Ayurvedic Mornings: Breakfast Inspirations from Vaidyagrama

Breakfasts from this week vaidyagramaayurveda,

This is the place where much of my first 2 books on Ayurveda cooking were written and many inspirations come from the food here. My recipes are often modified using ingredients found in Western countries.

1. Pongal and coconut chutney. Find both recipes in Everyday Ayurveda Cooking for a Calm Clear Mind

2. Idly sambar. No idly recipe yet but find South Indian Sambar in Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook

3. Red rice kanjee, find it in Everyday Ayurveda for Women’s Health

4. The desk here is where my next book will likely be written. ❤️📚

I’ll be hosting a group here for panchakarma next year, from late January to mid-February. This will be an invite-only. If you are interested, please DM me your email. The list is coming together. 🙏

Lunar Yoga Ritual

Exercise on your period yay or nay?

Ayurveda would say to avoid activities that pull energy from the downward flow up and out. Vigorous things like jogging and aerobic workouts can “steal” energy that the body needs to go for Flow.

That being said, I hear from some people that an amount of exercise actually helps the flow go. So while there is an individual component here, in general, doing less than you are used to, and avoiding things that put a lot of stress on the body, esp the pelvis, is a wise choice that leaves plenty of energy for downward flow motion.

I try to do only a Lunar Yoga Sequence when I am bleeding, and walk (walks are good!). For me, if I am too active, I will notice a change in my flow either this cycle or the next one. More spotting, perhaps some cramps, or an interrupted flow coming and going. What do you notice? What works for you?

Find Lunar Yoga Ritual here.

Skin Care Round Up

Here it is folks! After months of experimenting with gifted products, these are my faves. When a brand reaches out, I vet them hard- checking for responsible sourcing and totally nature-based ingredients. If they pass, then I try them out for a few months minimum before talking about them.

While products are fun and effective, keep in mind healthy digestion and de-stressing are non-negotiable for happy skin.

You will also find discount codes for some of these brands in my bio! Have fun!

As I’ve gotten into my forties, I have had to switch it up to keep the skin hydrated. I exfoliate weekly now, and I have to moisturize morning and night and wear sunscreen (sun damage is real!). This is where I’ve landed this winter.

Check my Beauty highlights in stories for the complete scoop on my AM and PM routines, and how I incorporate this round-up. What are your faves? Drop them in the comments- and the same goes for any questions.

You will also find discount codes for some of these brands in my bio! Have fun!

Products featured
- @rasasaraskinfood vata cleansing bar
- @birchstoneapothecary rose hydrosol
- @fountsociety vitamin C oil and water cream
- @umaoils anti-aging face oil
- @banyanbotanicals Beauty Balm and castor oil
- @samaya_ayurveda vata exfoliant

Become a Leader

If you are an Ayurvedic Health Counselor or practitioner, this training is for you. Grow your community, your practice, and do something you love that gets your people results.

We give you everything you need to run it and teach you what you need to know. We start Feb 25!

The Ultimate Natural Oral Care

A healthy gut starts in your mouth, and Ayurveda has been talking about oral care for millennia! In the days of the old, oral care primarily involved chewing twigs from a neem tree. Neem is an exceptional anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory, even the NIH is talking about it. These days, we have moved into elaborate routines using pastes and powders, flossing, brushing, and more. I am a huge fan of flossing and brushing (obviously!) but I am very careful to look for natural products when it comes to what’s in my mouth. That’s how I found Dr. Tung’s. 

Their unique Activated Charcoal VEGAN Floss is made with plant-based wax, activated charcoal for deep cleaning, and a burst of lemongrass flavor, it’s the perfect blend of natural, effective, and eco-friendly. I first started using activated charcoal when I got a funky tummy hiking in the backcountry in college, and I’ve always thought of it as an anti-bacterial, anti-pathogen that goes into my suitcase for India trips, as well as into my oral care products. I love the idea of natural floss that absorbs pathogens.

If you’re interested, you can Shop it here and use code KATE15 for 15% OFF your first purchase. Enjoy!

Winter Foods: Build, Warm, Moisturize

Winter Foods: Build, Warm, Moisturize
1. Build the body with heirloom wheat and oats, meat if you eat it, root vegetables, bananas, dates, and sugar cane.
2. Warm the body with small amounts of ferments, warming, spices, pickles, citrus, fruits, and olives.
3. Moisturize the body with sesame, dairy, almonds, ghee, and olive oil.

For more on winter diet and routine, check out my Deep Winter workshop.

Top four Winter Self-care tips

I promise you I do these 4 things in winter:

I eat homemade soup. I sip warm water, nothing cold. I take walks outside and am slightly obsessed with sunshine! I have hats that cover my ears, and I never forget to wear one.

For a deep dive into winter self-care, including the whys and the hows, check out the Deep Winter Self-Care Workshop.

Announcement!

Hey! Running a special over here, when you join the Ayurvedic Living Community Membership this month, you get the Anytime Cleanse for free! Get yourself in gear for 2025 with an on-demand 4-day program you can do at home.

Rock on into the rest of the year with a huge library of seasonal and cooking resources, and monthly meetings with me and a vibrant crew of seekers. We will keep you on track with your routines, and you don’t have to go it alone. This is the most comprehensive and affordable offer at the Institute- don’t sleep on this deal!

January Only

Are you feeling like doing something short, sweet, and simple to get back on track after the holidays? The Anytime Home Cleanse is a 4-Day program that you can do at your own pace. Get recipes, shopping list, and questionnaire to help you choose the best path.

Find it in my bio and get going anytime! January only, Ayurvedic Living Community Members get access for FREE, so it’s a great time to join the membership if you’ve been looking for more ongoing support. Monthly meetings with me and the crew, an epic library of seasonal resources. Message me MEMBER and I’ll send you the deets!

Reminder!

If family holidays are in store, wellness practices that support may feel like they’re going to go out the window! Discipline, of which a little can go an along way, isn’t about beating oneself up, its actually about nurturing true desires.

Remembering what you want means, take a moment to consider what kind of results an action is likely to have later…sometimes having more cookies or wine feels good in the moment, but how will sever you later. Is it in support of your big picture?

Sometimes indulgence is in order, and feeling a little crappy for a day may be worth it. Get back on the horse tomorrow and do that healthy routine that has proved itself to you.