On the first day of January my true love gave to me, well maybe not my true love, but someone gave me the flu. After suffering for almost 48 hours, healing began when I finally declared I had the flu. The shame in admitting that I had the flu was fear of 1) being admonished by the super vaxxers I know that I “should’ve had my flu shot” (which I will never do) or 2) admitting that I had not been taking care of myself.

I don’t believe that you can only get the flu at a certain time of the year. When we are not hydrating properly, eating too much sugar and processed foods, burning the candle at both ends, and living a stressful life we can be susceptible to system invaders at any time. It’s no surprise that just coming off of the holiday season with all the hustle and bustle that goes with that, friend and family gatherings, reduced exercise, reduced sunlight, and not taking my supplements regularly that I landed flat on my hiney!

In between trips (from the bedroom) to the loo I had plenty of time to myself for meditation and reflection. I reflected on my progress both personally and professionally as I finished out 2016. I realized that I truly am crushing it in so many areas of my life. I have a wonderful husband, great children, and my overall health is fantastic (other than this momentary speed bump). An incredible circle of heart centered entrepreneurial women that I am so honored to call my friends surrounds me. I recognized I have a common theme throughout my life. (I’m sure many of you have experienced the same.) I tend to give, give, give. Which on the surface seems like a really wonderful thing to do. Many women and moms forget or maybe neglect is a better word, to save a little for them. I don’t make resolutions but I do make commitments to change, add, and eliminate. So in my moments of suffering I achieved a few moments of clarity as well.

I committed to heal from the inside out this year!

1. I will become better at saying “no thank you” if my plate is already full.

2. I will become better at saying “I can’t accept this partnership at this time” when something doesn’t feel right.

3. I commit to myself to get off the backburner! If “saving a little for you” is as difficult for you to remember, as it is for me, maybe it’s time to start scheduling those reminders. Breakout those smart phones, iPads, MacBooks, or even the old-school daytime planner. Block out time not only for the work that you must do but also the exercise and relaxation you must do.

4. Remember to nourish myself daily in the form of non-GMO, enzyme rich, organic whole foods, and supplement with quality vitamins and minerals to fill in the gaps.

When I was well enough to make my way downstairs I was determined to heal my system and get back on the good foot. I’d had two days of chicken broth and was finally ready for more. What is kitchari you ask? Kitchari is an Ayurveda meal – the best way to describe it is an Indian version of American chili. Unlike chili as we know it, Kitchari, is entirely plant-based, easy to digest, and provides a complete protein. I’ve read not to expect fireworks in the tastiness department but I found that using spices shown to have anti-inflammatory properties give an explosion of flavor to this dish.

My version of Kitchari – I hope you enjoy the healing benefits and tastiness of this delicious dish.

Ingredients:

(Yields 6 to 8 servings)

1-quart vegetable broth

1-cup organic red lentils

1/2 yellow onion (chopped)

2 celery stalks (chopped)

2 medium Carrots (chopped)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

2 tsp. cumin powder

2 tsp. turmeric powder

2 tsp. cardamom powder

Celtic Sea salt to taste

2 tsp. Avocado oil

2 C. organic baby spinach

8 C. (total) chopped organic seasonal veggies

I used butternut squash, sweet potato, zucchini, and yellow squash, cauliflower

 

Preparation:

  1. Heat avocado oil in large soup pot
  2. Sauté onions, garlic, celery, carrots
  3. Add cumin powder, turmeric powder, cardamom powder, and sea salt
  4. As the spices began to let off their aroma add lentils
  5. Add half of your veggie broth and simmer for 30 minutes
  6. Once the lentils are about 2/3 the way finished add butternut squash and sweet potato simmer for another 15 minutes
  7. Add the rest of your veggie broth; zucchini, yellow squash, and cauliflower simmer for 30 minutes
  8. Just before serving I wilt the baby spinach in the kitchari for added green color
  9. You may want to add a little more sea salt (your preference)

Note:

Traditional Kitchari includes basmati rice. I chose to make organic brown rice separately this time. You can make rice according to the package and serve in the bowl with your kitchari if you eat grains.

Ayurveda is clear on this: ALL good health starts with digestion. One of the most important things we can do for our health every single day is to make good food choices. Food can be just as powerfully healing as medicine. If we eat foods specific to us, adopt a life supporting routine (meditation, prayer, exercise, etc.) our bodies will reap the benefits and we’ll feel happier, healthier and experience vitality at any age.

 

Looking out for your Long Term Wellness,