Yoga and the practice of yoga extends beyond moving the body. The physical practice and poses is what most people identify with and it is called the asana practice. However, yogic living also extends to 7 other paths of yoga! Who knew?
In terms of daily life, nourishing food choices are part of yogic living and have a direct impact on your mental health and wellbeing.
In terms of where we are now as the world comes to grips with Coronavirus and as we head into flu season, it is timely to share how food choices can help to manage your mind, body and soul and strengthen your immune system.
Here is a quick list of easily accessible foods that help to cleanse and build the immune system.
1. Lemon, honey, ginger and warm water in the morning.
Lemon is loaded with vitamin C. Honey suppresses coughs (plus, it’s yummy and sweet!) and ginger has antioxidants and is great for gut health. Antioxidants help to reduce the risk of diseases like heart disease.
2. Drink juice from half a lemon and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the morning and kick start your system. This can be cleansing for the liver.
3. Drink 2 litres of water each day to flush the system.
4. Tumeric helps to cleanse the liver.
5. Fresh and cooked fruit and vegetables because they are easier to digest than processed foods. Foods like sweet potatoes, paw paw and greens like brocolli can help to build the immune system naturally.
Of course, if you feel sick, please do see your local doctor! However, by making small tweaks to your food choices, you can start to support your body, mind and build your immune system.
I highly recommend listening to your body! This means, notice if you get a belly ache, headaches or diarrhoea after eating certain foods. Your body is always talking to you and what is right for you may not be right for someone else. However, by starting to check in with yourself regularly, you can begin to build your immune system and support your mental health.
I saw Susie Garden, Nutritionist and Yoga Teacher in 2016 who recommended I cut out dairy, increase natural foods and educated me about healthy food choices in an accessible way. There is so much information out there right now and it can feel overwhelming at times. Find a nutritionist that can help to educate you to make empowered choices when you are purchasing products for you and your family.
I completed a panchakarma last year through Vibrant Ayurveda and since then my body has felt happier. In terms of operating more efficiently now I am putting fresh foods into it rather than fried everything and washing it all down with some yummy but not nurturing soft drink!
Since 2015, after ongoing belly aches, low iron, fatigue and feeling slugglish, I have sought out help from the experts like Susie and Vibrant Ayurveda and slowly built my gut health. The changes overtime has meant that I have switched to more cooked foods rather than fast fast fast food (Hello KFC) and cut down on:
- Coffee
- Alcohol
- Dairy
- Meat
- Processed sweets
- Takeaway and fast food
My skin has cleared, belly aches have gone, I have more energy and clarity in my mind and my iron levels have increased without the use of iron supplements (which is great because I am anemic and have thalassemia). Start small. For tailored eating plans, I highly recommend seeing Susie and Vibrant Ayurveda are also really great.
Please don’t feel overwhelmed by this post in terms of what to eat!! If I can do it, so can you. I am a weak woman with a huge love of fast food, dairy and booze. It’s been a 5/6 year process for me to get to a point where I feel informed about food choices. Start small and listen to your body.
Support yourself and wishing you good health!
Take care,
Roxy xo