Vegetarian Balance

It’s summer and  you’re  hot and thirsty. What would you prefer – a glass of   (ice)-cold water or one that is at room temperature or even slightly warm?

In Ayurveda,  drinking  water at room temperature or slightly warm throughout the day  is known to be the best way to hydrate quickly. You don’t need to use extra energy to bring the water up to its temperature so it is more quickly absorbed by your body.

Also do you like drinking cold water with or immediately after a meal? And do you feel tired after eating?

Cold water slows down the digestive process that has just started by

• diluting your digestive juices so  they cannot do their job as effectively.
• requiring the energy used for digestion to be used to bring the temperature of the resultant liquid in your stomach to body temperature.

The result is partly or undigested food that moves through the digestive system and that  may or may not be eliminated properly. You may also feel heavy, tired and bloated.

Proper elimination is important to prevent the build up of waste material in the intestine because such a build up creates toxins and stops nutrients from being assimilated into the body.

If you’re thirsty during or after your meal, it is better to have a warm drink, for example warm water, herbal tea like ginger or tulsi, and then not more than about half a cup.  Ideally wait until an hour after eating to have a warm drink or drink about a hour before eating

Exercise:

1. For one week avoid drinking anything during your meals or sip half a cup of herbal tea.
2. Note down how you feel after each meal.
3. Post your comments and experiences below!

Are you drinking enough? Find out here .

Being able to enjoy the sun in the summer is great. The light lifts our spirits, our body can make plenty of Vitamin D and we’re just generally more relaxed.

In Ayurveda we know that the heat of the summer can also be a negative source of stimulation. We are typically much more active because of our increased energy levels and all this action produces heat within our bodies (fine as long as we don’t overheat!). What’s more, the general race to get as much done before going away on holiday can easily result in hot tempers etc.

We can use Ayurvedic nutritional knowledge to keep cool.

Let me share my 9 top nutritional tips to keep both body and mind refreshed and alert this summer.

• cooling spices and plenty of fresh green herbs, for example, fennel and coriander seeds, mint, basil
• more green or pale (white) fresh fruits, vegetables and salads
• cereals and grains like rice, barley or millet

Drink

• plenty of (non-sparkling) water (at room temperature or slightly warm) throughout the day to hydrate even more quickly
• at least one glass of water for each hour you are in the air on any flight to and from your holiday destination
• lots of refreshing herbal teas such as mint and fennel

Cool down

• by avoiding coffee, alcohol (especially on flights!)
• with a refreshing rosewater face/body spray
• by practising gentle yoga, walking or breathing exercises

Fancy receiving nutritional tips like these on a regular basis? Get my free report “5 nutritional keys to vitality in your life” (sign up box in right-hand column) and I’ll add you to my list for nutritional information.

Many clients whom I see have a goal to achieve a desired weight. One of the main issues they have which stops them from moving forward with their goal is their limiting belief about food and, in particular, food cravings.

A short time ago I was fortunate to meet and interview AnaMaria Herrera, an expert in the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). She has created a system to deal with food cravings and outlines five key points that can help individuals successfully to achieve their desired weight.

1. Have a mentor – a professional who has expertise and can guide you to achieve your health goals
2. Find other people like yourself who want to achieve same goal as you
   (watch your inbox for  details of a Nutri-Jyoti group I’m setting up to help you find a “buddy” and to get support from me and others in the Nutri-Jyoti Community) Start using a technique to work on limiting beliefs
3. Engage in movement or exercise that you enjoy
4. Educate yourself about eating and food choices

To discover more about EFT and this exciting system (iamcravingfree.com) to help you reach your health and weight goals, click on the play button to listen to the interview. (Do let me know if you have any problems.)

Phone interview with AnaMaria Herrera, Agent EFT
Feel free to share your thoughts on this post with me below.