We all get into body shaming at some point in our lives.  I am no different.  But I had a light bulb moment the other day.  I am in the process of de-cluttering.   As I was going through my hope chest, I found a photo of me at 25, the prime of my physically active life and before the joy of childbirth.  Then I looked in the mirror and saw the reflection of an over 50 year old!  I heard my inner roommate commenting on the wrinkles, the sagging skin the graying hair.  Then I stopped her!  I recalled the thoughts of the 25 year old. It occurred to me that my roommate said similar shaming things to me then too.  Now I look back and think that the 25 year old looked pretty dammed good!  I wonder when I am 75 if I will look at photos of me at 53 and think I looked pretty dammed good! A lesson in loving yourself now!  The beauty is the essence of your inner being.  That doesn't change.

A substantial part of your meal should be made of warm, fresh, organic vegetables, at least two servings at each meal.  Choose ones that complement each other.  For example, carrots, which balance both vata and kapha, are paired with broccoli, which pacifies pitta.  Cauliflower, a pitta favorite would pair nicely with green beans, a vata pleasing vegetable.  Consume, if possible, one dark leafy-green per day.  These not only provide needed minerals but also serve to hydrate the most minute channels, cleansing and refreshing you as a whole.  As mentioned last week, the body can tolerate raw vegetables in the summer, but as a general rule, lightly warmed is still preferred. 

Summer is here and we all like to eat the fresh organic produce that farmer's markets provide.  But did you know that fresh, crunchy, raw vegetables comprise a very small part of the Ayurvedic diet?  It may be a bit surprising given how much value Ayurveda places on fresh produce.  However, vaidyas prefer cooked food because raw vegetables require a lot of digestive fire.  Therefore, to eat Ayurvedically your greens need to be lightly cooked. For maximum benefit eat them daily with lunch when your digestive fire is at its peak.  The exception to the rule is that during the summer months when the temperature is warm, raw vegetables can be tolerated.  This is the case for all doshas but the Pitta dosha is especially tolerant.  Tune in next week when we will take a look at the way to prepare and consume vegetables.

Ghee is clarified butter that is rich in antioxidants and therefore fights the harmful effects of free radicals.  Herbs and spices coated in ghee are more readily absorbed by the body because it is an effective carrier of lipid soluble nutrients.  Including it makes a healthy meal even more nutritious.  Ghee is so delicious and flavorful that a little goes a long way.  Contact me for the recipe or for information on where to purchase the best ghee.