Coffee -- Ditch it or sip it? 

Let's admit it, coffee tastes good and a boost of caffeine can be just what you need to start out the week (or to pick you up mid-day!) Are you already visualizing your Monday coffee in hand...? Maybe even the aromas of walking in to a coffee shop increase your energy levels and give you a boost. 

A friend of mine, who regularly practices heated yoga and has a family to take care of admitted to me that she can't quit her "addiction" to her large Dunkin Donuts Coffee twice a day. Yes, she admits, she runs on Dunkin. But, is this something she needs? Is it something YOU "need"? What would a day without coffee be like? Challenge yourself here - WHAT are you addicted to? Get curious...
Addicted to the biting, sharp, and lively astringent flavor?
Addicted to the burst of energy you gain?
Addicted to the sugar you put in it?
Addicted to the experience of walking in to the shop and smiling as the barista who knows you by name and your specialty drink?
Addicted to the link you have created between your daily bowels and your daily coffee fix?
Addicted to your routine of taking a coffee break?
Addicted to the social scene a "coffee" date entails?

My personal and Ayurvedic take on it:

Before determining if you should ditch it or sip it... you need to determine what you, as an individual need. So, determine your predominant dosha which acknowledges your inborn metabolic patterns. Talk to me for a skilled assessment or begin with a simple test online (there are plenty to choose from if you do a google search ...or a bing search is you like those search engine pictures more ;) .

Depending on your dosha, the heat from coffee may not be serving your insides... or outsides. If you are a Vata or Pitta Dosha, coffee will be drying and create acidity in your mouth and stomach. Modern Nutrition believes "You are what you eat". 


Ayurveda (5,000 years old nutrition) believes -- "You are what you digest"


Excess acidity in your system will lead to heart burn (no fun), acid reflux (far from joyous), ulcers in the stomach (yikes). If you are consuming acidic foods in your system such as highly refined, processed junk foods such as white bread, microwavable meals, dairy, sugary snacks, alcohol, carbonated drinks, or meats you are sending your digestive track in to overdrive. Digestion is important to maintain good health. There must be a delicate balance of tastes (rasa) beyond acid compositions and a savory combination of elements (mahabhutas) in your every day diet to create a joyful belly... serving your body, mind, and soul.

I believe in a coffee when you want it. Not when you NEED it. Addiction to anything (which can be in may forms and there are "healthy" addictions, too; such as being addicted to exercising or only eating organic) does not create a balanced state for the mind, body or soul. Flexibility to listen to your cravings while taking the time to understand their impact on your physical state, will provide mental relief. The power of listening to yourself and trusting yourself can go a long way...

MY LITTLE SECRET....If you WANT to sip your coffee a few times a week, add cardamom to your cafe. I bought my little stash from Penzy's Spices and I have a little jar I carry in my purse. A dash of cardamom reverses the acidifying impact on your digestion... and it tastes good!

Comment, reach out or ponder... and be good to yourself & others.

With Love,
Laura

“The purpose of the Science of Life [Ayurveda] is to make every home a happy home, a home in the true sense of the word: a haven” - Dr. Svoboda

Ganesha - Remover of Obstacles

What is Ayurveda? And, please tell me more about this “Nest”!? 
Ayurveda is Sanskrit for the “science of life” or “knowledge of living” focused on an individualized Eastern approach to food regime, cooking techniques, and mind/body therapies as medicine for health and healing. This “nest” is a comfy health haven to learn more about this science. Cozy up, and read on...

Ayurveda has been studied and practiced for 5,000 years and is knowledge on how to prevent health imbalances and how to best treat them when they arise. 

Ayurveda teaches us what it means to feel good by consuming intelligent food and welcoming relaxing daily rituals to ease your mind and aid in proper digestion. Unlike most modern theories, Ayurveda believes that the foods to best serve you energetically, physically and emotionally are individual oriented. In order to determine what foods and therapies are best for your mind and body, you need to first identify your inborn metabolic pattern or “dosha”. The three doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. 

In a nutshell: 
VATA: 
Air + Space Elements
A few qualities that make up this individual include light, flexible bodies, irregular appetite, weak digestion, dry skin, cold hands, tendency to invoke change, and seek constant action or movement. EMBRACE: Cooked/warm root vegetables, hot cereal, sweet fruits AVOID: Dry foods, raw vegetables, bitter greens, caffeine 

PITTA: 
Fire + Water Elements
Some qualities that make up this individual include medium frame and weight, strong appetite, likes cold drinks and sweets, are highly disciplined, organized, tend to become angry easily, and are competitive. EMBRACE: Bitter greens, milk, grains, sweet vegetables AVOID: Red meats, fried foods and sweet foods in excess 

KAPHA: 
Water + Earth Elements
A few qualities that make up this individual include strong and large body frame, thick hair, smooth and oily skin, steady appetite, gain weight easily, enjoys sitting, and sleeping. EMBRACE: Light meals, spicy food, raw vegetables, fruits, and black tea AVOID: Cold cereal, yogurt, sugar, and salty meats (bacon, sausage) 


OM IN YOUR HOME - AYURVEDIC QUICK TIP: 
A simple shift can start today! Beneficial for all 3 doshas - begin drinking water only at room temperature or slightly warm. Routinely beginning and ending your day with a glass of water will support healthy digestion. Cold beverages slow down your digestive fire impacting your metabolism throughout the day. Notice how this consumption of water (minimum of eight 8-oz glasses of water per day) changes you state of mind, and the functioning of your body and appetite. If plain water doesn’t appeal to you, try a lemon, lime or cucumber slice in it. Increasing your water consumption will also help on your yoga mat, yogis! 

Be well,
Laura