About: Cascade Yoga Studio -- Articles

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Got rhythm?

by Laura Burkett, HHC

Laura Burkett, HHC Rhythm. I’m not talking about a little boogie woogie on the dance floor, although I admit it may feel great to express yourself during the latest Beyonce song by flailing extremities or shaking your rump.

I’m talking about natural rhythm. Beautiful, reliable, unwavering, complexly simple, natural rhythm. The sun rises, reaches its peak, begins decent, and finally sets. Your heart beats. Your lungs breathe in and exhale out. Let’s not forget about waking and sleeping, digesting and eliminating, patterns of speech, the flow of conversation, moon cycles, seasonal changes... the list goes on.

Interfere with these rhythmic bad boys and prepare to see a list of seemingly isolated symptoms pop up. (Insomnia, weight gain, interesting cravings, irritability, etc.)

From a food perspective, let’s take it back to basics: Create rhythm and your metabolism will love you!

So how can we use the rhythm in nature to our advantage when it comes to food? From an ayurvedic perspective, cycles of the day can play a crucial role in the digestion and assimilation of food, not to mention can help us re-connect with regular, healthy hunger signals throughout the day.

When you eat can be just as important as what you eat.

Here’s an example of a beautifully rhythmic day:

Waking up rested and having natural feelings of hunger.
Having an appropriate breakfast no later than 9:00 am, based on your needs.
Between 12:00 pm-1:30 pm is lunch time, the heartiest, most nutrient-packed, macronutrient-rich meal of the day. If you have it, take 10 minutes to sit and digest (perhaps a bit of meditation or a quick siesta, followed by a short walk)
A modest supper about 4 hours before bedtime.
Lights out by 10:30 pm.
Natural detoxification and restful sleep.

Why does this work?

Your first meal sets the rhythm for the day. Wake up that metabolism and let your body know food is always available. No need to slow down and save up.

When the sun reaches the highest peak in the sky (Noon), metabolic efficiency is also at its peak. A meal that combines appropriate protein and fat are especially beneficial here. These typically require a little more energy to digest, and will give your body and mind plenty of stamina to meet the day’s demands.

Most cultural norms outside of the United States really create time to eat a good mid-day meal and have a break for rest and digestion. This sets you up for a modest appetite come supper, where easily digestible soups or complex carbohydrates and vegetables serve us well.

Rather than practicing the traditional American model of calorie-loading in the evening, which actually raises body temperature and interferes with sleep, your natural rhythmic cycle may now take place. Your metabolism slows, your body temperature drops, and your body prepares for rest. And the key: you detoxify all night long!

I encourage you to examine the rhythm you have created - or have yet to create - with meals. What’s working for you? What do you feel no longer serves you? Where do you need more support?

Remember, changes you make in your diet or lifestyle that are drastically different from what you’re doing right now may feel forced and unsustainable. Take baby steps. Maybe that means an orange for breakfast or adding raw cashews to salads or stir-frys at lunch. Wherever you are is A-Okay. It’s gotten you this far. Upgrades are always a perk though!

Enjoy your exploration of food!

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Ayurvedic Kitchari

Adapted from Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing, by Usha Lad and Vasant Lad

According to the ancient science of ayurveda, kitchari is one of the most nutritious and easiest foods to digest. It’s rich in fiber, protein, and carbohydrates - perfect for a detox.

Yields 4 servings
1 cup white basmati rice
1 cup split mung beans
1 tablespoon ghee
1 /4 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 /4 teaspoon brown mustard seeds
1 /4 teaspoon turmeric
1 /4 teaspoon rock salt or sea salt
4 cups water

1. Rinse the rice and mung beans until the water is clear.

2. In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the ghee and add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Stir a moment until the seeds pop.

3. Add the rice, mung beans, turmeric, and salt, and stir until well blended with the spices.

4. Add the water and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally.

5. Turn down the heat to low and cover, leaving the lid slightly ajar. Cook until tender, about 20-25 minutes.
Try this for one week along with local seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Notice how it feels to eliminate processed, denatured foods out of your diet. How does it affect your yoga practice? How does it affect your energy and mood?