Ayurveda and Iyengar Yoga with Greta—Ancient Wisdom for Modern Maladies
Raw Kale Avo Salad
shredded kale, grated carrot, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Bragg’s, Bragg’s spice sprinkle, ground black pepper, fresh oregano, arugula, sliced avocado. a great to-go lunch! combine all ingredients. by lunch time, the oil and vinegar will have done their work on the kale, and it will be tasty and ready to eat!
As we transition into Autumn, the herald of cooler, darker weather, it is important to stay warm and nourished. According to Henry C. Lu, “Yang deficiency, or kidney yang deficiency, refers to a lack of yang energy in the kidneys, which is essential in the maintenance of body warmth” (Chinese Natural Cures, p. 321). Also, keep in mind that a deficiency in the kidneys can cause a deficiency in the liver, and vice versa. The liver regulates blood storage, and the kidneys the balance of water in the body. Both play a key role in digestion, and the liver is affected by emotional upset or emotional blockages–anger in particular.
A few foods for kidney yang deficiency are: Japanese cassia fruits, chestnuts, chive seeds, cinnamon, clove, and clove oil, dill seeds, fennel seeds, pistachio nuts, star anise, strawberries, and pork testicles (I think I’ll pass on the latter)!
For kidney yin deficiency, characterized by physical dryness, take asparagus, tofu, mandarin oranges, mangoes, cow’s milk, string beans, tomatoes, and walnuts, to name a few.
(Chinese Natural Cures, by Henry C. Lu)
Double Seaweed Wraps!
start with a tablespoon of heated coconut oil in a cast iron pan. add purple cabbage and pre-soaked hijiki. let it all soften and cook. add a dash of olive oil, then black pepper, a couple sage leaves, truffle sea salt, and a dash of asafoetida. put it all on top of a pile of arugula. then, add a few walnuts, a drizzle of tahini, and wrap it all up in nori!
http://www.picapicakitchen.com/
Since I work in the Mission District of San Francisco, during lunch break, I have my pick of absurdly tasty restaurants and cafes. Still, given the competitive selection, Pica Pica Kitchen is awesome for the days when I don’t pack enough lunch or I want a little extra warm something in the afternoons. They have warming vegetable soups–both the spicy carrot and spicy potato are great, the arugula (jardinera) salad is awesome, and reasonably priced. For hot days, the coconut limeade is super refreshing, and for something hardy, I recommend any of the vegetarian arepas. Plus, they have a great selection of dipping sauces. Nice people too! !00% organic and gluten free, and if you smile real nice they might give you free yucca fries!