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Ryan Foran of Livng the Run radio (ESPN 1280) interviewed me about Ayurveda on Wednesday night, and above is the YouTube link. I didn't expect to see a camera in the room, so it was a little disconcerting, however I think it turned out pretty good. Of course, listening back, I always think of points that I wish I made, but all in all, I think it's a pretty good overview of Ayurveda!

New Year's Tips the Ayurvedic Way

New Year, New You the Ayurvedic Way
Ayurveda, the ancient system of health and wellness from India, recognizes that balance in all areas of our lives is essential for well-being and longevity. For those looking to realize their New Year’s resolutions for a healthier body, mind and spirit,

For Weight Control and Detoxification: Wholesome Foods and Established Eating Routines•

Enjoy your largest meal of the day at lunch – Our digestive fire mirrors the sun; it is highest at noon, meaning we burn more calories during our mid-day meal than any other time. According to Ayurveda, eat enough breakfast to get you to lunch; make lunch your largest meal of the day whenever possible; and eat enough dinner to get you through until the next morning’s breakfast. To maintain or lose weight, finish dinner by 7 p.m., allowing three hours between dinner and bedtime.
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Pay attention when eating – Stay focused on your meal, eating slowly and with attention. Not only will you appreciate your food more, but you will feel satisfied quicker. Avoid eating in front of the computer or TV, or during a stressful conversation.
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Eat wholesome foods – Avoid packaged, processed and frozen foods, opting for fresh produce, dairy and light meats, which are loaded with easy to absorb nutrients, packing a powerful energy punch. Try shopping at your local farmer’s market, or shop the “outside” aisles of your grocery store for the freshest options.
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Drink water, and lots of it! – Drinking half your bodyweight in ounces of pure water daily (i.e. a 150 lb. person should drink 75 ounces) will not only remove toxins, but help you to feel full. Many times you may think you are hungry, when you are actually thirsty, so drink up! Avoid ice, sodas, sugary drinks and coffee.
Helpful RUVED Herbal Formula: Good health begins and ends with digestion, and Triphala is one of the best-known and most revered Ayurvedic formulas for supporting it. The herbal combination in Triphala has been considered the secret to longevity and robust health in Ayurveda for centuries.*
For a Trim, Strong Body: Appropriate Exercise
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Exercise between 6-10 a.m. or around 5-6 p.m. – Ayurveda recognizes daily cycles, and within these cycles, times that are best for various activities, including exercise. Your body will make the most of exercise if performed between these hours.
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Exercise frequently, and in nature– Find a type of exercise that you are passionate about and participate four to six times a week. Setting reachable goals with activities that you enjoy paves the way for success. Ayurveda says we soak up the most “prana” or life force, when exercising in nature, so if the weather is agreeable get outside for a hike or bike ride.
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Practice Yoga –Yoga -particularly a slow and focused practice - creates a state of peace and relaxation for mind, body and spirit, while keeping the body strong and flexible.
Helpful RUVED Herbal Formulas: For muscle and joint support, try CoCurQ or Paingon for a healthy inflammatory response *.

For Stress Reduction: Just Breathe, Meditate and Massage•

Meditate daily – Meditating as little as five minutes every morning can help you center, allowing you to respond (rather than react) to the day’s challenges. Busy mind? Most of us experience this – just a few seconds of a quieted mind can positively influence your entire day! There are many books, websites and meditation organizations to help you find a path that works best for you, regardless of religion.
• Practice breathing techniques - The ancient sages from India recognized the breath as important for balancing and de-stressing one’s body, mind and spirit. One simple technique is simply to take a minute, three times a day, to breathe through your nose into your belly to the count of ten, and then slowly exhale through your nose to the same count. (For more breathing techniques, click here.)
• Give yourself a daily massage - A massage a day can keep the doctor away, and according to a recent Dr. Oz Show, “abhyanga,” or a simple self-massage, is an excellent daily ritual to boost immunity. Abhyanga can make a remarkable difference in de-stressing, nourishing and detoxing the body, as the skin is our largest organ and deeply absorbs what we apply to it.
Helpful RUVED Herbal Formulas: For self-massage, try RUVED Ayurvedic massage oils with medicinal herbs that balance one’s unique constitution, or “dosha.” *
For stress relief, ashwagandha is one of the most highly regarded herbs in Ayurveda, supporting a stable mind function and a restful state. Memoren™, also contains well known Ayurvedic herbs addressing the nervous system, stress-relief and memory support. *

For Sleep: Early to Bed, Early to Rise•

Go to bed at 10 p.m. and wake at 6 a.m.– Follow the rhythms of nature: hit the sack by 10 p.m., and wake up at approximately 6 a.m. Sleeping during these hours facilitates the best rest and healing functions of the body. The later you go to bed, the more difficult it will be to fall asleep, as you miss the body’s prime time for shifting into sleep.
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Make sure your bedroom is free from distractions such as television and excessive light in order to support solid sleep. Invest in an eye mask if outside lights shine into your room.

Helpful RUVED Herbal Formulas: Again, try ashwagandha to help calm a busy mind.
Following these daily routines will bring you back to a harmonious and energetic state in no time, allowing you to put your best foot forward in 2012.