses. When your plate reflects an appealing variety of colors, textures, flavors and aromas, your digestive juices start freely flowing in anticipation and your body, mind and heart are all fulfilled by the eating experience.
As I mention above, normally I avoid consuming raw vegetables and fruit since it can disrupt your digestive tract and it is harder to digest, however this time around, I am including juices that I am making from fresh, organic vegetables and fruit.
Look for posts throughout the week with tips on cleansing as well as some recipes and suggestions.
Will you join me on this Spring Cleanse? Let me know if you will be and feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions, tips or favorite recipes either here in the comments below or on the Tasty Yummies Facebook page. Thanks for following along and namaste!
CHECK OUT MY 7-DAY SPRING CLEANSE SHOPPING LIST HERE.
(tulip image above from Wallpaper Shock)
SPRING CLEANSE RELATED POSTS:
Facebook Album featuring Many of My Spring Cleanse Meals
Spring Cleanse – Curry Quinoa Crunch RecipeSunrise Spring Cleansing Juice Recipes
Spring Cleanse – Creamy Green Smoothie Recipe
Spring Cleanse – Broccoli and Chickpea Curry
Spring Cleanse – Asian Pear Green Smoothie
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Balancing through Imbalance – a Seasonal Ayurveda Practice {Guest Post by Yogalina}
I am so excited about this next post in our Thanksgiving series. Instead of bringing you another recipe, today we are so lucky to have Meg Everingham of Yogalina, to share some great seasonal Ayurvedic tips and simple yoga poses with us, perfect for this time of year. I have been friends with Meg online for a while now, I think we initially connected on Twitter over tweets about yoga and it went from there. I really enjoy that Meg fully embraces the seasons on all levels and believes in living a natural, healthy “yoga” life! Please enjoy today’s post from Meg and let us know what you think. Meg and I have been chatting about collaborating on Ayurvedic recipes and we’d love to know if there is an interest in Ayurveda and eating for the seasons and doshas. Enjoy!
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Balancing through Imbalance – a Seasonal Ayurveda Practice
Ayurveda is the ancient Indian science of life. It is a 5,000 year-old holistic approach to health that focuses on maintaining balance in the body and mind in order to prevent and treat illness. In Ayurveda, it is believed that we are all interconnected to natures; as the seasons change we are effected. Each season and each person is ruled by a temperament, known as a doshas. There are three doshas: vata, pitta and kapha. These energies are present to some degree in each person and the balance of them sways with our energy shifts that are affected by our actions, diet and the environment. Just as we are in constant flux with our internal balance, so is the environment season to season. Here we will look into the dosha related to autumn and how our diet and routine can help us to maintain balance within change.
Autumn is ruled by the vata dosha. This is a season of rapid change: from sunlight and warmth to darkness and cooling temperatures. With this transition from long summer days to the slower pace of fall we are asked to pause and reflect. The element related to the vata dosha is wind. If you’ve begun to experience dry skin, a feeling of unease, insomnia or anxiety, this is why. Just look at the weather here in the east coast this past week – hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc not just on peoples’ homes and property but also on their emotions. Many of my clients have told me how their sleep and eating habits have been off since the storm. In order to regain balance from this increase in vata energy we need to slow down, gather and nourish.
Fall is the season of the harvest. Taking a cue from nature it is a time to ground yourself through gathering the harvest in your life and storing gratitude for a long dark winter. Mirroring nature and its rhythm in this way allows for us find balance. Look to bring warmth and stability back into your life in order to pacify vata by gathering your energy.
Let’s begin with diet. Again, look to mirror nature. Enjoy the wonderful bounty of fall. Warm yourself with slow cooked meals such as stews and soups. Nurture yourself by eating seasonal produce such as root vegetables and squashes. Preparing for winter, store up the bright tastes of apples and tomatoes by preserving and canning them. Bring stability to your eating routine and be extra mindful not to skip meals. Starting the day with warm water with lemon is a fantastic day to both ground yourself and jumpstart your digestion.
As nature slows down, we too can begin to draw inwards, pause and reflect. Fall is a great time to start or deeper your sadhana practice. Begin a gratitude journal, writing at least one thing a day that brings you love, joy and warmth to your life. Practicing meditation each day, even if just for a few minutes, can help to draw you back to the here and now. When vata is out of balance is when you feel out of control or like you could fly away. Move your body everyday. Practicing some warming yoga sequences can be beneficial but be mindful not to go too hot or too long. A gentle or restorative yoga practice is like a moving meditation and will allow you to connect with your mind and body.
Through this seasonal practice of Ayurveda I hope to help bring you stability and grace through this season of change. Gather your harvest of gratitude and love to keep you glowing and warm as we prepare to transition into the darker days of winter.
Here is a vata-pacifying, grounding sequence to keep you balanced this fall holiday season.
All photos above taken at Pilates Core Center
About Meg Everingham:
Classically trained in ballet, Meg translates her love of movement to teaching Pilates & barre classes. Based outside of Philadelphia, Meg teaches in-home, in-studio and online group & privates sessions. A student of Yoga & Pilates for 15 years, Meg’s teaching style has grown from her sense of body awareness, love of movement and union of body & mind. Meg is also a practitioner of Ayurvedic & plant-based living, a freelance writer & yoga-living enthusiast. Fusing her classical training, knowledge & experience, Meg strives to empower her clients through the freedom & strength of mind-body movement.
Visit Meg’s blog Yogalina
You can also follow Meg on:Twitter: @yogalinaInstagram: @yogalina
Facebook: facebook.com/megzeveringham
