Pathyaahar

Vagus Nerve Stimulation is a new trend going around on the internet right now. Swipe Right to understand what it means! 🙌🏻

Traditionally and culturally, we never followed the Gregorian Calender. All of our festivals and celebrations are based on various auspicious tithis, nakshatras, changes in the cycles of sun & moon, changing of different seasons etc.
Make your New Year Resolutions in April and not on 31st December. 😉✨️❤️

Share if you learnt something new! 🙌🏻

❌️ You cannot exercise your way out of a bad diet! ❌️

Apart from the obvious factors of unhealthy food habits, erratic lifestyle, and irregular sleep patterns - these are some factors that contribute to conception issues globally.

How many of these are you guilty of? 🙊

Wishing everyone a very Happy Janmashtami! 🪈🦚

Krishna is referred to as 'Makhan Chor'. Here are a few benefits of our age old makhan, i.e. white butter:

1. Yellow butter contains excess salt, trans fats, sugars and colouring agents whereas Makhan contains neither of these and is rich in nutrients like vitamins A, E and D.

2. Calories - There are various ‘low or no calorie’ butters/spreads in the market, but they contain hidden synthetic fats which can still lead to weight gain. Home made makhan is only healthy fats!

3. Higher brain activity: It contains Arachidonic Acid (AA), which leads to better brain function and activity. Growing children in the olden times were always encouraged to eat makkhan with parathas. Krishna always stole makkhan as a child and ate it - which also signifies that it is an important part of a child's diet.

4. Makhan contains lecithin, a substance which helps in the burning & assimilation of fats in the body. To reduce the bad fats, you need the good fats! Lecithin is used in various fat burner supplements.

5. Healthy skin & hair: It contains essential antioxidants, good fats and vitamin A & E, which can clear up your skin. Helps in the elasticity of skin & gives it a natural glow. It nourishes the hair strands and gives it shine. Ghee works the same way!

6. Lubricates joints: Because of it's molecular structure which can assimilate fat, it acts as a great lubricant for joints & tissues. Same is the effect of ghee!

7. Good for Bones - Contains Vit D & calcium. The good fats help in the assimilation of Vit D.

8. Contains a compound called Stigamsterol - which helps reverse the calcification of joints.

9. It contains Glycophospholipid which helps protect the lining of the intestines and prevent various gastrointestinal issues.

10. It is recommend by Ayurveda in various Vatta & Pitta related disorders.

Have a generous dollop of makhan with your millet rotis! 🤍

Our ancestors were great Geographists and Climatologists. All food items we eat during festivals were designed according to the changing weather & seasons.

Ghevar is eaten predominantly in Rajasthan, Haryana & North India on the festival of Teej. It's a famous sweet dish. Teej comes around in Monsoons during the Shravan & Bhadarwa months which are extremely humid, hot and drying.

This dessert is drenched in ghee and sugar syrup to achieve the perfect sponginess. Ghee & Sugar help pacify the Vata & Pitta that rise during the rains making it a perfect monsoon sweet. Ghee and sugar help combat the drying & heating weather. It's sweet, dense and cooling properties help balance both the doshas.

Such an interesting sweet! 😋

August 1st to 7th is celebrated as the World Breastfeeding Week to celebrate & promote breastfeeding.

Why is Breastfeeding important?

• The breast milk contains antibodies that help a newborn fight infections, as the baby has no immune system developed yet

• It is a perfect mix of all nutrients - contains the right amount of protein, fat, carbs, vitamins & minerals needed by the baby

• Breastfeeding lowers the baby’s risk of developing Asthama, allergies, ear infections, respiratory illnesses and diarrhoea. In general, it will mean lesser visits to the doctor and lesser hospitalisations

• Breastfeeding has been linked to higher IQ scores in the later school life of children

• Breastfed infants are more likely to gain the right amount of weight and not be overweight children as they grow up

• The Skin to Skin contact helps the baby bond with the mother and feel safe & secure

• Breastfeeding help the mother lose all the extra fat gained during pregnancy

• All the extra weight gained is converted into calories to be used up for milk production

• Natural birth control for the mother - prolactin hormone (helps milk secretion) inhibits ovulation. This is a referred to as lacteal amenorrhea - absence of period during lactation. This reduces the chances of getting pregnant again while breastfeeding

• Breastfeeding helps the release of oxytocin, which helps the uterus return to its pre pregnancy size and reduces the risk of uterine bleeding after birth

• Breast feeding also lowers your risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It lowers your risk of osteoporosis too.

Benefits of breastfeeding are unmatched for the baby & the mother and formulas can never replace them. Always encourage new mothers to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months, continued up to 2 years along with solid foods.

Whether you have high blood sugar or not, these tips will benefit everybody. ✨️

2023 New Year Resolution - Nervous System Regulation! 🌱✨️

Sarson Ka Saag & Makke ki Roti!

• Sarson is mixed with Bathua, Raddish leaves, Palak and other greens. These green leafy vegetables are rich in Vit A, C, E, K.

• The generous dollop of fresh, home made makkhan on top of the subzi & roti helps with the absorption of all these vitamins.

• Rich in Antioxidants & minerals like Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc, Calcium etc - very good for people with low Haemoglobin, good for bones & teeth, immunity booster, improves eyesight, fights inflammation, anti cancer property and boots hair & skin health.

• Very good for menopausal & post menopausal women.

• All the bhajis are also rich in fiber which makes it very good for the digestive system as well.

• Full fat makkhan with it ensures warmth & strength throughout the winter. The good fats are important - give a glow to your skin, prevent drying of hair & skin from within. So don't be a health nut and remove the ghee/makkhan from everything.

Corn & Sarson, grown abundantly in the foothills of Himalayas, make a delicious & nutritious combination together!

Fix your basics first! ✨️

Suryanamaskar or the Sun Salutations is the most intelligently designed Aasan.

Forward bends teach you how to let go, to loosen up and to let your energy flow.

Backward bends pull you back and teach you control. They teach you to make yourself heard & taken seriously.

A balance of both these qualities are required in life. Suryanamaskar brings Emotional Stability and the reason is because this Aasan is a perfect balance of both foward & backward bends. This aasan has a wonderful ability to customize its effect on you, depending on your body type and needs.

Do it with proper breathing and Kumbhak (holding your breath in between aasans) and this Aasan becomes a Pranayam! Quite a multi faceted Aasan in all senses!

Winters are a great time to practice Suryanamaskars as they bring about warmth in the body and make you feel energized. Start today! ❤️

If you read on the internet, exercising during periods is recommended as a way to relieve cramps. There is no "scientific evidence" supporting the claim that you shouldn't workout during periods. Here's the Ayurveda take on it.

• Vata - the element of air & space governs circulation & movement of the body. There are various kinds of Vayu, one of which is called Apan Vayu.

• Apan Vayu governs the downward flow of air and is responsible for elimination of f***s, urine as well as menstrual blood in women.

• Whenever we workout or do any physical activity (dancing, hiking, cycling, gym) during our period cycle, it disturbs the flow of Apan Vayu in our body. Exercise increases the Vayu in our body, leading to dryness & depletion.

• A disturbance in Vayu will lead to painful periods, cramps, constipation etc and in the long run leads to various reproductive organ diseases. It affects fertility as well.

• Imagine if you were bleeding from any other visible part of your body. You would sit and rest, right?

• Female bodies undergo a mini detoxification each month during their menstrual cycles. It is very important to relax and rest during your period. There is a reason why you feel like slowing down during your cycles. Doing heavy physical activity is counter productive, even if you don't feel so during the moment!

• Feminie wisdom is learning to listen to your intuition and celebrating your body. It is not trying to be masculine, brave and strong all the time. Even if you experience no pain or discomfort during your periods, you still have to rest and take it easy at least the first 3 days. Light yoga or walking is fine, but nothing else!

• Our digestive power also goes down during periods. Eating light, easy to digest food is recommended. Have warm soups, khichdi, rice konjee, herbal teas and curl up with a book. Sleep early, get the much needed rest and honor your womb wisdom by slowing down! ❤️

....And so much more. These are some of the common feedbacks/changes I see in all clients that I consult. The journey of weight loss is so much more than just the weight itself! 💕

Navratri comes just after Pitru Paksh, during Sharad Ritu.

Sharad Ritu is the time when all the previously accumulated Pitta comes out. This is the season for removal of excess Pitta and treating it's related disorders.

Navratri is followed by Sharad Poonam wherein people eat doodh poha or fruits left overnight under the moonlight and sit under the moonlight - moon rays are cooling and help pacify Pitta.

During Navratri fasts, people will avoid Eggs, Meat and cut out Salt or have little bit of rock salt - all of which increases heat (Pitta) in the body.

Fasting detoxifies the system and removes Ama or the toxins from the body.

Fasting is not recommended when it's too hot or too cold outside - Navratri comes in at a time when it's neither too hot nor too cold. Your Agni is relatively low and fasting gives your body adequate rest & rejuvenation.

Fasting helps strengthen the immune system and prepare the body for the upcoming winters as well. This is also the time when most people have seasonal allergies, catch a cold etc.

It is a strategically placed fast in accordance to the changing weather & seasons.

P.S. Do not fast if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, perform high intensity workouts, underweight, have any gut issues or any other disease conditions. Consult an Ayurvedic doctor and do it only under supervision.

• Our bodies produce a hormone called Melatnonin. It is responsible for sleep cycle regulation and boosts hair growth.

• Melatonin starts shooting up after sunset. When your eyes get heavy, droopy and you start yawning - its all because of Melatonin. Your body is signaling you to go to bed. The ideal time to sleep is between 9-10pm so you're in a state of deep sleep by 2-3am, wherein the body can produce all necessary hormones, enzymes and repair & rejuvenate itself.

• When we stay up late, the production of this hormone is affected. Lesser melatonin production leads to hair loss & hair thinning.

• Late nights and shorter sleep cycles lead to increased stress levels, inflammation and hormone disregulation leading to Telogen Effluvium Hair Loss.

• Lack of sleep and tiredness weakens the hair follicles and leads to hairfall.

• Staying up late increases Pitta in the body - which leads to early graying of hair and hair fall. It also increases Vata - which leads to dryness, dullness and breakage of hair.

Want a head full of shiny, thick & strong hair? Go to bed by 10pm.

🌱 DM/Email for personalized meal plans and nutrition guidance! 🌱

Wishing everyone a very Happy Janmashtami!

Krishna is referred to as 'Makhan Chor'. With the demonizing of fats by the weight loss industry, people have started cutting out ghee & makhan from their diets as well. Butter, oil, ghee makhan are clubbed together and presented as artery clogging, unhealthy foods. But makhan and ghee are nothing like yellow butter/margarine/oils or other saturdated fats!

Here are a few benefits of our age old makhan, i.e. white butter:

1. Yellow butter contains excess salt, trans fats, sugars and colouring agents. Makhan contains neither of these and is rich in nutrients like vitamins A, E and D.

2. Calories - There are various ‘low or no calorie’ butters/spreads in the market, but they contain hidden synthetic fats which can still lead to weight gain. Home made makhan is only healthy fats!

3. Higher brain activity: It contains Arachidonic Acid (AA), which leads to better brain function and activity. Growing children in the olden times were always encouraged to eat makkhan with parathas. Krishna always stole makkhan as a child and ate it - which also signifies that it is an important part of a child's diet.

4. Makhan contains lecithin, a substance which helps in the burning & assimilation of fats in the body. To reduce the bad fats, you need the good fats! Lecithin is used in various fat burner supplements.

5. Healthy skin & hair: It contains essential antioxidants, good fats and vitamin A & E, which can clear up your skin. Helps in the elasticity of skin & gives it a natural glow. It nourishes the hair strands and gives it shine. Ghee works the same way!

6. Lubricates joints: Because of it's molecular structure which can assimilate fat, it acts as a great lubricant for joints & tissues. Same is the effect of ghee!

7. Good for Bones - Contains Vit D & calcium. The good fats help in the assimilation of Vit D.

8. Contains a compound called Stigamsterol - which helps reverse the calcification of joints.

9. It contains Glycophospholipid which helps protect the lining of the intestines and prevent various gastrointestinal issues.

10. Recommend by Ayurveda in various Vatta & Pitta related disorders.

As per Hindu calender, Shravan Maas marks the arrival of South West Monsoon and this month is dedicated to worshipping lord Shiva. Samudramanthan took place during this month, which earned Shiva the name 'Neelkanth'.

As per Ayurveda, Monsoon season is when our digestive fire is the lowest. This season is typically dedicated to fasting, detoxing & cleansing of the body. It is a time of rest, devotion & introspection.

• Eating easy to digest, light and cooked food with good fats like ghee is advisable during this time.

• Avoid Green Leafy Vegetables and cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce etc as the muddy rain water & insects contaminate them. These are astringent, hence they also increase Vata. Avoid nightshade vegetables, especially brinjals as worms infest them.

• Monsoon is also the time when most animals mate and breed, hence a lot of Hindu communities will avoid Eggs & Meat for the period of rains.

• Avoid cold foods, cold beverages and anything that is too sour or drying in nature. Drink warm water and sip on Ginger Tea for a good digestion.

• Limit curd and consume buttermilk. Consume dairy in small amounts as it is heavy to digest.

• Alternate grains like Kuttu, Samo, Shingoda, Rajgeera etc are eaten in the form of thalipeet, puris etc with sweet potato bhaji.

• Sattu is a great way to fulfill protein needs. Make a paratha or have a ladoo.

A must read for all women!

Even if you don't suffer from any hormonal imbalance and simply use birth control pills as a method of contraception - read this!

There are various other forms of contraceptives available that will not impact your health negatively - choose those. You do not and should not go on the pill just for a few minutes of pleasure! Make an informed decision. ❤

Ayurveda places utmost importance on our digestive fire - Agni. Or in simple words, our digestive system or the gut. How much to eat, what to eat, when to eat is not just decided by the weather, seasons, time of the day etc but also the strength of your Agni.

A concept that doesn't exist at all in western medicine. It believes in zero food restrictions whereas Ayurvedic treatments always have food restrictions differing from person to person, based on their individual needs & condition.

When a person has a Mand (slow/poor) Agni (digestive fire), the food he or she eats is not digested properly.

These undigested food particles turn into Ama(toxins) and cause various diseases in the body.

Sounds so simple, doesn't it? So simple that some people might not even believe it. But it is true, everything begins from your food, digestion & your gut. The littlest of your health problems to the gravest ones.

A lot diseases are now being linked to the gut, altered gut microbiome etc. More and more research is linking poor gut health to poor health status overall. Something Ayurveda said thousands of years ago.

You are not what you eat, rather you are what you digest. Do not ignore your even smallest gut issues - acidity, bloating, gas, constipation, indigestion, heaviness etc. It is only the little things that lead to bigger things.

CURD MYTHS & FACTS!

So much debate about curd on the internet - Health Coaches will tell you there's no data to prove that eating curd at night is harmful while your nani/dadi will not let you eat it because you'll "catch a cold".

So who is right? The answer is Both. Let me explain why.

• Your trainer/dietitian/coach is right because there is no data to proving that eating curd is harmful at night. No one's bothered to study it that way because modern science doesn't belive in this concept.

• What your Nani/Dadi is saying is also correct - it has its base in Ayurveda. IT'S NOT SUPERSTITIOUS OR BLIND BELIEF. Poor grandmother's only fault is that she isn't aware that the knowledge that has been passed down to her, has its roots in Ayurveda, so she can't give you an explanation like the fancy coaches of today. She has no papers to "back up her claim".

• Curd is both Pitta & Kapha increasing. When you eat it after sunset, it is not only very difficult to digest, it increases Kapha in the body or the mucus - and cold is a disease of the Kapha. You have secretions coming out of your nose & throat, right?

• It is hot - not cooling! We just store it in the fridge and it's cold in taste, it's effect inside your body is heating. That's why you'll be asked to avoid it in all Pitta/inflammatory disorders.

• Curd is heavy and clogs your channels. It is not meant for everyday consumption, diluted Buttermilk is. Chaach is easier to digest. Don't blindly have katoris of curd with your meals for balancing the "protein" in it, especially for dinner.

• Now whether you choose to go by Modern Science rules or Ayurvedic rules, is your choice but nothing makes me more furious than people labeling our ancient wisdom as "superstitious" and "unscientific".

• When on their periods, most females experience cramping and pain. This will further worsen because of sugary and cold food items & beverages.

• Cold foods constrict your blood vessels and tense your up muscle walls. This can lead to increased muscle cramping.

• Sugar increases inflammation in the body which will worsen PMS symptoms, mood swings and lead to increased cramping.

• Avoid cold, sugary foods like milkshakes, ice creams, desserts, sherbats etc when on your period. Don't drown yourself in sweets when on your period. Eat as much light, home cooked food as possible.

• Instead go for warm, easy to digest, cooked food and sip on warm water throughout the day.

• Breakfast is literally breaking the fast - you have fasted overnight and hence you're breaking it in the morning

• It is the most important meal of the day because your body is starved and is ready to receive food. The body is in a catabolic state and is craving for good nutrition

• Cortisol, a stress hormone, naturally rises in the morning and stays elevated unless you eat a good breakfast.

• If you dont eat in the morning, your body will break down muscle to replenish itself

• There have been studies where skipping breakfast has shown to have disrupted cortisol rhythm in participants

• If our cortisol levels are not properly balanced, we can experience highs and lows at the wrong times. If levels are high when they’re not supposed to be, it can make us feel stressed, anxious tensed and alert, leading to insomnia, anxiety, and even increased belly-fat. If the levels are low at the wrong time, we can feel fatigued, lethargic and demotivated.

• Breakfast helps regulate your metabolism, balance your blood sugar levels and prevents cravings throughout the day

• There have been researches on skipping breakfast and it's effects. Studies have found that skipping breakfast increases the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, CVDs etc

• People who skip breakfasts have larger lunches & dinners, tend to have more cravings and binging throughout the day, increased need for tea & coffee, stimulants etc

• The very first meal of the day will decide how you eat and feel the entire day. It sets the tone for the rest of the day.

• Pls don't have namkeen, packaged cereals, dry snacks, outside snacks, chevda etc for breakfast. Have hot, fresh, home made breakfast. It doesn't have to be super heavy, just nutritious and home made.

An important read for everyone! ⚠️

Most people think weight loss is about numbers. The number on the weighing scale should go down. But that is not true. Swipe to read and understand why!

Aam Panna- The famous Mango Drink of summers. Also know as Baflo in Gujarati.

Benefits of Aam Panna are:

1) Foremost quality is that it restores and balances the electrolyte balance of the body- aam panna has both sugar & salt. It is a hydrating drink which also prevents the loss of necessary nutrients like Iron.
•Mango is full of Vitamin C and it is is very important for absorption of Iron.

2) It is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, Vitamin C and Iron.
• 1 glass of aam panna is said to meet your daily requirement of Iron.

3) Good for Brain Health.

4) Jaggery, Mint & Jeera (cumin seeds) are added to this drink.
•Mango by nature is “hot” fruit- meaning it might increase heat in the body but Jaggery and Mint neutralise it and cool down the body.
•Sugar has the same cooling effect as well.
• Jeera promotes digestion and is a carminative substance.
So the drink with all of its ingredients make it perfect!

5) It is rich in a substance know as Pectin- which helps fight all kinds of Digestive issues.

6) It strengthens the Immune system and is good for our Eyes as it is rich in Vitamin A.

Seasonal Fruit Alert 🚨 - Ice Apples or Palm fruit - known as Taad Fal in Hindi and Taad Goda in Gujarati.

It is the most hydrating and refreshing fruit of summer season- especially when picked fresh from the tree.

Benefits of Taad Fal are:

1) Excellent coolant for the body, regulates body temperature & quenches thirst in summers.

2) Packed with minerals- especially Sodium & Potassium which helps maintain electrolyte balance in the body & prevents dehydration.

3) Natural remedy in all digestive issues- constipation, stomach ulcers, bloating, nausea, acidity etc. Soothes the stomach & promotes bowel movement.

4) Rich in several photochemical (antioxidants)- has an Anti- Inflammatory effect on the body, boosts Skin health & prevents cancers.

5) A low calorie, watery fruit - it helps loose weight while keeping you satiated & hydrates at the same time.

6) Rich in Potassium- helps flush out toxins & promote Liver health.

3 popular mango myths busted!

1. Does mango cause acne?
Yes it can. But there's a way to eat it which will prevent the acne - soak the mango overnight in water before you consume it. This breaks down the anti nutrient substances in it and reduces its heating property. Add a little ghee to your Aam Ras before you have it. Add a pinch of black pepper on mango if it causes indigestion or gas. If you experience breakouts because of mango, add in some cooling foods like Black Raisins, Saunf, Gulkand, Corriander seeds etc to your diet.

2. Does mango make you gain weight?
Mango is a calorie rich fruit yes, but it's the not the fruit that is at fault. Lack of exercise and an unhealthy lifestyle is what makes you gain weight. Too much of anything is bad - if you eat 4 mangoes a day and do absolutely no physical activity, yes you will gain weight! Eat the whole fruit instead of a mango milkshake, smoothie, mango ice creams and kulfi etc if you have a sedentary lifestyle.

3. Can diabetics have mangoes?
Yes absolutely, but in moderation. It falls in between low - moderate GI foods. Don't have it along with your meals, don't have a huge amount at once. Eat 4 slices pre workout or before you go for a walk or as a mid meal. As long as you don't overindulge, you'll be fine!