When we observe nature, we see how life harmonizes with the seasons. Isn’t it interesting how a squirrel knows what foods to store for winter, and your dog knows how to keep cool in summer. What we have done – for the most part is ignored the change of seasons. Just changing our clothes from one season to the next is not enough. Its is also important to look at what happens as we transition in between the seasons. If you are feeling out of sorts, a little more fatigued, have a cold, or allergies, its due to the change of seasons. Illness is much more likely to occur at the junctions of the seasons, when Vata is aggravated. Take a look at why you may be feeling out of sorts – it’s the transition between seasons.
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How The Holistic Highway Got Its Name
A lot of thought went into our name. It means a great deal to us and incapsulates our ethos as a brand and our philosophy on health. Let’s start with “Holistic.” This is fairly straightforward, especially with those of you that are familiar with ayurveda, but holistic is characterized by the treatment of the whole…
Ayurveda Christmas Day Menu
Let me share with you my Ayurvedically balanced Christmas Dinner Menu, in case you are still looking for ideas. Feel free to print out this menu –I have attached links below to all the recipes.
Overcoming overindulgence!
Overcoming overindulgence:
With Thanksgiving behind us but Christmas close in sight, it’s very easy for us to slip into the overeating mindset. The voice in the back of our heads reminds us we are probably full after the first plate, and may not really want dessert, but with all the delicious food in front of us and spirits lifted, we tell ourselves “I’ll just have one more slice”. In Ayurveda, this is known as Prajnaparadha which means ‘crimes against wisdom’ or ‘offence of the intellect’. We know something is not the best choice for us, but we do it anyways. These are the actions that lead us to an imbalance of the doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Of course enjoying food is an essential part of the holidays and we all let our hair down every now and then, but overeating can lead to a few undesirable after effects.
Holiday Festive First Aid Kit
Let’s face it, the holidays aren’t really a time to completely rest and relax, no matter how much we wish they were! Often, we find ourselves running around after the kids, welcoming family into our homes and spending copious amounts time in the supermarket. This is also the time of year when Vata and Kapha dosha are high. Fear, anxiety, worry and rushing around increase, as well as a heavier, more stagnant feeling in the body. All of this combined means we can feel totally deflated, drained and struggling to get back to our normal routine. Holidays can be a particularly challenging time of the year when we first adopt an Ayurvedic lifestyle. “What can I eat?” or “How will I manage the added stress?” are questions that spring to mind. This guide to an Ayurvedic ‘Festive First Aid Kit’ will help keep you on track to enjoy the celebrations without completely derailing your hard work and healthy lifestyle.
The Scoop on Root Vegetables
Packed full of nutrients, root vegetables are hearty, delicious, and healthy fall foods. Here’s why they are so good for us this time of year – along with three tasty recipes
The Holistic Highway is Thrilled to Welcome Rebecca to the Team!
Several years ago when I was living in Tasmania, I decided to change the way I approached my health and well-being. I was constantly trying different diets or forms of exercise but never found any long term solution that worked for me. I started exploring natural therapies, and a friend mentioned the word ‘Ayurveda’ to…
Yeah for Fall Chai!
Chai Tea Health Benefits
Did you know that you would have to drink three cups of chai tea to achieve the same amount of caffeine you get in a single cup of coffee? That means switching to chai will cut your caffeine intake dramatically, even if you have an extra cup. Chai is an easy and enjoyable way to get off the stimulant/fatigue treadmill and enjoy something that is actually good for you!
Back to School and your Childs Health Needs-with Ayurveda
Back to School:
It’s time to go back-to-school shopping and you have all three children in the car. You still have “stuff” to get and the kids seem to be getting antsy. You note that your daughter, red-haired Susie, keeps saying, “I’m hot!” and “I’m hungry. When do we eat?” She is trying to get the others to play a guessing game, which she usually wins.
What Do I Do Now? I’m invited to a Barbecue!
Life is not easy is it? We are invited to graduation parties, 4th of July Barbecues, birthday parties, anniversaries….and the events just mount up. What is a person to do who is following her Ayurveda plan? I am often reminded of these challenges by my clients and here is what I tell them.
Real life has pizza parties, birthday parties, weddings and graduations – eating is pleasurable and we should thoroughly enjoy it. When did eating become so complicated for us? It is easy to be confused, the rules of nutrition seem to be constantly changing. Not so in Ayurveda, the rules remain constant; it’s the seasons that change.
So, let’s see what a Vata, Pitta and Kapha decide to do at this barbeque. Let’s join the party.