8 Sattvic Foods to Help Balance Your Body and Mind

A branch cannot survive on its own. It must connect to the tree trunk and roots in order to absorb the elements and thrive in nature.

Neither yoga nor Ayurveda are singular practices. They are more like branches on the tree of Vedic wisdom.

In order to maintain balance, there must be a constant exchange between the individual and the universe. The way we eat, breathe, drink, and live must be harmonious. When it is not, we are in a state of dis-ease.

This is the main philosophy of yoga: Mind, body, and spirit are one and cannot be separated. Yogic philosophies recognize food as being responsible for the growth of the body. This is why it is often called Brahman, or God.

Food is sacred.

In addition to yoga and meditation, food plays an important role in balancing the body from within. If you are looking to achieve physical strength, sound mind, good health, and longevity, you’ll want to shift your focus to sattvic foods. These are the purest types of food you can consume, according to Ayurvedic principles.

Sattvic foods can help enhance your practice and promote a calm mind and fit body with a balanced flow of energy between the two. The soul depends on the body and the body depends on food.

The basic principles of the sattvic diet consist of light and easily digestible food. Many are sun foods, meaning they grow above ground, and have a fast effect on the body’s nervous and digestive systems.

Include the following foods in your daily diet to promote holistic wellness and to help bring your mind, body, and soul into alignment.

1. Ghee

Ghee, sometimes called clarified butter, is sweet tasting, cold, and heavy. This is one of the most talked about sattvic foods because its importance has been reflected upon in the ancient Vedas. Rice mixed with ghee and soma juice is considered the diet of God. Because there are different Ayurvedic elements in different types of milk, the properties of ghee will depend on its source. The most common, and most often recommended, is ghee from cow’s milk. Milk is unique because it contains the best nutrients a mother can provide. And ghee is considered the essence of milk. Incorporating ghee in Ayurvedic treatment is as easy as making it at home, a process that can be completed in about 30 minutes.

2. Sprouted Whole Grains

According to sattvic tradition, grains should be a vital part of every meal. Yogis may sometimes fast from grains, but they are included as an important part of a sattvic diet. Whole sprouted grains provide nourishment and are symbolic of health, happiness, and prosperity. Consider adding sprouted rice, spelt, oatmeal, and barley to your meals. There’s a great deal of variety, so you can easily include a grain with every meal. Just be sure to avoid leavened breads.

3. Fresh Organic Fruit

For the most part, any fresh organic fruit can be included in the sattvic diet, but there are some exceptions. Avocados and tomatoes are considered rajasic and should never be consumed in excess. But you’re safe to eat most fruits, including apples, bananas, berries, grapes, melons, oranges, peaches, and plums. These are considered especially sattvic. Yogis may also fast from fruits, but otherwise, they are an important part of the sattvic diet. They are considered symbols of generosity and spirituality. Eating fruits and vegetables is believed to increase one’s magnetism.

4. Honey

Honey is on the short list of sweeteners that is acceptable to use in moderation in a sattvic diet.    Brown rice syrup, fruit juice concentrates, maple syrup, sucanat, and sugar cane juice are also acceptable in moderation. Avoid processed white sugar if at all possible.

5. Organic Land and Sea Vegetables

You’d be safe eating almost any vegetable on a sattvic diet, but you may run into trouble if you’re in the habit of cooking with garlic and onions. These vegetables, along with hot peppers, mushrooms, and potatoes are not considered sattvic. Stick with mild, organic veggies, such as beets, carrots, celery, cucumbers, green leafies, sweet potatoes, and squash. Juicing vegetables is a fast and easy way to access their prana (life-giving force).

6. Nuts, Seeds, and Oils

Soaking nuts and seeds overnight will remove their natural enzyme inhibitors and make them easier for your body to digest. Choose fresh, pure nuts or seeds. If they have been overly roasted or salted, they lose their sattvic properties. Almonds, hemp seeds, pine nuts, sesame seeds, walnuts, and flax seeds are all great choices. Most oils should be consumed raw, but some can be used in cooking. These include ghee, sesame oil, and coconut oil.

7. Legumes

Legumes are another important part of a sattvic diet, and the smaller the better. Smaller beans, such as mung beans, split peas, and lentils, are easier to digest. You may also enjoy chickpeas, aduki beans, and organic tofu. For a complete protein source, combine legumes with whole grain.

8. Herbs

Herbs directly support the mind and are often used in conjunction with meditation. Common sattvic herbs include:

• Ashwagandha – Used to combat stress, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
• Bacopa – Used to reduce anxiety and improve memory formation.
• Calamus – Used as a sedative and muscle relaxant.
• Gotu kola – Commonly used to enhance meditation.
• Gingko – This popular herb is used to balance many symptoms of dis-ease within the body, including issues with the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
• Saffron – Saffron is believed to pacify all three doshas, and it is often used in cooking.
• Tulsi – Also known as holy basil, this herb is used in medicinal teas to help balance the body.

Just as yoga and Ayurveda aren’t singular practices, neither is nutrition. These sattvic foods consumed on their own may have nutritional benefits, but do not expect to receive the full benefits of a sattvic diet unless you are taking a more holistic approach. In order to be in harmony with the way we eat, drink, breathe, and live, we must approach wellness from a higher perspective. Together, yoga, meditation, nutrition, and herbal supplements can help ground the body and enlighten the mind.

Source: http://www.dailycupofyoga.com/2016/10/24/8-sattvic-foods-to-help-balance-your-body-and-mind/

Muesli Toast with Labneh, Hazelnuts, and Honey.

Ingredients

• Hazelnuts
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Seeded bread
• Labneh or Greek yogurt
• Honey

Preparation

• Toss chopped toasted hazelnuts in a little olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Spread toasted thin seeded bread with labneh or Greek yogurt. Top with hazelnuts and drizzle with honey.
   
   http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/muesli-toast-with-labneh-hazelnuts-and-honey
   
   

MONDAY: COCONUT ALMOND SUPERFOOD SMOOTHIE

It's Monday, a perfect day to indulge your nut butter obsession. If you've taken eating peanut butter sachets to new levels (in the office at your desk for example) then this smoothie will be your new favourite.

Also, if you've managed to get yourself to the gym, it's a great post-workout shake.

Simply put, knowing there's a beaker brimming with smoothie waiting in our gym bags is the difference between half-hearted deadlifts and powering through our last set with precision. That's why this week we've turned to Pippa Murray, founder of Pip & Nut - the trendy new nut butter brand - for her take on the post-workout classic.

If you've been suffering from a peanut butter overload then a switch to coconut almond butter is for you too.

INGREDIENTS

500ml skimmed milk
150ml natural yoghurt
3 tbsps Pip + Nut Coconut Almond butter
2 bananas
1 tablespoon flax seeds
2 teaspoons old fashioned oats
1 tbsp honey

METHOD

1/ Grind flaxseeds & oats into a fine powder using a pestle mortar.

2/ Add all the ingredients into a food processor until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

http://www.womenshealthmag.co.uk/nutrition/recipes/2652/pip-nuts-coconut-and-almond-butter-smoothie/

How to Use Turmeric to Reduce Inflammation

Turmeric is a bright yellow spice often used in Asian cooking. Turmeric contains the active ingredient curcumin, which is an antioxidant that demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties in conditions such as arthritis, muscle sprains and other injuries. In addition, turmeric may prevent and slow cancer growth, protect against liver disease and help reduce symptoms of digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. While simply adding turmeric to your daily cooking will increase consumption and enhance flavor, there are other methods to boost intake and encourage possible inflammation reduction.

Tea Time

While the use of turmeric in traditional Asian cooking, such as curries, is common in the kitchen, a hot beverage is another way to enjoy the spice and treat potential inflammation. To make a pot of turmeric tea, simply boil 4 cups of water and add one teaspoon of ground turmeric. Simmer for 10 minutes before straining into a cup. Add lemon or honey to taste. Adding ginger provides an additional natural anti-inflammatory.

Rub Some In

Another method for addressing inflammation with turmeric involves a topical application. Turmeric powder mixed with ingredients such as warm water, warm milk or sesame oil creates a paste that, when applied to the skin, helps to reduce inflammation and swelling. In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric paste is often used to cleanse wounds, reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Avoid the Taste

If the taste of turmeric is not appealing, dietary supplements offer another method of increasing turmeric consumption to aid in the reduction of inflammation. Director of integrative medicine at Northern Westchester Hospital in New York, Dr. Minerva Santos, recommends 1,000 milligrams of turmeric supplements per day for patients suffering from joint inflammation, while the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends 400 to 600 milligrams three times a day. Turmeric supplements are available in tablets or capsules.

When to Avoid

While small quantities of turmeric in general cooking are considered safe, larger doses can pose risks for people with certain medical conditions or who are taking certain medications. Before adding increased quantities or turmeric to your diet or taking dietary supplements, talk with your physician about any possible complications. Large amounts of turmeric can cause stomach upset and ulcers. Turmeric can cause a drop in blood sugar levels when taken with diabetic medications, as well as interfere with blood clotting in patients taking warfarin or similar medications.

Warnings

• Always consult with your physician before beginning any supplementation or dietary regiment to ensure that you have no pre-existing conditions that may be worsened by your turmeric consumption. Excessive intake of turmeric has been associated with complications of several medications and treatments.
• Do not apply turmeric paste over broken skin as this may increase the risk of infections.

Tips

• It is possible to use the powdered spice and not the supplemental extract, however, it is impossible to ascertain the total amount of the active ingredient, curcumin, you are consuming. 

 http://www.livestrong.com/article/262079-how-to-use-turmeric-to-reduce-inflammation/

Delicious Honey Lemon Glazed Chicken

For a seriously delicious, mouthwatering chicken recipe, you've got to try this one out. The garlic-soy sauce marinade and honey-lemon glaze really amp up your basic chicken breast. It’s an office favourite around here and we’re confident your family is going to love it too. Plus, you’ll feel the peace of mind when each chicken breast comes to only 183 calories and 4 grams of fat! This recipe is pictured with brown rice and honey glazed asparagus, but you can glaze and use any veggie you like. It might be a good way to finally get the kids to eat broccoli!

Recipe: Honey Lemon Glazed Chicken

Prep time: 5 minutes + 30 minutes marinade time

Cook time: 25 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Serving size: 1 chicken breast

Ingredients

• Four 4-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ¼ cup less sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ½ tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or substitute ground ginger)
Optional:
• 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed
• 
  

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375° F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and a cooling rack, set aside.
2. In a gallon-size resealable bag, combine the chicken, soy sauce and garlic.
3. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, turning the chicken every so often.
4. When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sesame oil to the skillet and sear the chicken breasts for about 2 minutes on each side. Discard the remaining marinade.
6. Using tongs, transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes.
7. While the chicken is in the oven, prepare the Honey Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl whisk together the lemon juice, honey and ginger.
8. Take the chicken out and brush the glaze over each breast.
9. Place back in the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165° F.
10. Toss (optional) asparagus in remaining Honey Lemon Glaze and bake for 10 minutes at 375° F with the chicken.

Nutrition Information

Per Serving: (1 chicken breast)

Calories: 183

Calories from fat: 35

Fat: 4g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Cholesterol: 65mg

Sodium: 695mg

Carbohydrates: 14g

Fiber: 0g

Sugar 12g

Protein: 24g

http://www.skinnymom.com/recipe-honey-lemon-glazed-chicken/

28 Simple Home Remedies for Weight Loss.

The confectionaries at the parties may be luring, but owing to obesity one must ignore them. Not just young women and men suffer from increased stress due to obesity, but kids and older people also confront with this problem. Lack of exercise and unbalanced diet are considered as the root cause of obesity. Hereditary and hormonal imbalance are some other reasons. Then how to get rid of obesity? The following are a few effective weight loss tips that you can follow to shed those unwanted pounds.

HOME REMEDIES TO LOSE WEIGHT

1. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice improves the way your digestive system works and it is also the best way to lose weight. Lemon juice detoxifies your body and slows down the metabolism. Drink lemon juice with honey on an empty stomach daily.

2. Honey

Honey mixed with warm water can reduce fat from your body. Or else, mix honey with lemon juice and drink it to detoxify your body.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

ACV helps in weight loss by breaking down the fat in your body. Mix two spoons of apple cider vinegar with one glass of warm water and drink it on an empty stomach daily.

Note – Apple cider vinegar helps reduce weight, and at the same time, it slowly depletes your bone density. Therefore, try not to drink more than 2 spoons of it daily. If you are a woman above 40 years, then avoid following this weight loss remedy.

4. Hot Water

Water can do the magic to reduce weight fast. You can drink hot water instead of cold water after your meals. Instead of drinking water instantly after having meals, wait for at least ½ an hour. Hot water will speed up your digestion process.

5. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a spicy treat to people looking for simple home remedies to reduce weight fast. Take one spoon of cayenne pepper. Mix it with sugar syrup and one glass of water. Drink this as the first thing in the morning to burn the unwanted fat in your body.

• You can also add cayenne pepper to your tea or mix it with lemon juice. Eating spicy food with cayenne pepper also helps burn fat faster.

Note – Those who are suffering from stomach ulcer, mouth ulcer and stomach pain must avoid using this remedy as it will make the situation worse.

6. Tomatoes

Tomatoes have dietary fibers that are essential for quick digestion of food. They have vitamin A, C and K that keep you healthy and active. Eat two raw tomatoes daily, in order to lose extra weight.

7. Cabbage

Cabbage has special phytochemicals that prevent fat build-up in your body. It also stops sugars and carbohydrates from turning into fat. Eat either raw cabbage or boiled cabbage daily. Alternatively, add some honey to fresh cabbage juice and drink it.

8. Fennel

The diuretic properties of fennel seeds keep your weight under control. Diuretics also retain water in your body to keep you hydrated all day long. The best part about eating fennel seeds is that they help lose weight slowly but show permanent results. Roast some fennel seeds and then powder them. Now you can mix this powder with warm water and drink daily to reduce weight.

9. Cinnamon

Cinnamon detoxifies and energizes your body. Prepare cinnamon tea by adding cinnamon sticks to boiling water. Drink it. Alternatively, grind some cinnamon into powder form and have it with honey and warm water.

10. Ginger

Ginger is good for digestive system. Mix ginger juice with lemon juice. Drink it to reduce weight, but there is no proof on how fast it will work.

11. Honey and Cinnamon Juice

Mix honey with cinnamon and add it to cold water. Drink it in the morning and evening to cut down extra flab. Cinnamon works well for weight loss, if you combine it with honey.

12. Lemon, Honey and Black Pepper Juice

Anything that helps increase digestion can control weight gain because when the food is digested, it reduces fat deposition in the body. So grind some black pepper and mix the powder in lemon juice. Add a spoon of honey to the solution and drink.

13. Yogurt

Take fresh yogurt and mix honey in it. Make sure the yogurt is a little chilled so that it can add up to your taste. Similarly, you can grind raspberries or strawberries and mix them with fresh yogurt and honey and have it as a dessert.

14. Bitter Gourd

You can also eat bitter gourd to cleanse your system and stay fit without worrying much about obesity. Make sure you remove the seeds from the bitter gourd before boiling and eating them. Bitter gourd juice is also a good option for getting slim-trim figure.

15. Chewing Gum

How to lose weight with chewing gum? Whenever you feel an urge for snaking, chew gum. The flavor of gum triggers the flow of saliva and also suppresses the appetite.

16. Flax Seeds

Flax seeds trigger healthy gut bacteria and keep your digestive track in the pink. Sprinkle a tablespoon of flax seeds on oatmeal or cereal, and have it.

17. Coconut Oil

Include 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil in your diet on a regular basis. It curbs your cravings, thereby suppresses hunger. It also absorbs vital minerals in an effective manner and protects you from the deficiency of essential nutrients.

18. Bee Pollen

Bee pollen improves the metabolism of the body and helps burn calories. Therefore, consume bee pollen to lose weight fast.

HERBAL REMEDIES TO REDUCE WEIGHT

19. Rose Petal

Being an excellent diuretic, rose petal works wonders for your kidneys. Add dried rose petal leaves to the boiling water. Steep it for some time. Strain and sip it slowly.

20. Ginseng

Ginseng stimulates digestion and is good for your stomach too. You can have ginseng tea to reduce weight.

21. Peppermint

Peppermint is used as a therapeutic remedy since ancient days, as it can stimulate the flow of digestive juices in your body. Sip peppermint tea or chew peppermint leaves on a daily basis, if you wish to keep your escalating weight under control.

22. Jujube or Indian Plum

For quick weight loss, take a handful of jujube leaves and soak them overnight in water. In the morning, strain the water and chew the leaves. Within a month, you will notice the effect.

23. Dandelion

Dandelion is a good natural remedy for weight loss. Get dandelion herb and chew 4 to 5 strands of it daily in the morning, as it will keep your weight under check and also reduce gastric disorder.

24. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera stimulates metabolism and increases energy consumption of your body so that obesity can be avoided. You can extract fresh aloe vera juice and drink it daily to cleanse your colon and reduce fat build-up in your body.

25. Green Tea

A compound called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) commonly found in green tea supports weight loss. Drink green tea instead of regular milk tea at least two cups a day. Green tea can cleanse your system and is rich in essential minerals.

26. Asparagus

Wash the asparagus and put in a pan containing ½ – 1” of water. Now cover it with a lid. Steam it until the asparagus becomes soft enough so that it can be easily pierced with a fork. Eat it.

27. Milk Thistle

The flavonoid compounds found in this herb help in weight loss. You can consume it in the form of tincture or capsule.

28. Curry Leaves

Curry leaves have lipid-lowering and anti-obesity effects. Eat 8-10 curry leaves regularly for 3-4 months in the morning to reduce weight.

DO’S

• Eat carrots, grapefruit and other fibrous fruits to fight obesity.
• Perform exercises like walking, running, jogging and swimming to burn unwanted fat.
• Try more than one natural weight reduction home remedies at a time, but be sure they do not react with each other to upset your stomach.
• Eat white meat instead of red meat to compensate the protein requisites of your body.
• Get enough sleep so that you can prevent energy loss while trying to reduce weight.
• Eat less salt.
• Say ‘No’ to fried food and switch to steamed food.
• Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.

DON’TS

• Many people tend to skip breakfast to fight obesity. This actually increases the water weight in your body making you more obese. So don’t omit your breakfast.
• Avoid carbonated and sugary drinks as much as possible.
• Do not go for unnatural pills, medicines and other laxatives available to reduce weight fast.
• Refrain from eating heavy dinner, as it will make you more obese by depositing fat in thighs and tummy.
• Do not over eat or under eat. Make sure you intake recommended calories every day to stay healthy and fit.
• Dairy items can increase your weight so it is recommended that you stay away from creamy milk, cottage cheese, and butter.

http://www.homeremedyhacks.com/28-simple-home-remedies-weight-loss/

Chinese Spicy Noodles.

Ingredients

1 package

 (16 ounces) spaghetti, uncooked

2 tablespoons

 vegetable oil

1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup )

6 cloves

 minced garlic or 3/4 teaspoon of garlic powder

2 tablespoons

 curry powder

1 tablespoon

 chili paste

2 tablespoons

 soy sauce

2 cups

 shredded cabbage (1/3 head)

1 cup

 shredded carrot

1 cup

 shredded zucchini

6 green onions, thinly sliced

2 large tomatoes, coarsely diced

1⁄4 cup

 honey

1⁄2 cup

 peanuts

lime wedges

Directions

1. Boil water in a large pot; add spaghetti and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Add onion and sauté about 4 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic, curry powder, chili paste, and soy sauce. Mix well.
4. Stir in cabbage, carrot, and zucchini and cook, stirring, 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Stir in green onions and tomatoes; continue to cook another 2 minutes.
6. Drain pasta and mix in vegetables. Add honey and toss.
7. Top with peanuts and serve with lime wedges.
8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Notes

• Try adding 2 tablespoons peanut butter to increase protein.
• Try whole wheat spaghetti.
• To avoid peanuts or peanut butter, try sunflower seeds or sunflower seed butter.
• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.

https://www.foodhero.org/recipes/chinese-spicy-noodles

9 Home Made Hair Treatments.

#9 Baking Soda

If you have a feeling that your hair are never completely clean, try using some baking soda to get rid of all unwanted hair products leftovers. Mix two table spoons of baking soda with about a half of cup of water, and then massage the mixture into the hair, let it set for a couple minutes and then wash it out.

#8 Egg Shampoo

Surprisingly or not eggs are not only great for your nutrition, but also an amazing for your precious hair. Healthy hair represents a healthy person so take good care for them, making an egg mask every now and then will help you make your hair shiny, soft and attractive. If you have a dry hair you should go with mixing a couple of egg yolks, if not egg whites are better for you.

#7 Olive Oil Treatment

This one is just amazing for split ends or dry and damaged hair, because proved our hair with stuff they urgently need and leaves them soft and looking incredibly. Just apply some Olive oil before washing yourhair and leave it for half an hour, then be sure you wash it out completely, otherwise you hair will remain greasy.

#6 Coconut Butter

Coconut butter is high on proteins so it is obviously good for your whole body, hair included. Massage about two table spoons of it into your hair and leave it in just like you do with you leave-in conditioners.

#5 Avocado

To moisturize your hair avocado is one of the best moisturizes you will ever find, and a cheap one too. Mash half of avocado in a bowl and then apply to a freshly washed hair, rinse and you are ready to go.

#4 Chamomile Tea

Wash your hair with hot chamomile tea to repair all the damage from using hair curlers or ironer. It also works wonder on split ends, and hair damaged from colouring. After that do your normal hair routine.

#3 Honey

Another amazing thing for your damaged hair with split ends, and I am sure than most of household have it at home at all times. Instead of using expensive conditioner, try applying some honey after you are done with shampooing your hair.

#2 Shea Butter Crème

Another amazing butter that can be used as a leave-in conditioner, and can also be bought almost everywhere, yes, Shea butter is extremely popular. It not only makes your hair shiny, but after using it they will be softer than ever.

#1 Vinegar Rinse

For amazing finish on your hair rinse them with vinegar, it may smell horribly but you hair will be shiny and soft after doing this. Vinegar really removes everything from your hair, especially some hair products that we did no rinse our completely.

http://www.ideadigezt.com/9-home-made-hair-treatments/