“Self-care” is everywhere on social media, which is a wonderful thing: a movement into awareness of our needs. Unfortunately, the messaging we see on social media is usually accompanied by “do this for self-care….don’t do this…definitely do this” -- a form of what I call self-care policing: other people dictating what is acceptable and what is unacceptable as forms of self-care.
]]>Is self-care chocolates, wine, and mani/pedi’s? Or, meditation, healthy boundaries, letting go of relationships that are no longer in alignment with us?
How about this: self-care is recognizing the care you need, in the moment, and taking action towards achieving that care.
Self-care is exactly what it sounds like: care of self. It’s less about what other people are telling you to do and more of honoring who you are and how you feel and where you’re at. And, it looks different for everyone.
When I was struggling with depression and hormonal imbalances from my PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), I ordered food all the time because I didn’t have the motivation to grocery shop or cook. I ate desserts every night. Went to bed late. Slept in. Didn’t have the energy to exercise or meet with friends. But I promised myself that this would be temporary, and made it a constant practice to not judge myself for what I was doing or how I was feeling, actively trying to not give in to shame, guilt or fear. My self-care was a new practice of self-love.
Flash forward to now – I’m more balanced than ever before, back to cooking healthy and high vibrational meals, gaining the ability to love myself regardless of my situation – something I didn’t realize I lacked until this experience with depression, engaging in daily exercise and a devoted sadhana (practice) of yoga/meditation/breath work. I feel fulfilled and purposeful. This might sound more like “self-care” to some people.
My self-care looked drastically different during these two time periods. When I was feeling low, yes I gained weight. Yes my depression sucked me into a hole of despair. But it also offered the contrast I needed to see where my holes in self-love were, and where I needed to grow in my capaciousness for self-love, regardless of how I was feeling or experiencing. I needed to drop the self-judgement and criticism. I realized up until then, my self-love was conditional, and based on my idea of happiness and success: if I was doing good and feeling good, I had more love for myself. But if I screwed up or wasn’t feeling the best, I didn’t show love to myself as much. In hindsight, the ordering food and dessert was a form of self-care that allowed me a break in trying to show up as perfect. But, the key is, I did know it was temporary and was still seeking the healing I needed elsewhere via acupuncture and energy work. I didn’t give up on life, I just needed a pause to have my view of love mirrored back at me so I could heal it.
Self-care for me today looks a lot different, but I can perform these actions with more self-love and gratitude because of the hardships and low times I faced.
Some might argue “accepting” feeling low is not a healthy thing to do. I disagree. I think acceptance allows us to be fully present with the experience. When we don’t accept, we push away, or deny and therefore repress the experience – which ultimately is exactly that: denial.
But every experience is meant to be felt. Acceptance does not mean “giving up.” Giving up is having no desire to change or evolve. But acceptance is a powerful drop into the present moment, honoring the reality of the situation, feeling it even if it's uncomfortable. Doing this allows for a powerful shift into healing and a transformation to begin.
Some might also believe simple pleasures, such as a glass of wine, manicures and pedicures are not self-care, but material things we engage in to distract ourselves from the evolution or healing that needs to take place. I also disagree – because every single person is so unique. I think even simple pleasures can help propel us into a different mind set that is uplifted, that can be of aid to shift the entire psyche into an uplifted and motivated energy. The tricky thing is not to use these simple pleasures as a means to perpetuate a toxic cycle (more on this later in another blog!).
Self-care isn’t just a trend – it’s a way of being that encompasses both the desire to and the actual practice of returning to self through care that we recognize as a need in that moment or time of our life – whether that care be physical, mental, emotional or spiritual.
Most importantly, self-care is unique to you. And honoring that as truth is, well, a form of self-care.
What is your favorite self-care practice?
Photo credit @photosbyfreespirit
]]>A resolution is defined as a firm decision to do or no longer do something, which sounds really great in theory. But in reality, resolutions can carry an underlying pressure of perfection, and evoke an all-or-nothing mentality. And while some of us can make a behavior/lifestyle change quickly (like cutting out sugar from our diet, for example), the rest of us struggle with the indecisive, tricky inner workings of the human mind.
We might start out the year strong and motivated, devoting ourselves to making this resolution a lifestyle change. But within a few weeks, we might lower our inhibitions and conditionally allow a break in the resolution (“oooh, i’ll have just ONE bite of cake, but only this once”), which is the beginning of the end of our resolution. Why? Because one “wrong” move makes us feel like we screwed up the entire resolution. Sometimes the guilt of screwing up is enough to make us abandon the resolution completely. It is not uncommon to feel like a failure, not worthy of your resolution, or unsure why you even made that resolution in the first place. Most of us have been there and know what that feels like.
Our culture is very physically-based, money-driven, success-hungry – and this often colors the way we form our resolutions. For example, resolutions I have heard in the past include “I want to lose XX pounds” or “I want to make $XXXX amount of money this year” or “I want to find the perfect partner for me.” And while there’s nothing wrong with that, there is a different method I'd like to introduce you to that might resonate with you more.
New Year’s Intentions
I am a HUGE fan of New Year’s intentions and am still in awe of how they absolutely come true for my clients whom I help guide as a spiritual life coach. Intentions have a supportive, uplifting heart-based vibration. They are accompanied by grace, since they are an ever-evolving journey of growth, versus a hard yes-or-no choice like a resolution.
Let’s try an example.
Close your eyes and say this out loud to yourself. How does your body feel when you say it?
Now, try this:
Close your eyes, say this out loud, and FEEL the feelings that come with perfect health and happiness.
Do these two experiences feel different?
If you feel like the second (B) “intention” resonated with you more, then you are the perfect candidate for setting New Year’s intentions. They incorporate feeling, emotion, a sense of empowerment, and a knowing that you can’t fail, but only evolve. Instead of obsessing over losing 10 pounds, and becoming a slave to tracking and calculating your every move and morsel you eat, an intention helps empower you to choose more uplifted, higher consciousness choices that support you in feeling at peace with your body. Maybe there is weight loss as a result as you shed the weight of stress and pressure. Maybe there is an overall pep in your step because you are choosing to feel happy and healthy and embodying an expanded, liberated sense of self. So instead of postponing happiness to when you finally achieve 10 lbs less on a scale, you can feel happy and healthy RIGHT NOW which sends forth a vibration that attracts happy and heathy things to you. It changes your life.
How to start creating New Year’s Intentions
Choose a time when you have no distractions, and have a quiet space to work in. Open the word document on your computer, tablet or phone, and list 3-6 categories you’d like to focus your year on, such as “spiritual health,” “mental and emotional health,” “physical healthy,” relationships,” “career/work, and/or “experiences.”
Then, sit in a comfortable seated posture, one hand on your lower abdomen, and one hand on your heart. Breathe deeply through your nose into your lower abdomen, and gently and slowly exhale out of your mouth. Repeat 20 times. Now focus all of your attention on your heart. Ask yourself out loud, “what intentions do I have for my mental health” (or whatever first category you chose). Be receptive and listen patiently to what your heart is communicating (this might take some practice, because we are so used to “thinking” with our minds!). What is coming to you? How do you want to have improved mental health with yourself and others? If it is clear, write down any intentions that come to you, using “I want to feel…” or “I want to improve…” or similar language. If you are not clear, no worries! Jot any visions or ideas in a journal and expand on them later. Clarity comes through peeling back the layers.
Continue doing this practice for each category. You may have 3-7 intentions per category – this is common. Try to be as clear as possible, too. For example, “I want better relationships” is a great intention, but “I want to practice nonviolent communication,” and “I want to set healthy boundaries” is a little more clear and specific ways of bettering relationships. You can always come back to your intentions and edit them along the way. But what is most helpful is checking in with your intentions throughout the year, to see how they are manifesting. It might be helpful to have an unbiased accountability person in your life to assist you in your journey.
Need help with your New Year’s intentions? Schedule a session with me for a special 25% off the month of January. Use discount code NEWYEAR when you add “Consult w/ Lizzy” to your cart to get this deal.
May this New year be filled with beautiful, empowering intentions that help nurture your best self.
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As someone who’s deeply passionate about both women’s health and healing through Eastern practices, I was honored to meet Lizzy, the founder of Ayurvedic Protein®.
She’s one of those bright lights beaming with inspiration and knowledge that's magnetic and I wanted to know everything about her one-of-a-kind Ayurvedic protein powder. Her story begins with a difficult ovarian disorder—PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). After discovering Western medicine wasn’t able to treat Lizzy’s condition, she took her healing into her own hands.
Below she shares her story of using the ancient practices of Ayurvedic for healing, how she created Ayurvedic Protein®, and she dives into the beautiful and clean ingredients it's made from.
My doshic constitution is Vata Pitta. This has helped immensely with understanding why I'm more prone to anxiety, nervousness, bloating, but am creative, alert and sharp. I use my constitution as a general guide toward better choices to maintain balance in my mind and body, but do not obsess about doing every single thing to avoid aggravating vata or pitta.
So for example, I do have a structured morning and evening practice that involves calming pranayama, grounding asana and kriya, and opt for warmer food and beverages, especially in the colder months. But I don’t worry too much about ordering a vata-pacifying meal everytime I’m out to dinner.
The best part about this medical system is that although it is vast, it meets you where you are at; you can pick and choose what lifestyle practices to follow based on what resonates with you. Knowing my dosha has allowed me to ask “what would serve me best right now” instead of “what do I crave and need to have now.” So there is an intentional pause to sit with what feels right for my body, in that moment, instead of my ego’s desire for something that wouldn’t be as beneficial to maintain homeostasis. And that’s really empowering.
I was told by all of my Western physicians to go on prescription medications to help with symptoms of my ovarian disorder, PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). I knew this would only mask the symptoms, but I wanted to heal the root cause.
After my Master Level yoga teacher training in India, I decided to travel to Southern India – Kerala – the Ayurvedic capital of the world to undergo a 21-day panchakarma at an Ayurvedic hospital.
I was desperate really, to heal. I learned in my yoga teacher training that Ayurveda was the sister-science to yoga, emerged from the Vedas, and literally meant “the science of life.” But I hadn’t really experienced this world of healing yet until this hospital stay.
I was assigned a personal doctor who I met with daily (Dr. Aswathy, who is now Co-creator of Ayurvedic Protein® and my dear friend). I ate mostly a plant-based diet, received medicinal herbs, daily medicated treatments and oil massages, and of course meditation and gentle yoga. And within 21 days, I started feeling better.
When I returned back to the states, I began a PhD program and was super stressed. My PCOS symptoms (depression, hair loss, weight gain, cystic acne) started coming back as I struggled to find balance. I switched to a plant-based diet which was overwhelming to say the least - I struggled with incorporating all the vegan foods to eat to meet all the daily micro and macro nutrients.
With PCOS, there’s an emphasis on higher protein diets. And, me being an ex-body builder/triathlete and equestrian—I always knew protein is the go-to to feel satiated, maintain muscle mass and lose body fat. So I naturally opted for plant-based protein powders. But, most made me bloated, some tasted like soil, many weren’t USDA Certified Organic (so, synthetic pesticide and herbicides like glyphosate could be in present); and most could not provide 3rd-party batch testing results.
Testing is absolutely critical because the FDA does not approve supplements, nor are they authorized to approve a supplement for safety, effectiveness, or approve the labeling before the supplements are sold to the public.
Under the The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the responsibility of a supplement’s safety, quality and labeling claims falls on the companies who manufacture them. So, there’s a huge gray area and many companies do not perform testing at all, or have them done in-house which is biased. So contaminants, allergens, gluten, heavy metals, and microbes can be in these products. I was ready to give up on protein powders all together, until I decided to make my own.
I experimented with the cleanest, gut-friendly protein blends, added in my Ayurvedic herbs, spices and digestive enzymes, and made a delicious smoothie every day. This smoothie was my little beacon of hope for my healing that I took with me to campus, amid feeling so horrible.
I knew it was one little thing I was doing to better myself during such an overwhelming time. My heart told me that so many other women could benefit from a product like this, so I quit my PhD program to create Ayurvedic Protein®. In fact, I called up my doctor from Kerala, Dr. Aswathy, and asked her to help me co-create the product. She said “of course!” and is the brain behind the selection and dosing of the herbs in our protein powders.
Many! Even through all the challenges, the rewarding moments always reveal themselves.
We’ve been voted top 8 protein powders by VegOut magazine. We were one of three finalists for the national Whole Foods® Accelerator Program. Featured in Allure and Women’s Health magazine, and we’re used by a few celebrities. But the biggest reward is connecting with other women, all around the world, who resonate with this product and use it as a ritual of self-care for their mental and physical health.
I consider a lot of my customers “soul sisters” because they have shared personal stories of healing, and how our products have helped them considerably.
The plant protein blend we use is USDA Certified Organic, pure, clean pumpkin seed, brown rice and pea protein powder because they are easy to digest.
Three herbs (Ashwagandha, Bacopa, Amalaki) are rasayanas, or rejuvenating herbs, that work synergistically to help balance the body - and this particular combination at the dosage is great for all doshic constitutions.
Ashwagandha helps combat stress, Bacopa enhances focus and concentration, and Amalaki is immensely immune-boosting. We put in vegan digestive enzymes to help the body absorb, digest and metabolize the protein (since one serving is a whopping 19g protein!). There’s also organic turmeric, cinnamon and ginger – all amazing Ayurvedic spices for healing with high antioxidant properties – that provide a slight spicy flavor, and vanilla as well.
The recipes on our website also help pacify specific doshas. So depending on how you use our protein, you can further help balance your dosha. Oh yeah, and there’s love! Our products were intentionally created for a happy body and peaceful mind.
We only use USDA Certified Organic ingredients, sustainably-sourced and fairly-traded Ayurvedic herbs and of course have our products undergo 3rd-party batch testing to ensure they are consistently of the highest quality.
Definitely check out our 1-minute Dosha Assessment to discover your unique doshic constitution, and receive some products and recipes that we recommend to help promote balance.
We also have some great blogs on our website, newsletters and social media posts with information. Follow @ayurvedicprotein on IG, Facebook, & Pinterest.
Dr. Aswathy is currently offering Ayurvedic consultations - she’s already seen quite a few customers who have specific health questions.
Also, my biggest intention is to allow Ayurveda to be more accessible and less intimidating. We feature great blogs and newsletters about Ayurveda and Yoga, and how simple changes can really promote longevity and mind/body balance. We’re always looking to spread the word on Podcasts, guest blogs, and social media collaborations.
Article written by Courtney Jay. View the Original article here.
Article reposted with permission from Coincide.
We ask our co-creator, Dr. Aswathy about what Ayurveda tells us about the transition into Spring. Dr. Aswathy Krishna.R is an Ayurvedic doctor and final year post-graduate scholar in Dravya guna vijnana (Ayurvedic Pharmacology).
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1. What is Ayurvedic Medicine?
Ayurveda translates to “the science of life” and is a 5000-year-old holistic system of medicine indigenous to India. The main aim is to prevent disease from happening and to protect the health of a healthy person. Ayurveda, like yoga – it’s sister-science – emerged from the great Vedas (Atharvaveda).
“Yatha Pinde tatha Brahmhande” translates to: as is the Macrocosm, so is the Microcosm,
The human body is a microcosm of the universe (macrocosm), and Ayurveda shows us that if we follow certain practices and principles that help attune our bodies to the natural world, we achieve homeostasis, health and longevity.
2. How can an appropriate seasonal diet help create balance and harmony?
The microcosm (body) as well as the macrocosm (universe) is composed of five basic elements of nature – air (vayu), ether (akasha), water (ap), earth (prthvi), and fire (tejas). These elements are expressed as three biological humors in the physical body: Vata (ether, air), Pitta (fire, water) and Kapha (earth, water) and are responsible for homeostasis. The season and the diet are factors which influence the balance of these three humors inside us. So that’s why Ayurveda advises to follow an appropriate seasonal regimen and diet to maintain balance in the body.
3. How does nature’s transition from winter to spring affect the human body?
Energy levels can be low during Winter because according to Ayurveda, energy is drained from the body leaving you more tired. Winter is a time of increased Vata in the body. But during Spring, the Sun provides more energy to the body which improves our energy levels and is a time of increased Kapha.
4. According to Ayurveda, what foods are best for balancing the body during Spring?
During Spring season (Vasanta), Ayurveda advises us to stick to foods and herbs that taste acrid/pungent (Katu), bitter (Tikta) and astringent (Kasaya). For example acrid includes coffee, onion, ginger, garlic, and cayenne pepper, bitter includes dandelion root, fenugreek, turmeric root, radish, broccoli, cranberries and sprouts, and astringent includes apples, bananas, cabbage, cauliflower, pomegranates and honey. Also juicing with these herbs, vegetables and fruits pacifies Kapha.
5. What is your personal favorite meal to enjoy during the spring season? Perhaps you could recommend a recipe from your blog that I can suggest?
We created an energizing smoothie recipe that is perfect for Spring with energizing spices, Kapha pacifying Ayurvedic herbs and satiating protein.
]]>It's difficult to demand more from your protein supplement like transparency and quality when we are unsure about the industry's standardization - or lack thereof.
So, I put together the top 5 protein powder non-negotiables with your optimal health and well-being in mind. Accept nothing less from protein powder supplements - and feel empowered contacting the company with any questions you have (mine included!). I hope it can bring you some guidance in navigating the many choices out there.
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"It was such a dark place, but I found a beautiful light amid the depression."
Ayurvedic Protein Founder & Yoga Teacher, Lizzy Sinatra, and Angie Cretella, Ayurvedic Practitioner, talk about their experience with depression, our healthcare system, and finding the light amid the darkness.
]]>"It was such a dark place, but I found a beautiful light amid the depression."
Ayurvedic Protein Founder & Yoga Teacher, Lizzy Sinatra, and Angie Cretella, Ayurvedic Practitioner, talk about their experience with depression, our healthcare system, and finding the light amid the darkness.
Tags: Ayurvedic Protein, Plant-based Protein powder, Ayurveda
]]>Hair loss, weight gain, facial hair growth, aaaaaaand anxiety and depression. These are a few of my LEAST favorite things. But they all chose to wreak havoc on my body – for years - as a result of my Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis.
I saw over 12 different OBGYNs (who specialized in PCOS), endocrinologists, fertility experts. Their advice? Take prescription medications to fix your symptoms.
I didn’t want to fix my symptoms. I wanted to get to the root cause of my hormonal imbalance. I desired to truly heal from the inside-out. And at this point, I felt like my healthcare system was failing me.
I felt I needed to experience this suffering in order to arrive at a life-changing revelation: I had to take FULL responsibility for my holistic healing process. And I needed to trust my body. Trusting myself did not come from the hopeless, let-down, victim mentality that was clouding my experience. It came from cultivating self-love, self-respect, and believing without a shadow of a doubt that my body in fact DID possess the intelligence – and desire – to heal itself, despite what my doctors advised.
I decided to jump fully into holistic healing. And, I changed my mentality to look at my healing process as a sacred and educational process – not an illness I needed to eradicate as quickly as possible.
During my travels to India for my yoga teacher training, my intuition nudged me to spend a few weeks at an Ayurvedic hospital in Kerala (the Ayurvedic capital of the world) to undergo a panchakarma (deep cleansing process or purification). Ayurveda is an ancient medicinal system and sister-science of yoga. The timing was perfect. And I found a highly-rated, reputable hospital that just happened to have a spot available.
For 21 days, I stayed on site at a beautiful and peaceful hospital that catered to whole-body healing through this ancient medicinal system. The prolific plants and trees confirmed that this particular hospital was known for its home-grown herbal medicines. I received daily treatments that revolved around herbal remedies and a plant-based diet. And within 21 days I was feeling better. I know – it sounds hard to believe. I was shocked, too. But the lab results didn’t lie, and neither did my spirit, which felt uplifted and recharged for the first time in years.
My Ayurvedic physician, Dr. Aswathy, and I became good friends – and stayed in touch when I returned back home. I asked her to help me co-create the first protein supplement in the US for vegans/vegetarians/plant-based eaters that was guided by the wisdom of this sacred medicinal system, and featured the healing benefits of Ayurvedic herbs.
She was ecstatic. We put our heads and hearts together -- and Ayurvedic Protein was born.
Photo cred @photosbyfreespirit
]]>It's official: people are losing their sh*t about Coronavirus. And rightly so, a "pandemic" is nothing to be casual about. We must be vigilant about our health and wellbeing at this time.
Instead of seeing this as a time of fear, let's empower one another to experience this as a time of slowing down and inner reflection.
Tags: Vegan protein powder, plant-based protein powder, Ayurveda, Ayurvedic, herbs, herbal medicine, self-care, protein, vegetarian protein powder.
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Hello tribe!
It's official: people are losing their sh*t about Coronavirus. And rightly so, a "pandemic" is nothing to be casual about. We must be vigilant about our health and wellbeing at this time.
But this virus is bringing to light two of our biggest fears as humans:
1. The fear of the unknown
2. The fear of sitting still and being with our thoughts
Let me explain.
During work/school shut downs and cancellations, we are being forced to go inward: both externally and internally. We might have a lot of free time on our hands at home where our minds aren't being kept as busy as they would be at work. Our normal schedules and structures are being disrupted. The media (and our friends and family) makes it seem like if we go outside, we might get sick. Our communities are terrified. And that fear is contagious - fear is a very real pandemic happening right now. And it is making us emotionally ill.
Instead of seeing this as a time of fear, let's empower one another to experience this as a time of slowing down and inner reflection.
Here are our top 5 self-care tips to empower yourself, minimize fear and maximize your stay-cation time:
1. Meditate
If you don't have a meditation practice already, now is THE time. It will help you improve focus and feelings of peace and calmness. There are plenty of free apps available, as well as guided meditations online. We are also developing meditations and breath work videos (stay tuned!) but until then, check out this girl here.
2. Spend time in nature
It is NOT true that you will catch the virus if you step outside. Now is the perfect time to take a walk, jog, hike - even spending a minute standing with your bare feet pressed into the ground is a simple and powerful way to feel grounded and recharged, and more connected to the world in a positive way.
3. Call your friends and family
In times of tragedy and chaos, we are reminded how precious and temporary life is. Let's not wait for more tragedy and chaos to remind us again. Be proactive about mending, healing and growing relationships with your loved ones. Pick up the phone and call them!
4. Start a gratitude journal
Daily journal writing is one of the most overlooked, yet powerful tools for inner reflection. Writing is therapeutic; it calms our mind, invokes peace, and assists us in gaining clarity on issues of uncertainty. Begin writing about what you are grateful for - go on, tease it out. There is ALWAYS something to be grateful for. And reflecting on it is perfect at this time. Make a habit of spending 5-10 minutes journal writing in the morning or before bed.
5. Boost your immunity
In times of uncertainty, one sure fire thing is that boosting immunity is our best chance against preventing illness. Vitamin C is one of the biggest immune boosters. And I'd like to introduce you to this little guy: the Indian Gooseberry, who contains more vit C than 20 oranges! Keep reading below!
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Indian Gooseberry
The Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica), also called Amla or Amalaki, is a potent source of vitamin C and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. The fruit grows wild on trees throughout India and has been used to as a body rejuvenator, blood purifier, and for blood sugar management. The berry supports healthy blood sugar, normal cholesterol levels, a healthy inflammatory response, and its high vitamin C content and polyphenols support healthy tissue integrity and normal cellular growth.
The Indian Gooseberry is one of the three herbs selected by Dr. Aswathy, Ayurvedic Physician, for our potent, medicinal-grade blend in Ayurvedic Protein powder. But to make sure you are fully supported mentally and physically, Ayurvedic Protein contains turmeric, cinnamon and ginger for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
Yes, immune-boosting can be delicious. Have a daily scoop of antiviral protection.
Be safe and well, friends.
Big (sanitized) hugs, Lizzy Founder, Ayurvedic Protein |
I struggled with symptoms of PCOS for years: depression, anxiety, weight-gain, hair loss, acne. It wasn't until traveling to India, meeting an Ayurvedic physician and undergoing a 21-day panchakarma that I started feeling better. I created Ayurvedic Protein powder to provide mind/body balance, an easy and clean way of getting a lean source of protein with medicinal-grade healing herbs and spices and digestive enzymes. This helped nurture my best self - and it is my sincere intention that it does the same for you.
TAGS: Ayurveda, self-love, self-care, protein powder, plant-based, vegan, gluten-free, keto-friendly, USDA certified organic, superfoods, herbs, plant medicine
]]>Follow our 4 simple guidelines to get the most out of each loving and nourishing serving of Ayurvedic Protein® powders.
]]>Our unique superfood protein was designed to give you a daily dose of superpowers. Eat a scoop of Ayurvedic Protein™ every day, whether that be for breakfast, after exercise, or as an afternoon snack smoothie. Enjoy up to 2 scoops per day.
Go ahead – prepare Ayurvedic Protein™ however you’d like. But, try this for a change: blend a scoop of protein with 1-2 cups of milk (we love it with rice milk!), and heat the mixture in a saucepan. According to Ayurveda, warm liquids help strengthen your digestive fire (agni) and enhance digestion and absorption of food and nutrients. Enjoy this yummy warm high-protein chai any time of day.
3. Make a daily ritual for self-care
In need of healing? Who isn’t! Set an intention while enjoying Ayurvedic Protein™ by simply saying (or thinking) “I am open to healing,” “this is giving me strength,” or whatever you need. By doing so, you are sending forth a ripple effect of positivity and healing around you.
Being human is haaaaaaaaard. But no matter what, you deserve to nurture your best self.
Breathe deeply, go courageously, and love yourself unapologetically. Need a little support, a little pep in your step, a little slap on the tush to remind you how awesome you are? We’re here for ya. Follow us on instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for your daily dose of love and authentic positivity at @ayurvedicprotein.
Tags: Plant based protein powder, Yoga nutrition, Food to eat after yoga, Vegan protein powder, Vegetarian protein powder, Clean protein powder, organic protein powder, yoga fuel, Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Medicine
]]>-Lizzy Sinatra is a Master Yoga Teacher of the Tantric Himalayan tradition in Rishikesh, India, and Founder of Ayurvedic Protein®
]]>There I was, at the festival of spandex, and the last place I wanted to be. At first, I felt a little out of place. The first class challenged me to be patient and present, mostly because I was trying not to fall, fart, or leave the class altogether. I tried a few other classes, and finally, I found something that I didn’t even realize I was looking for: a teacher who spoke to the inner core of my being. He reminded me to honor my warrior spirit by having a strong spine and a soft heart filled with joy. In that one class, I was gently guided back to the part of me that knew I would be OK. After that one class, I felt free.
I had such strong judgements about yoga that were completely based on my own fabricated and perceived idea of what it was. My dislike for yoga stemmed from a part of me that felt I wasn’t good enough for it, or worthy of the healing I deserved. Actually, after that first class at the festival, maybe I would have given up on yoga. But my stubbornness was overridden by the fact that I had to partake in other classes. The more classes I took, the less judgment I had and the more open I became. I realized that there are so many types of yoga, and every teacher instructs differently. I had to find the style and wisdom that resonated with me.
By the last day of the festival, something within me shifted. I had energy for the first time in months. I felt uplifted and supported by a group of complete strangers. And I knew from that moment that yoga was going to be in my life forever. I experienced a deep sense of fulfillment and peace that was missing from my life.
Years later, as a Master Level teacher, I still experience days where I feel low and my energy is non-existent. But I have realized this is simply part of being human, and those dark, hopeless thoughts I used to have no longer have to control me. Yoga may not be everyone’s path of self-healing, but there is surely a unique path for everyone. Don’t give up. Seek to connect with your strong spine, soft heart, and open mind, and your path will reveal itself to you at the perfect time – even if you dislike it at first.
]]>Meditation is hard AF. But here’s the thing: if your mind is busy – you know, that “monkey mind” is constantly chattering away – or you find yourself super stressed, anxious, worried, unfocused, or depressed, then here's why it might be your best friend.
]]>But here’s the thing: if your mind is busy – you know, that “monkey mind” is constantly chattering away – or you find yourself super stressed, anxious, worried, unfocused, or depressed, then meditation may help. Aaaaaaaa lot.
Meditation has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, tension, anxiety and enhance overall wellbeing. It heightens our sense of awareness, increases our ability to process information more efficiently, and allows us to access the “present moment.” When we are present, our mind and body shifts out of our stressed “fight or flight” state and into a “rest and digest” state.
But here’s what no one tells you: meditation takes practice and patience in order to experience the benefits. It is not something you just do once in a while when you feel like it. It’s like going to the gym: working out once certainly does not change your body composition. Getting fit takes time and patience. Similarly, taming that “monkey mind” does too, but…it’s worth it, and it can help you achieve the peace and stillness you crave.
Here's what you need to know: When we first begin meditating, our mind can chime in pretty frequently. It’s like a little child who is used to getting candy whenever he/she demands it. And then all of a sudden we stop giving the child candy, and a temper tantrum follows shortly after. Our mind will throw a little temper tantrum when we stop giving in to its demands. We need to expect this, and allow a space for this chatter to happen. The moment you become aware of your mind chatter, and take immediate action toward shifting your focus back to the breath/mantra/visualization, that is when the magic happens. Reclaim your focus. It is the training of your focus that is important, not trying to achieve the "perfect," thought-less state. Over time, our brain rewires itself to tune out that chatter and refocus more often. We become an observer of our thoughts, and focus on the mantra, visualization, sensations or whatever experience that particular meditation brings about. Know this: you are not your thoughts.
Not sure where to start? Try this simple, yet powerful foundational pranayama (breath work) meditation.
Perform this pranayama (breath work) meditation every morning upon waking and every evening. Make sure you are in a quiet spot with no disturbances, and silence your phone. Keep a journal next to you in case you need to jot things down, such as that work assignment you forgot to do! It helps to keep a clear head.