Ayurveda & GLO - Energizing Body, Mind & Spirit

I’ve led a workshop recently at the ashram on Ayurveda(knowledge of science of life) and Dinacharya (Daily Routine).  It has been interesting to note that in a group of 40 people only 7 or 8 knew nothing about Ayurveda.  Considering I had never heard the word Ayurveda before 6 years ago, I’m continually reminded that my views and knowledge were quite limited.  

I’ve embraced Ayurveda and revised my lifestyle substantially, aligning more with yogic principles and Ayurvedic knowledge. It has been a natural flow somehow, and I’ve been compelled through my fascination with these two sciences of yoga and Ayurveda.  The results I’ve seen and transformation in my levels of peace and tranquility keep me practicing and staying on this path.  It was fun to share my experiences with others.

Interestingly, I’ve also been doing a 4-day “Gracious Living Detox Cleanse” with Grace Van Berkum that focuses on vegan and plant based raw foods.  This is my first ever cleanse of this type.  Grace’s story is fascinating, especially with regard to the impact she’s had on her father’s health issues - first with his cancer and recently helping him with Alzheimers and making great progress.  I encourage you to check out her website www.gracevanberkum.com 

The first day we had a delicious salad and chia seed smoothie (photo above) and then we had liquids on days 2 and 3.  Day 4 was a combination of liquids and for dinner a delicious salad.  Through this process I’ve learned more about the importance of Enzymes, which are obtained through raw foods and herbs.  I’ve also learned about the importance and discovered some new sources of Chlorophyll, Phytonutrients, Good Fats and Plant Proteins.

I hadn’t realized, for example, that in order for beans to be a complete protein, it was good to eat rice either with the beans or sometime during the day as the food sources work together.  I’ve also become a big fan of hemp seeds and learned about soaking seeds and beans to eliminate the gaseous feeling we often have after eating these foods.  Soaking seeds and nuts removes the invisible shell of enzyme inhibitors and other nutrition blockers inherent in nuts and seeds.  This allows for better digestion for humans.  Soaking for a few hours or overnight makes the raw nut come to life and makes it easier to digest.

Bee pollen as a source of protein was also new to me.  Soaking chia seeds in water or almond milk, again new to me, made delicious, easily digestible and healthy smoothies.  Our smoothies included a green food for enzymes and chlorophyll such as cucumbers, zucchini, basil or fresh mint and additional protein sources such as hemp seeds or hemp hearts (3-4 tablespoons is equivalent to a chicken breast in protein), pumpkin seeds or flax seeds, avocado or coconut flakes for good fats. Colorful vegetables and fruits provide phytonutrients.  Grace advises to limit fruit consumption.

We learned how to make almond or any nut or seed milk.  It is incredibly simple and delicious, plus inexpensive.  I am looking forward to blending this new knowledge of Grace’s 5 keys to good nutrition with my Ayurvedic principles and daily including them in my meal preparation.

Grace teaches that every meal should include these 5 elements in order to energize and have peak performance throughout your day.  The 5 elements increase vitamins, minerals, fiber and hydration in the system. And her recipes are absolutely delicious!!!! I encourage you to investigate Grace's Wellness center in Nicaragua and check out her website which has a wealth of knowledge and great recipes.
5 Elements for every meal
Enzymes
Cholorophyll
Phytonutrients
Good Fats
Plant Proteins

​Bon Appetit!

​Namaste
Loving Life and Living Love,
Mary