News — healthy diet

Winter is characterized by shorter days and lower energy. Nature slows down, plants go dormant and animals go into hibernation. This is the time of year when the natural world begins to retreat . . . and as per the teachings of Ayurveda, we should do the same. After all, we are a reflection of the outside world, right? The cold, dark days of winter represent a time for a much needed restoration. During the holiday season and into the new year, we're more likely to indulge in sweet treats, heavy, warming stews, and nourishing fats. The extra 5 pounds...

To remain healthy, we must make some changes in attitude, lifestyle, and wardrobe in order to start vata season fresh, cleansed, and vital. Ayurveda defines rutu sandhi as the transitioning between two seasons. Some seasonal changes come naturally, like wearing sweaters and vests and switching from iced drinks to warm beverages, while other changes like limiting raw foods and vigorous exercise may require guidance at first. During the fall season, the vata dosha is prone to imbalance. When Vata is provoked a person can feel anxious, nervous, stressed, scattered, or fearful and may notice constipation, gas, and bloating, dry, hard stools,...

For most people, the worst temptation is diet. When trying to lose weight or gain muscle, many of us become a little fanatical about what foods are good or bad for us. With any prescription, the only difference between a medicine and a poison is dosage. The same holds true for food. Digestion and nutrition are the cornerstones of Ayurveda. If you find yourself getting lost in the rules and rigidity when following an Ayurvedic diet, you are missing the point. Through experimentation, discover and explore what is right and wrong for your body at any given time. Avoid chasing...