The Skinny on Salt

In the world of condiments, salt is an important player. Salty taste heats the body due to the presence of fire element in its composition, important in cold weather.

Salt’s hydrating effect also calms the nervous system by softening and relaxing the body. Not all salt is created equal, however. Table salt is demineralized, removing its therapeutic effects. Sea salt has large molecules that are hard to digest, while pink salt has smaller molecules and bio-available minerals.

Ayurveda has long favored pink salt, and it's all I use in my cooking. Its modern trade name is Himalayan Pink Salt and it's easy to find. Enjoy it!

What's the deal with BEANS?

The name of the game in Ayurveda is small beans in winter. Little guys such as mung and lentil, are easier to digest during the Vata season. They soften and moisten quickly and more completely through the cooking process.

Large beans, such as garbanzo and kidney, eaten in excess, can fill the digestive tract with air, which is very aggravating and irritating to the body, and also the mind (being gassy is a little...distracting, no?).

Some bodies can eat beans no problem (like your Pitta and Kapha types!), others will have to moderate even small beans. Always soak them over night, and cook them well with some spices and fat to balance their light, dry qualities.

This is why you find so many dal recipes in my cookbooks. Head over to my IGTV to find a video of me making a super quick dal soup.

Winter Foods

Winter is described as that time when the earth is tilting away from the sun, making the environment more cold and dark.

Without the drying heat of bright sun winter starts out with more moisture. Something else to consider these days, however, is the climate indoors. If a place is cold enough to require heaters inside, this heat is going to dry the air. If a lot of time is spent indoors in winter, dryness will result, especially in the respiratory channels.

If you don’t get enough good fats in winter time, you
may begin to notice dry stool or dry skin.