Spring Clean Your Body With Ayurveda!

When the Spring season comes around, the liver can become congested with fat as the begins its own natural detoxification cycle. In order to assist the body we can aid in the purge of fat soluble toxins, flush bile and encourage weight loss in the process. The following list of foods is a great resource for you to complete your own detoxification regimen in the comfort of your own home. Try adding these foods to your diet for at least 5 days and take note of the difference in your body. Good luck and Happy Spring Cleaning!

To Drink

Drink plenty of Warm Water or CCF Tea through out the day. This will help to flush toxins out of the body through your urine.

Eat Ama-Reducing Foods

Ama are toxins that build up in the body due to an improper lifestyle or diet. Too much Ama provides a fertile breeding ground for disease. The foods listed below will help to reduce the Ama building in your body.

• Fruits – Grapefruit, Lemon

• Vegetables – Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Radish, Daikon Radish

• Beans – Green Beans, Chickpeas, Black Beans, Pinto Beans, Lentils, Navy Beans

• Bitter Greens – Kale, Chard, Collards, Sprouts, Asparagus, Arugula, Dandelion, Fresh Parsley, Fresh Tarragon

• Grains – Quinoa, Barley, Millet

• Protein – Pumpkin Seeds, Fish, Poultry

• Spices – Turmeric, Fresh Ginger, Raw Chopped Scallions

• Oils – Uncooked Olive Oil

Foods to Eliminate

• Refined sugar and flour products

• Canned, leftover, processed, and microwaved foods

• Fermented foods, including pickles and vinegar

• Fried foods

• Alcohol

• Caffeine

Hello September, Hello Fall!

The month of September ushers in the Fall season. Children return to school, the sun sets sooner, the leaves begin to change color and a chill sets in the air. September is the time of harvest when we can enjoy the summer’s hard labor. Fall is alive with color and inspiration, warmth from the fire and long walks through Apple Orchards and Pumpkin Patches. The days of eating astringent foods will subside and we begin to eat warm soups which soothe the Vata Dosha.

Climate

The climate of September may be a shock to the body. Chilly mornings, hot midday sun, and brisk nights can aggravate Vata. In order to prepare, one must dress for the occasion. It’s time to put away flip flops and bathing suits and bring out those sweaters and scarves. Keeping your layers handy is key to help your body adjust to the sudden shift in the evenings.

September For Kapha

Kapha Dosha is balanced by the light, dry nature of fall. They are energized by the change of season that September brings. They will be inspired and focused as the heaviness of summer will no longer bog them down. Kapha Dosha should resist sedentary activities (like naps) and engage in the mobile nature of fall to reach optimal health.

September For Pitta

September is a welcome respite from the heat for Pitta Dosha. Now is the time to clear out all of the excess Pitta that was built up during the summer. Pitta types can be aggravated by the light, cool nature of fall. Therefore they must focus on becoming grounded and finding routine. The most important consideration is to try not to allow yourself to heat up to much. Avoid hot baths and aggressive workouts. For Pitta, fall is the time for relaxation. Take advantage.

September For Vata

Fall, like Vata Dosha, is dry, erratic, cool, subtle and clear; this is why Fall is considered Vata season. In order to balance Vata in September they must ground themselves with warmth, hydration, oiliness, stability and routine. It

is important to eat substantial foods in order to maintain your reserve of moisture; foods that are rich with fat, oil and spice. Vata Doshas should be careful not to fill their days with activity and become flighty as their Dosha is wont to do. They should make time for meditation and to relax.

Herbs for September

Ashwagandha - An aptogen for combating stress, calms the mind and promotes restful sleep, promotes proper function of the adrenals, increases energy and vitality.

Chyavanprash - Promotes proper function of the immune system, healthy metabolism, and rejuvenates the mind and body.

Licorice - promotes clear breathing and proper function of the lungs as well as soothes the mucous membranes and stomach lining.

September Diet

The diet for September is reminiscent of an animal preparing for hibernation. Now is the time to eat hearty, rich foods. Your meals during the day should consist of cooked grains, soups and stews, meat and eggs. For people who eat dairy, this is a great time to enjoy it. This is also the time to reduce raw and frozen vegetables as well as light, cooling and drying foods i.e. foods with too much Vata in them. Eating foods like popcorn would be counter intuitive to balancing your digestion for the season.

This September, remember that balance can be achieved if you stay grounded and maintain a schedule for yourself. A gradual adjustment in your body, like the leaves in trees, is the best way to transition between Summer and Fall. Enjoy the change of seasons and remember to stay warm.

Falling Leaves of October

The chilled air rushes past your face as the burnt orange leaves rustle past your feet. You walk under the dark night sky as the stars twinkle above your head. October is finally upon us, a time to soothe the Vata in you. October is a month of harvest and ghost stories, of little ghouls and tiny princesses. Family celebrations become more frequent and keeping our bodies nourished is a priority.

Ayurveda teaches us that we must be balanced. In order to maintain balance during the fall season, it's important to create and maintain a schedule. The weather during October can be unpredictable, the change of the sunset against the time can throw your bodies rhythm off, and getting back into the swing of work and school can make you feel sluggish. Keep a constant schedule in order to assist your bodies natural balance. Rise with the sun, eat your meals at the same time each day, eat an early dinner. Mind your Dosha.

October is a cool, dry month; it shares the same characteristics as Vata Dosha. That’s why the the fall is the Vata season. The best way to soothe Vata Dosha during this time of year is to stay hydrated and eat foods that are warm, oily, heavy and build immunity (ojas). Now is the time to trade in your salads for soups and your fresh fruit for pureed fruit.

Pumpkin is a seasonal vegetable that is delicious when made into a soup. It’s creamy, hydrating, and warms up your insides.

Pumpkin Soup Recipe

• 2.4 lb pumpkin (any) , unpeeled weight (Note 1)

• 1 onion, sliced (white, brown, yellow)

• 2 garlic cloves , peeled whole

• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth , low sodium

• 1 cup 250 ml water

• Salt and pepper

• 1/2 - 3/4 cup cream or half and half

1. Cut the pumpkin into 2.25" slices. Cut the skin off, scrape seeds out, cut into chunks.

2. Place the pumpkin, onion, garlic, broth and water in a pot - liquid won't cover all the pumpkin. Bring to a boil, uncover, then reduce heat and let simmer rapidly until pumpkin is tender.

3. Remove from heat and blend until smooth.

4. Season to taste with salt and pepper, add cream

5. Ladle soup into bowls, drizzle a bit of cream, garnish with pepper and parsley.

October is an enchanting month for a warm night in with your loved ones. So, grab a blanket and a scary movie. Make some pumpkin soup to satisfy your Dosha and enjoy. Happy Halloween!