Understanding the principles of Ayurveda has helped me through out my life in a number of occasions to bring my health and wellness back into a state of balance by understanding the interplay of elements with in my self.
It has also supported me to coach others to do the same.
Eating with the seasons, and your environmental climate is central to Ayurveda.
When it’s hot outside you focus on eating foods that are cooling, raw and refreshing to counterbalance the heat outside.
When it’s cold outside we focus on warming foods that are richer and spicier that support our respiratory health and our bodies need to stay warm and nourished.
We make choices of food according to our individual constitutional needs as well as to the weather outside which impacts our inner weather.
Another wisdom tradition of nutritional healing is the Living Foods Movement Pioneered by Ann Wigmore followed by and spread by her disciple David Sandoval.
I have recently been studying under David Sandoval incorporating this system of nutrition into my practice.
This system recognizes the value of wheatgrass and greens as a foundations for a healthy alkalinized circulatory system that is oxygenated by ample amounts of chlorophyll.
Living Foods System Incorporates:
Seed Sprouts: Sprouts may refer to a number of vegetable or plant beans after they are soaked and begin to grow. The most common sprouts that people regularly use in cooking are alfalfa, brocoli, and mung bean sprouts, as well as various other types of bean and micro green sprouts.
- Alfalfa Green Sprouts.
- Broccoli Sprouts.
- Clover Sprouts.
- Mung Bean Sprouts.
- Wheat Sprouts.
- Radish Sprouts.
- Mustard Sprouts.
The health benefits of sprouts make up quite an impressive list, and they include the ability to improve the digestive process, boost the metabolism, increase enzymatic activity throughout the body, prevent anemia, aid in weight loss, lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, boost skin health, improve vision, support the immune system, and increase usable energy reserves.
The reason that so many people turn to sprouts as a source of food is that they contain a significantly higher amount of vitamins and nutrients not present in the un-sprouted form.
Typically, a week after germination, the sprouts will have the highest concentration and bioavailability of nutrients.
Seeds contain a packed storehouse of all the important nutrients that a plant will need to grow in its initial days, so those tiny caps are filled with important organic compounds, vitamins, and minerals that our body can also utilize.
Eating Living Fermented or Cultured Foods:
Eating fermented (or “cultured”) foods is the most convenient way to obtain a daily dose of beneficial probiotic bacteria to support overall health by improving digestion and cognitive function, boosting immunity, helping treat irritable bowel disease, providing minerals that build bone density, helping fight allergies, and killing harmful yeast and microbes that cause issues like candida.
Common Fermented Foods Are:
- Water Kefir
- Kombucha
- Sauerkraut
- Pickles
- Miso
- Tempeh
- Kvass
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Kimchi
- Rejuvelac
When a food is fermented, it means that it’s left to sit and steep until the sugars and carbs, or salts that the food naturally contains interact with bacteria, yeast and microbes to change the chemical structure of the food.
The fermentation of foods such as vegetables, fruit and herbs is also a great way to preserve them for a longer period of time and make their nutrients more bioavailable (absorbable).
Rejuvelac: is a drink made from cultured wheat berries or other ancient grains that contains a high level of enzymes, it aids in digestion and rejuvenation. Replaces the enzymes which are destroyed when food is cooked. It is also filled with vitamins B, C, and E, and contains friendly bacteria necessary for maintaining a healthy colon, and eliminating toxins from the body.
Cool Air Dehydration: Dehydrating food at low temperatures under 80 degrees preserves enzymes and nutrients we then powder and crystalize the fruits and vegetables to create easy to use, live food powders to add to smoothies, sautés, soups, and to use as toppings, seasonings, and treats that can satisfy cravings for cooked foods, enhancing flavors and nutritional value of dishes, Dehydrated foods travel well and are perfect for busy on the go lifestyles.
Nut and Seed Paté: A nut or seed paté is a very versatile item in a living food menu. It is a busy person’s friend. Patés can be made in minutes and in many variations. paté is made by using different soaked nuts, adding different herbs, spices, or fresh vegetables. Add cilantro, lime and chili powder and or cumin for a Mexican flavor, dulse flakes or other seaweed for a seafood flavor, or curry for an Asian flavor.
Healthy Treats: Low in sugars and starches. Made Of mostly fruits, soaked chia seeds, nut or nut milk, cool air dehydrated super food powders are a staple.
Living Foods are Preferably Grown At Beyond Organic Label Standards…
and consumed within one hour of harvesting when possible so that the enzyme and life force remains intact.
Cool air dehydration and powdering allows the foods to maintain the integrity of the nutrients while making the foods shelf stable while locking in nutrients, more bioavailable and digestible, easily available to add into different recipes.
Living Foods Are Vegan Since They Are Plant Based.
Living Foods are prepared in ways that makes them easier for the body to fully digest and then assimilate and extract optimal nourishment. Living Foods include young greens from grasses, leafs, and sea plants; sprouted nuts, seeds, and grains; cultured preparations; and dehydrated foods. Wheat and other grass juices adds an unparalleled level of nutrition, vitality, and health.
With the added wisdom of Ayurveda and the understanding of elemental energetics in each fruit, vegetable, nut, seed, spice and herb we can go a step further to customize a dietary protocol for each individual integrating Ayurvedic and Living Food Principles Into what I call a form of Holistic Nutrition.
When you engage in Holistic Nutrition Consulting with me:
- You will learn basic nutritional terms that allows you to make better food choices wherever you are
- Incorporate natural and beyond organic foods that uplevel your quality of cellular nutrition, improve your energy levels and keep you at a healthy weight
- Overcome obstacles in practicing holistic nutrition such as sugar and junk food cravings and addictions
- Create simple holistic menus that make your life easy when preparing nutritious food
- Develop a customized holistic diet plan that is geared towards assisting your specific health conditions
- Address the role of natural holistic herbs, foods and supplements by understanding the latest nutritional studies for you to learn to make the best choices for your needs
Food not only provides the energy needed to function in our daily lives but constantly supplies the nutrients which are required to build and regenerate body tissue, bone, muscle, fat and blood. The nutrients in food are also necessary to produce substances for the chemical processes that take place in our bodies millions of times a day.
Make the best choices to embody your best self after all you are what you eat !
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