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EAT TO GLOW W hen I fi rst began practicing yoga, I spent countless savasanas lying on my mat obsessing about what to cook after class for dinner. While people around me touched into samadhi states, I was busily trying to sort out what I could make for dinner to keep my body feeling as great as it did on my mat. Over the years, thanks to my study of yoga's sister sci- ence, Ayurveda, I'm now able to relax during savasana and don't feel the same angst about my food choices. But as a chef and Ayurvedic nu- trition coach, I constantly hear that fi nding foods that help us feel both nourished and energized is a struggle for many. Whatever style of yoga you prefer, the choices you make for your après-class meal can help extend your yoga buzz long after you leave your mat. It turns out that juicy, glowing feeling you experience after a rejuvenating practice isn't just in your head, but rather is an expression of your body's vital essence, known as ojas in Ayurveda. Ojas is a subtle essence, responsible for governing our immune system, keeping the body's joints and tissues well- lubricated, and fostering the balanced production of our hormones. As we accumulate ojas, we enjoy physical vigor and mental clarity that allow us to weather the challenges of modern, daily life. When ojas is low, we experience less resil- ience to stress and can end up easily depleted and fatigued. Fortunately, the foods we consume daily can help to build our reserves of this essential energy. The following foods are recommended for producing and maintaining a healthy supply of ojas: • Avocados are wonderful to integrate into any meal as a garnish, or can be enjoyed as a snack on their own. I enjoy garnishing them with a touch of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of sea salt and smoked paprika for a quick snack. • Dates are a fantastic choice for people who crave sweet foods. Their high fi ber content helps to regu- late the release of sugar into the blood stream, pre- venting the type of spike-and-crash cycles you may experience with refi ned sugars. As an added bonus, dates help nurture healthy sleep cycles and are a great choice if you suffer from insomnia. • Ghee (clarifi ed butter) is a staple food in Ayurveda and one of the best ojas boosters you can fi nd. It also is the best oil available to help transfer the medici- nal powers of spices and herbs into the tissues of the body. Use it as a cooking oil, or try drizzling it over warm foods. • Milk is classically recommended in Ayurveda for nur- turing ojas, especially when warmed and combined with medicinal herbs. Nut milks (especially almond milk) also help foster ojas. Warm milk-based elixirs are a great choice before bed. • Tahini is an excellent choice for the base of sauces and dressings. It can also be spread on toast or crack- ers with a touch of honey for a satisfying snack. Meredith Klein is an Ayurvedic chef and nutrition coach based in Santa Monica, and the author of the upcoming cookbook, Kitchen Ritual. Learn more about her work at pranaful.com. By Meredith Klein Five Foods to Boost Vitality yoga & spirit ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE! Have you considered advertising in our Professional Services Directory? Call now to be in our December/January issue! sales@wholelifemagazine.com 310.425.3056 Five Foods to Boost Vitality 16 wholelifetimes.com Maitreya and the Masters of Wisdom are here to guide humanity along the path of cooperation and sharing, to help us solve our many crises - social, political, economic and environmental. www.shareinternational.info/WLT 888.242.8272 sharing • justice • peace The World Teacher for all humanity is here now