As we step into a new year, there’s no better time to embrace the powerful concept of routine, or dinacharya, an essential pillar of Ayurveda. Routine provides a sense of grounding in our often chaotic lives, offering the body and mind a framework to thrive. This week, let’s begin with one of the simplest yet most impactful routines: regular meal times.
In Ayurveda, the timing of meals is as important as the food itself. When we eat consistently, our bodies learn to trust that nourishment will come, reducing stress and allowing the body to function optimally. Without routine, our systems can shift into survival mode, fight or flight response, releasing cortisol and living as if scarcity is just around the corner.
To start, aim for three meals a day at the same times each day. Here’s how you can align your eating habits with your digestive fire:
Breakfast: Awaken Your Agni Begin your day with a small, nourishing meal as your agni, or digestive fire, is gently waking up. Think of light and easily digestible options like broths, sweet potato, or stewed apples. These foods are warming and grounding, preparing your system for the day ahead.
Click for my chicken bone broth recipe. It's Jackson approved! Lunch: Your Main Event Make lunch your largest meal of the day, as this is when your digestive fire burns the brightest. This is the time to enjoy a variety of foods and flavors, nourishing your body deeply and sustaining your energy for the rest of the day. Consider incorporating a balance of all six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent) into your meal to support digestion and satisfaction. Some great lunch options include: a warm bowl of kitchari made with rice, mung beans, and seasonal vegetables; a hearty stew with lentils or chickpeas; Add digestive spices like ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, fennel, or turmeric to enhance agni and make your meal even more flavorful and healthful. I often add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for the sour taste in my meals. Eating your largest meal at this time not only aligns with your body's natural rhythms but also provides the energy you need to thrive through the rest of your day.
Supper: Keep It Light In the evening, as your agni winds down, choose a light meal that’s easy to digest, such as a simple vegetable soup or kitchari. This supports restful sleep and allows your body to repair and rejuvenate overnight.
For more inspiration and ideas, visit my recipe page, where you’ll find a variety of Ayurvedic recipes tailored to support your digestive fire and bring balance to your meals. From hearty broths to nourishing soups, there’s something for everyone!
By embracing this routine, you’re not just fueling your body but signaling to it that there is no need for stress or scarcity. Routine eating helps to stabilize your hormones, balance your energy, and ease the effects of modern life.
Let this be your foundation for the year ahead: a simple yet transformative practice of eating mindfully and consistently. Routine is the first step to health, and it’s one we can all take, starting today.
I am here to support you on your journey to health and wellness. Through Ayurveda Yoga Therapy sessions, I combine the wisdom of yoga and Ayurveda with the gentle healing power of Reiki to create a truly holistic experience. These personalized sessions may include yoga postures, breathwork, meditation, Ayurvedic recommendations, and optional Reiki energy work. Together, these practices support physical balance, mental clarity, and emotional harmony, empowering you to navigate life with resilience and vitality.
To help you start the year off right, I’m offering a 3-pack of Ayurveda Yoga Therapy sessions for $299 (regularly $125 per session). These sessions provide a personalized and transformative experience. Check with your health insurance provider—you may be eligible to submit an invoice for reimbursement. Let me help you take the next step towards vibrant health!
Additional services include my Ayurveda Health Counseling, where I can guide you in creating personalized diet and lifestyle plans that align with your unique constitution and health goals. And virtual Mini Wellness Sessions offer quick, focused support to address specific concerns or help you reset and realign.
Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year.
With love, light, and Namaste,
Jennifer
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