🔑 Key Takeaways
- Slippery elm bark and ginger root improve digestive health. CVS offers 20% off Easter items on pickup orders. Booking.com ensures memorable getaways. Try Juni tea with adaptogens for health benefits and Radi Devlucja's new book 'Joyful' for plant-based recipes.
- Author's cookbook reflects her deep connection to family and food, inspired by her upbringing in an Indian household where meals were central to daily life and celebrations.
- Ayurveda emphasizes preventative care, personalized healing, and active participation in one's health, offering daily practices for overall well-being.
- Focus on love and knowledge for sustainable health, consume foods in purest form, and adopt a lifestyle associated with Ayurvedic modes of goodness for long-term benefits.
- Be aware of the three modes of foods and activities: mode of goodness, mode of passion, and mode of ignorance. Consume foods and engage in activities in the mode of goodness for energy and overall well-being. Practice moderation with mode of passion activities and foods. Avoid mode of ignorance foods and activities for better health.
- Practice elimination, keep a food diary, and recognize triggers for better health. Embrace gratitude, set healthy boundaries, and find stillness for overall well-being.
- Eating slowly and mindfully allows your body to digest food properly, reducing discomfort and promoting optimal health.
- Chewing food properly, eating with hands, and avoiding cold drinks can improve digestion, increase energy levels, and create a deeper connection to food.
- Avoid cold drinks during meals, drink only half a cup of warm water or tea instead, and have regular meals for optimal digestion and health
- Slow down, reconnect with self, navigate emotions, save money, support well-being with herbs
- Focus on deep, slow breaths for emotional balance and proper protein intake for optimal health. Balance your meals with protein sources like beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, and seeds.
- Learn to cook and eat for body and mind, prioritize self-care, and challenge societal norms for greater satisfaction in life
- Incorporating spices into daily life can enhance overall well-being by transporting us to different cultures, elevating meal flavors, and providing numerous health benefits, reducing reliance on synthetic medicines.
- Incorporate a new spice weekly for unique health properties, practice Ayurvedic routines, have largest meal at lunch, and try savory breakfasts for balanced nutrition
- Identify preferred protein, veggie, and carb sources. Experiment with recipes and methods. Try comforting dishes like lentil dal or bean curries. Prioritize evening routine for optimal health and relaxation.
- Mindful eating habits and meal planning can optimize physical and emotional wellbeing by improving sleep quality through appropriate meal timing and composition.
- Explore joyful plant-based recipes for various scenarios, prioritize taste and health, and add vibrancy with spices.
- CVS Health offers comprehensive healthcare services, Booking.com caters to every traveler's preferences, and BetterHelp provides accessible online therapy
📝 Podcast Summary
Herbs for digestive health and Easter savings
Herbs, specifically slippery elm bark and ginger root, have played a significant role in the speaker's personal wellness journey, particularly in maintaining digestive health. The sponsor Nature's Way offers these herbs and more to help alleviate digestive discomfort and promote overall digestive health. Easter is approaching, and CVS is offering savings on Easter-related items with a 20% discount on pickup orders. The speaker emphasizes the importance of planning and booking accommodations through Booking.com for unforgettable getaways. Radhi and the speaker have created Juni sparkling tea with adaptogens, which offers various health benefits and is sugar-free. The speaker's wife, Radi Devlucja, is a clinical dietitian, nutritionist, and author of the new book "Joyful," filled with plant-based recipes to help cook effortlessly, eat freely, and live radically.
Food and family: a generational legacy
Food and family are deeply interconnected for the cookbook author. The beautiful images of her family in her cookbook serve as a testament to their influence on her culinary journey. Growing up in an Indian family where food was always the center of celebrations and daily life, she learned to form connections through sharing meals. Her mother, a full-time worker who still managed to make homemade meals every day, instilled in her a deep love for food and the connection it brings. Her grandma passed down these traditions, inspiring generations of cooks. Her quiet, sweet father, who stepped in to make comforting meals when her mother was away, also left a lasting impression. Her training as a nutritionist and dietitian, followed by becoming an Ayurvedic health counselor, broadened her understanding of food beyond just its nutritional value. She sees food as a vehicle for connection, love, and memory, and her cookbook reflects this generational legacy.
Discovering the value of individualized, holistic healing through Ayurveda
The speaker discovered the value of individualized, holistic healing through Ayurveda after feeling disconnected from food-focused approaches. Ayurveda, meaning "knowledge of life," emphasizes preventative care and tuning into the body's symptoms rather than just curing diseases. The speaker appreciated the personalized nature of Ayurvedic practices, which contrasted with the one-size-fits-all approach of Western medicine. Through her own experiences and coaching, she learned to be an active participant in her health and adopted habits that made her feel healthier and happier. The speaker's coach, who had been guiding her for eight years, inspired her to write a book that makes these holistic practices accessible to everyone. The book, "Joyful," offers daily guides on habits, rituals, and practices with food and without, aiming to improve overall well-being.
Approaching health from love and knowledge
According to the speaker, the key to sustainable health and wellbeing lies in approaching it from a place of love and knowledge, rather than fear. She emphasizes the importance of active participation in one's health and shares how food is just one aspect of it. The speaker also introduces the concept of Ayurvedic modes of goodness, passion, and ignorance, and encourages consuming foods in their purest form for maximum nutritional benefit. The modes of goodness include fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans, while the lifestyle associated with it brings long-term benefits. Overall, the speaker's cookbook aims to help readers create more joyful moments throughout their day by focusing on these principles.
Understanding the Impact of Foods and Activities on Our Body and Mind
The foods and activities we engage in can be categorized into three modes based on their impact on our body and mind: mode of goodness, mode of passion, and mode of ignorance. Foods and activities in the mode of goodness bring energy, good digestion, and overall well-being. Mode of passion activities and foods provide immediate gratification and intensity, but they should be consumed in moderation. Mode of ignorance foods and activities make us feel lethargic and sluggish, and include deep-fried foods, leftovers, and foods that no longer have life in them. Being mindful of these modes and their effects on our body and mind can lead to better overall health and well-being. It's recommended to keep a food diary or audit to test out the impact of different foods and activities on our body and mind. Therapy can also be a helpful tool for working through challenges in our relationships. Herbs, such as ashwagandha, can provide additional support for stress and mood. CVS Health offers a range of services for overall health and wellness, including virtual and in-person care, mental health support, and in-home evaluations.
Listen to your body's signals for optimal health
It's essential to listen to our bodies and pay attention to the signals they send us. When we neglect our inner cues, we may end up ignoring early warning signs of discomfort, leading to more severe health issues. Nature's Way emphasizes the importance of testing herbs for potency and purity to support overall wellness. However, it's equally crucial to be attuned to our bodies' needs. By keeping a food diary and practicing elimination, we can better understand which foods make us feel good and which ones don't. Ultimately, recognizing our triggers and making conscious choices can help us live joyfully and maintain optimal health. Some of the underestimated tips from the book "Nine Tips for Living Joyfully" include practicing gratitude, setting healthy boundaries, and embracing stillness. These practices can significantly impact our relationship with food and overall well-being.
Pay attention to your body's cues and practice conscious eating
It's important to eat until satisfied rather than stuffed to allow your body to digest food properly. This means paying attention to your body's cues and practicing conscious and mindful eating. The digestive process begins as soon as you look at your food, and when you eat too quickly or in large quantities, your body can become overwhelmed, leading to discomfort, bloating, and even the production of toxins. By eating slowly and giving your body time to prepare, you can ensure that you're getting the most out of your meals and avoiding unnecessary discomfort. Additionally, the process of digestion requires your body to be ready, just like when you go to a restaurant and order food, it takes time for it to be prepared. Your body needs time to gear up and digest the food properly, so give it the attention and preparation it deserves.
Proper Chewing, Hand Eating and Avoiding Cold Beverages for Better Digestion
The way we eat can significantly impact our digestion and overall health. Chewing our food properly is essential as it allows our teeth and tongue to break down the food, reducing the workload on our stomach. This simple act can help alleviate digestive issues and improve our energy levels. Another practice is eating and cooking with our hands, as it sends a clear signal to our body that we are about to eat, and creates a deeper connection to the food. Lastly, avoiding cold drinks and iced beverages can help improve digestion and prevent potential health issues. These small changes can lead to a more joyful eating experience and better overall health.
Cold drinks affect digestion negatively
Consuming cold drinks or excessive liquids during meals can negatively impact digestion. This is because your body needs heat to digest food, and cold drinks can dampen the digestive fire and dilute digestive juices. This can lead to various digestive issues. A simple solution is to drink only half a cup of warm water or tea during meals, and avoid cold drinks until at least 30 minutes before or after eating. Another important takeaway is the significance of having regular meals. Some people may be able to skip meals without negative effects, but for others, especially those with strong digestion and frequent hunger, regular meals are essential for optimal health. It's important to listen to your body and determine what works best for you.
Listen to bodies and relationships
Our bodies and relationships require active participation and listening. Just as we need to listen and learn from our partners and relationships, we must also listen to our bodies' initial warnings to prevent them from getting louder and more severe. The practice of taking deep breaths can help us slow down and reconnect with ourselves, allowing us to navigate our emotions and day more effectively. Additionally, being mindful of our subscriptions and expenses can help us save money and reduce unnecessary stress. Incorporating herbs with proven healing properties into our wellness routine, as rooted in many traditions, can also support our physical and mental well-being. Overall, taking an active role in our relationships, health, and finances can lead to improved well-being and a more balanced life.
Breathing and Protein: Two Keys to Wellbeing
Our breath plays a significant role in navigating our emotions and overall wellbeing. Shallow and quick breaths are associated with anxiety and stress, while deeper and slower breaths indicate calmness and focus. Additionally, proper protein intake is crucial for optimal health. Many people, especially those following a plant-based diet, may need to put in extra effort to ensure they're getting enough protein from sources like beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, and seeds. Overconsumption of protein, on the other hand, can be harmful. By focusing on incorporating a balanced amount of protein into meals, individuals can experience improved hair growth, better skin, increased satiety, and overall enhanced health.
Focusing on internal feelings and experiences
Improving our relationship with food is about feeling good from the inside out, rather than just focusing on how we look. It's important to understand that we don't have to choose between food that makes us feel good and food that brings us joy. Instead, we can learn to cook and eat in a way that nurtures both our bodies and our minds. Society often conditions us to view ourselves through the lens of how others perceive us, leading to self-objectification and a constant focus on external appearances. But by focusing on our internal feelings and experiences, we can live more fully and authentically. This requires courage and going against societal norms, but the rewards are worth it. By prioritizing our own well-being and enjoying the present moment, we can rob ourselves of fewer experiences and look back on our lives with greater satisfaction.
Discovering new flavors and improving well-being with spices
Experiencing life fully and prioritizing personal presence, as well as enjoying delicious and healthy food, can significantly enhance overall well-being. Spices play a crucial role in both aspects, offering diverse flavors that transport us to different cultures and elevate basic ingredients, while also providing numerous health benefits. By incorporating spices into daily life, individuals can not only improve the taste of their meals but also boost their immune system and reduce reliance on synthetic medicines. The goal is to create a well-stocked spice cupboard and experiment with various blends to enrich both culinary creations and personal experiences.
Explore one spice a week for health benefits
Incorporating spices into your diet can have numerous health benefits, and it's important to make it simple and accessible. Start by exploring one spice a week and discovering its unique properties. For instance, nutmeg can aid sleep, while fennel seeds can improve digestion. As for morning routines, consider incorporating Ayurvedic practices like tongue scraping and meditation for a refreshed start to the day. Your largest meal should ideally be at lunchtime when digestion is strongest, and aim for a balanced plate with a variety of colorful vegetables to ensure you're getting the essential vitamins and minerals. Lastly, experimenting with savory breakfast options can be a game-changer.
Creating a Balanced Plant-Based Meal Plan
Creating a balanced and enjoyable plant-based meal plan involves identifying your preferred sources of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, and then experimenting with various recipes and cooking methods. For example, having noodles, veggies, and tofu in one meal or creating a scrambled tofu on toast. For dinner, consider trying comforting dishes like lentil dal or bean curries, focusing on Indian spices and one-pot meals. Additionally, prioritize your evening routine for optimal health and relaxation. This may include taking a walk, avoiding bright lights, using candles, reading, and practicing self-love through abhyanga, a soothing self-massage with oils.
Meal timing and composition impact sleep quality
The timing and composition of our meals can significantly impact various aspects of our health and wellbeing, including sleep quality. Eating heavy or late meals can disrupt the digestive process and interfere with restorative sleep, leading to fatigue and decreased productivity. Meal prepping and planning, as well as chopping vegetables in advance, can help save time and make home-cooked meals more accessible, even during busy schedules. Impressing guests can be achieved with fun and delicious dishes like jalapeno cheesy dough balls. Overall, the discussion highlights the importance of mindful eating habits and meal planning for optimizing both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Exploring Plant-Based Meals for Joy and Vibrancy
Cooking and eating plant-based meals can bring joy, abundance, and vibrancy into your life. Ravi Dev, the author of "Joyful Everyone: More Than 125 Plant-Based Recipes," emphasizes the importance of enjoying the food you eat while also considering its health benefits. For various scenarios like sharing dishes, girls' night, guys' night, and date night, Ravi suggests different plant-based recipes that cater to different tastes and dietary needs. The key is to remember that you don't have to sacrifice joy for health, and that spices can add both flavor and vibrancy to your meals and your life. Ravi's hope is that this book will inspire readers to explore new plant-based recipes and bring more joy and energy into their daily lives.
Growth and healing in vulnerable places
Growth and healing can occur in the most vulnerable places, whether it's in nature or in our personal lives. CVS Health is committed to providing comprehensive healthcare services in various ways, including in-person and virtual care, mental health support, and senior wellness programs. Meanwhile, planning a getaway can be an exciting and vulnerable experience, and Booking.com offers a wide range of options to cater to every traveler's preferences, making the process seamless and enjoyable. Lastly, mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and BetterHelp provides accessible and affordable online therapy services to help individuals manage their mental health challenges from the comfort of their own homes.