Ayurvedic Cleansing

It’s the start of the year and many of us are thinking how to lose the extra pounds from the holidays or make the resolutions for new year - new me. Searching the web or asking around how to get back on track. And the internet is definitely not short in giving advice, being it a juice cleanse or any other kind of magic pullet.

But the secret to any lasting change is small daily steps. If we truly want to feel well, full of vitality and energy we need to make it a lifestyle not a quick fix crash diet. And then additionally we can have a little support to amplify our bodies innate ability to cleanse.

Our body is naturally in a constant state of cleansing & detoxification. Every minute of the day we are recycling & removing unwanted cells and preparing them for elimination. The idea behind Ayurvedic ‘cleansing’ is purely to support what your body is already doing without extreme alteration, limitation or restriction – which can have a negative impact on your metabolism / digestive fire (Agni).

‘Cleanse’ should never shock the system, it should be a time of simplicity (in your diet & lifestyle) so that your body has the best chance of healing, eliminating and recovering.

Last week I did a simple  and gentle three day Ayurvedic cleanse and felt amazing after just couple of days of clean eating. Ayurvedic cleanse consists of mono meals( eating the same simple food ) that will give a break for the digestion, so that it can rest and reset.

For three days I ate mainly Kitchari with addition of Kunyi ( light rice porridge) for breakfast. No snacking in-between the meals and just sipping on herbal teas.

Kitchari – an ancient recipe consisting of rice, split mung beans and spices, which has been used for thousands of years to assist healing & rejuvenation. Kitchari is warming, grounding, highly nutritious and delicious.

The benefits of Ayurvedic cleanse are :

• Improved digestion
• Increased energy levels
• Improved elimination
• Better skin
• Brighter eyes
• Better sleep
• Mental clarity and improved mood

 When we give our bodies a break and simplify our diet and lifestyle, the body resets. We feel lighter and brighter, and from that place we can bring in new daily habits. 

Changes you can bring into your daily habits to feel better :

• Cooked vegetables
• Spices - add warming spices to your food
• Drink herbal teas
• Legumes and pulses and whole grains

Avoid :

• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Refined sugar
• Meat, chicken, fish
• Cheese, yoghurt and cold milk
• Too much fermented and sour foods

You can use these tips to create your own dietary guidelines.