A culinary experience for complete wellness!
by Somya Ramrakhyani

Cooking class in Denville, New Jersey

“We are what we eat!” From a 7 pound baby at birth to a 130 pound adult, our body is built on our diet. Food is a direct transmitter of energy and affects our physical, mental and emotional state. One of the most enjoyable experiences in life, food can also be a significant contributor to our wellness.

To understand how food affects our mental and physical well-being, we recently hosted Eating for Enlightenment, a two and half hour cooking class based on the principles of Ayurveda.

the food!

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine. “Ayu” means life and “Veda” means knowledge. Knowledge of Life is Ayurveda. Ayurveda has three main focuses: healing, prevention and health care. Ayurveda categorizes food in to three categories: Satvic, Rajasic and Tamasic. Each category of food has a different effect on the body and the mind.

In the cooking class, the participants learned about the basics of Ayurveda and how to apply them to cooking in everyday life. They learned to use grains, vegetables, fruits, spices and herbs for healthy digestion and elimination of toxins. They also experienced the relationship between the food we consume and the effects on the state of mind and body.

The instructor, Divya Kanchibhotla, shared delicious and healthy vegetarian recipes and valuable tips about eating to keep mind and body healthy. In her warm and informal style, she made the class an educational, enjoyable and a very delicious experience

the instructor, Divya Kanchibhotla

A scientist by profession, Divya is a meditation and yoga instructor with the Art of Living Foundation and travels nationally teaching yoga and meditation. Her interest in Ayurveda sparks from her passion for holistic living and exploring the connection between our breath, food habits, body and mind. A self taught student of Ayurveda, she has planned menus for many residential meditation retreats with 20-40 members over the last 4 years.

Here are some experiences from recent classes held in New Jersey!

“Awesome! I loved the informality, the warmth and the tons of great information. I learnt about foods that are healing for dosha imbalances. I never used hing or curry leaves before. I would recommend more classes like this. The khichdi was incredible. I could eat it all day long.”

“I really enjoyed the workshop and the company of the people who were there. The information was very clear and concise and I had a number of questions that were answered. Would definitely recommend and further study of ayurvedic principles.”

“Wonderful! I learnt about the compatibility of the foods we eat, why the time you eat each meal and the order in which you eat it is so important. I learned more about the powerful properties of spices and herbs and the way they can neutralize or alter foods that may typically be aggravating to you dosha. Everyone’s questions were great and I feel I am leaving with information I need to pursue ayurveda further”

“I felt very welcomed and comfortable. It was a good opportunity to relax and reflect upon living my best possible life.”

I believe that this class is a must for anyone looking to take care of their and their family’s health! And learn some delicious cooking. Be a part of this enlightening workshop and surely you will have some food for thought! To host a class in your area, please contact Somya Ramrakhyani @ Somya.Ramrakhyani@artofliving.org.

Here is the small piece about our classes. … http://www.examiner.com/x-56248-Minneapolis-Wellness-Examiner~y2010m7d8-Cook-yourself-into-a-more-wellbalanced-life-through-Ayurveda