Ayurvedic Cooking: Basic To the Ayurveda Lifestyle

Ayurveda is the traditional medicine practiced in the Indian sub content as well as other parts of the world. Its practices are more than 5000 years old. It is believed to be the oldest healing science in existence. Gradually Ayurveda principles are being adapted to western medicine within the holistic and homeopathic community. The ancient philosophy and practices of Ayurveda has introduces new concepts in the west such as the use of herbal supplements, massage and Yoga.

It is still considered an alternative medicine for many, but it is known as the ‘science of life’ because it stresses balance and harmonious living. In Ayurveda the balance of the three Humors or Energies is seen as the regulating principles or Doshas that are most important for health.

The Doshas  

Vata (air and space) "wind", Pita (fire and water) "bile", and Kapha (water and earth) "phlegm", hold this balance. The Doshas remain unique to each individual, depending on body type; one may have more of one type and less on another. Balance mean eating foods, which the body is lacking. It is believed that vitality can be attained through moderation, good digestion, proper excretion and the elimination of toxins. Ayurveda also focuses on exercise, meditation, massage and yoga, as the body, mind and spirit need to be addressed both individually and in unison for one to enjoy good health.

In Ayurveda there are three kinds of toxins.

AMA, is the sticky waste product of digestion that builds up in the digestive tract when the system is weak or overloaded with the wrong types of foods.

When AMA is not cleared for the body it continues to build up, eventually leaving the digestive tract with toxins beginning to circulate through the entire body. Over time, AMA become reactive, mixing with the Subdoshas (body tissues) until they become Amavisha, which is more toxic than AMA.

Garavisha is the third type of toxin. It refers to the environmental toxins we take into our bodies. Some of these include pesticides, preservatives, genetically modified foods and chemical fertilizers in our food.

Signs of AMA buildup

*Stiff joints

*Feeling sleepy after eating

*A feeling of heaviness of the body

*Unpleasant body odor

*Mind in a fog

*Low immunity to colds and flu

*Joint pain

*Diarrhea or constipation

*Depression or sadness

Ayurveda warns that foods that are too heavy to digest, such fried foods, junk foods and processed foods can overload the digestion and cause AMA to form. There is a need to adjust eating habits with your body type or Dosha. Someone with a strong digestive system, usually associated the Dosha, Pitta, will be able to eat larger quantities of food without forming AMA. Vata body types will find that their appetite and digestion may fluctuate. Mental and emotional upset can also cause incomplete digestion and AMA.

Ayurverda cooking and lifestyle

Eat your main meal at noon when food is easily digested. Don’t snack between meals unless you are really hungry.

It is recommended that you wake before 6AM; sleeping late (6AM-10AM) can clog up your body channels with AMA.

Diet should consist of fresh organic vegetables, fruits, whole grains and easily digested proteins. Other foods such as yogurt containing acidophilus will provide a friendly bacterium that aids digestion. Dark green leafy vegetables improve elimination, detoxify and add chlorophyll. Remember to drink warm water to flush out toxins throughout the day.

Preparing Ayurveda meals

Determine you Ayurveda Dosha type, from the three body types or Doshas. Are you a Vata (space and air), Pitta (fire and water), or Kapha (water and earth)? If you can’t decide, you can consult an expert or take the, "What’s your Dosha quiz?"

http://www.whatsyourdosha.com/quiz/

When you know your Dosha, you can find balance.

Balance Vata’s airy, dryness with cooked foods such as puddings and soups.

Balance Pita’s heat with cooling foods such as milk shakes and fruit juices.

Balance Kapha’s heaviness and lack of motivation with steamed foods, cooked with very little oil.

How to make Ghee

Ghee is a popular and pure form of fat recommended in the Ayurveda diet. It stimulates the digestion and boosts the immune system.

Ingredients:

2 sticks of butter

Directions:

Simmer the butter in a pot on medium heat for about 10 or 15 minutes. The milk solids will begin to brown and caramelize, settling at the bottom. The transparent liquid that rises to the top is the Ghee. Strain the Ghee through a cheesecloth and store in a glass jar at room temperature. Use 1 teaspoon of Ghee with pasta, rice or bread. Do not refrigerate.

Ayurvedic recipe links

Eat Taste Heal: Ayuvedic Cookbook  http://www.eattasteheal.com/

AyurBalance  http://www.ayurbalance.com/explore_recipesindex2.htm

Joyful Belly  http://www.joyfulbelly.com/

Ayurveda wisdom and quotes

Let food be thy medicine, thy medicine shall be thy food.  Hippocrates

Happiness for me is largely a matter of digestion.  Lin Yutang

A physician is obligated to consider more than a diseased organ, more even than the whole man – he must view the man in his world.  Harvey Cushing

When diet is wrong medicine is of no use.

When diet is correct medicine is of no need.

Ayurvedic Proverb

Leave your drugs in the chemist’s pot if you can heal the patient with food. Hippocrates

Whatever relationships you have attracted in your life at this moment, are precisely the ones you need in your life at this moment. There is a hidden meaning behind all events, and this hidden meaning is serving your own evolution.

Deepak Chapra

There are only two ways to live your life. One, is as though there are no miracles. The other is as though everything is a miracle. Albert Einstein

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grow it under his feet. James Oppenheim

To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. Lao Tzu

Each indecision brings its own delays, and days are lost lamenting over lost days. What you can do or think you can do, begin it. For boldness has magic, power, and genius in it. Johann Wolfgang Van Goethe

We cannot tell what may happen to us in this strange medley of life. But we can decide what happens in us—how we take it, what we do with it—That is what really counts in the end. Joseph Fort Newton