HeyMonicaB

What’s Ayurveda’s view on chewing gum? I’m a vata dominant and I chew gum after every meal (sugar free wriggles ones that are meant to be good for your teeth) Is this ok? Thank you! This is an awesome question! Chewing gum is something we may overlook because, well, gum is tiny. And we don’t [...]

[Read more →]

Alright, you guys. I’m going to tell you something, but only because I think you can handle it.  And I would rather you hear it from me, than hear it from one of your friends who doesn’t have the correct information. I will tell you on one condition and that is,  you have to promise [...]

[Read more →]

I have a question to ask: how long should I take herbs for a dosha imbalance? I went to an ayurvedic doctor and was found to be a vata-pitta (prakriti) with a vata vikriti. I experience the vata imbalance more often than the pitta imbalance. The doctor gave me herbs but really didn’t tell me [...]

[Read more →]

I got this awesome question and wanted to share it with all of you. Guys, what is the foundation of Ayurveda? One size does not fit all. Yepper. Here is an example of someone who is trying to lose weight by reducing/eliminating carbs. Rather than feeling uplifted, they feel heavy and dragged down. They are [...]

[Read more →]

Hey! Did you know our stomachs are stretchy? Of course you did. And did you know that when we eat, we shouldn’t eat to the point of feeling full? Indeed it’s true! Know why? Cause when you eat until you feel full, that means that your stomach is stretching. And when your stomach stretches out, [...]

[Read more →]

I have a question about combining dairy… you mention milk should be had alone. And yogurt is not ayurvedic at all. What about cheese? Please don’t tell me it shouldn’t be combined with anything either. As a vegetarian, cheese is a major component of finding food at restaurants. Pasta, quesadillas, on sandwiches… Great question and [...]

[Read more →]

Heya! Following up on that non-ayurvedic breakfast, I thought you might find it useful if I shared some agni-stoking foods. These are important to keep in your daily Ayurvedic bag of tricks and incorporate into your meals each day. Ayurveda goes pretty nuts with the agni-promoting therapies, foods, spices, herbs, etc., and the reason is, [...]

[Read more →]

As you’ve been learning about Ayurveda, you know how we stress the importance of digestion. Instead of, “You are what you eat” Ayurveda says, “You are what you digest.” That little saying really reminds us that the focus is not only in what we eat, but how we eat it, at what time, and which foods are [...]

[Read more →]

I have one question. I know Vatas are supposed to avoid leftovers and eat freshly cooked warm foods esp. in winter which is what we are coming into down here in Melbourne, Victoria. How can I do this at work without taking in my whole kitchen? Any tips? Ayurveda says that each meal be prepared [...]

[Read more →]

Hey Monica! I’ve been having the same little sad ball issue for awhile (I went from pitta poo (as you know) – to this). Anyway, I KNOW that ghee is one of your first recommendations to cure the sad balls (esp. for vatas) but I am AFRAID to eat ghee. I know it is clarified [...]

[Read more →]

In case you missed it last year, I created “Good Morning” mugs that came with homemade chai mix for the holidays. Since it’s chilly outside, now is the perfect season for a hot, spicy, velvety cup of chai. If you need some little gifts, stuffers, or hostess gifts the mug is cute and inspiring. And [...]

[Read more →]

My question is about green smoothies. As you know, they are all the rage now and the concept is pretty appealing. BUT as vata, with all the “fun” digestive issues that entails, I have wondered if they are something to embrace or avoid. 1. They are cold. 2. They are raw. Got a take on [...]

[Read more →]

Not sure if it’s motherhood that’s making me extra soft and smooshy, but lately I’ve been overwhelmed with gratitude. I was rocking my baby before her bed time and I stepped out on the balcony to give us some fresh air. I took a big inhale as I paid special attention to the trees and [...]

[Read more →]

OH.m.g. I am beside myself. We went grocery shopping today. It was produce time and usually my favorite because it’s the warmest part of the store :) My husband picks up this package which held 4 “apples.” See the label below. My husband kinda giggles in anticipation for my reaction. I was like, “What. Did [...]

[Read more →]

On last night’s radio show (episode 12) we were talking about how to calm down chaos and focus on what really matters so that we aren’t lost in the spinning spinning spinning of life. We breezed over what my routine is in my busy-busy world and we also talked about managing everything when there’s SO [...]

[Read more →]

YYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!! Introducing Seasonal Bloom Kapha!! I think this is my FAVORITE one yet! If you are unfamiliar, each season I put together a little newsletter/booklet focusing on the dosha (vata, pitta, or kapha) for that season. On this FIRST day of spring (see? I was worried I was late, but timing always works out as [...]

[Read more →]

Okay for those of you who think kaphas “can’t eat anything,” that’s just not true. Kaphas have a very large variety of foods and spices that they can enjoy and all of it is mighty tasty! It does take a little creativity (no grabbing for a bagel with cream cheese, guzzling a frappochino or fast [...]

[Read more →]

Okay peeps. Kapha season is not that hard, it’s just different. THIS might help you. Think of a kapha diet as Asian cuisine. Spicy soups, rice/soba/udon noodles, lots of veggies, edamame, spicy, warm, brothy sauces, ginger+garlic. Seek out Asian-inspired recipes, just be mindful of the salt content. Does that help!?

[Read more →]

On this happy Sunday, take a peek at The Smiling Kitchen!! My friend and fellow Ayurvedee, Diana Bayless, started this little resource for all things Ayurveda in your kitchen! She’s just beginning but check back often for more goodies as she evolves and expands the site. :) :) ♥

[Read more →]

‘Elo! So, understanding this dosha balancing thang can be a little confusing. I get lots of emails and questions that my readers have about their own unique balance. Sometimes I even get vatas saying, “I wish I was a kapha!” Doesn’t everyone? ;) Just kidding. Oh come on now, kaphas have their problems just like [...]

[Read more →]