In conversation with beautiful, energetic and positive Nidhi Pandya, an Ayurvedic food and medicine practitioner and writer for Ayurveda Journal. Nidhi shares her tips and tricks to get rid of hangover, benefits of consuming Ghee and her favorite recipes.
Tell us about your Ayurveda journey and how it all started?
Being born into the family of an Ayurvedic practitioner (my grandfather), I was indoctrinated into Ayurveda at birth. Fortunately, thats the only way I know how to live. When you imbibe certain health values as a child, they become intuitive to you. However, upon moving to the United States 15 years ago, I was quite shocked to see how different the perspective on health was. At the same time, I did some marketing for a Top Pharmaceutical company in NYC. Coming face to face with some of the glaring flaws of the pharma industry jolted me even more to go back to my roots. So, I went ahead and got a formal education in Ayurveda, studying directly from the Sanskrit Shashtras.
What is your Ayurvedic morning routine to kick start your day?
Morning usually starts with meditation and breath work and then comes nature’s call. After complete elimination, I drink 4 oz of warm water with a herb, depending on my need or the season. After yoga, breakfast is usually 20 soaked and peeled almonds and a cup of spiced warm milk or chai when I choose to cheat. If I am in the mood for more, its usually oatmeal or another type of porridge for the winters. Water-chestnut porridge spiced with ginger and sweetened with jaggery is my favorite. During the summer, I will occasionally indulge in a coconut cluster or sweet almond porridge (halwa).
Where does the inspiration for your healthy cooking come from?
I have been a life-long foodie. But what really inspires me to cook is the creative aspect of it. The challenge that is required to design a recipe that is healthy, simple, compatible to my body constitution (dosha) and the season, and most of all – pleases our taste buds. To create something that ticks all the boxes is fun.
Why do you suggest cooking in Ghee? Can you please share the benefits?
Ghee is the Omega 3 that existed even before the term Omega 3 existed. Centenarian yogis and sadhus in the Himalayas have used Ghee successfully to protect the nervous system and increase longevity for many centuries now.
Ghee builds your digestive fire (Agni) and keeps it steady. Agni is the electricity required to keep the gut powered. Your gut (where the agni lives) is the factory where foods are sorted, nutrients are manufactured and destroyed. You want to keep this factory working well!
Ghee also coats the nervous system and supports the myelin sheath (insulation around the nerves). It can significantly lower chances of diseases like Parkinsons and Alzheimers. Ghee is even more important for vegetarians who live in cold countries.
What’s your Ayurveda tip for hangover?
Khajuradi Mantha is a delicious Ayurvedic preparation for hangovers. And here is the simplified, altered recipe. Take a tablespoon each of crushed and blended – (Prepared by soaking in water and blending as a pesto – Can be refrigerated)
Dates
Raisins
ADD a tablespoon of Amla Juice (Available at the Indian Grocery) or Pomegranate Juice
ADD Half cup of water and a dash of cardamom powder. Drink!
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of the preparation, make fresh ginger tea, cool it down and add some rose jam (gulkand). Another simple idea is Dandelion tea, but make sure to drink it when its cooled down.
What is your favorite mediation music?
Bija by Todd Norian
Where do you look for recipes? Your favorite chef and cook books you like to follow?
To be honest, Ive been cooking for enough years now to create my own. I try and recreate dishes that I eat with my own twist. Every once in a while, I may go to allrecipes.com. Back in the day, I used to follow Chloe Coscarelli quite a bit. She is very creative and yet simple.
What is your favorite lunch menu for the kids or after school snack?
Favorite Lunch menu – Chili – A super healthy and easy recipe that I make in the crockpot. I usually put it to cook at night and voila – its ready in the morning. I just add cheese and pack it in a thermos and a side of tortilla chips. The girls love it.
Favorite Snack – Its usually soups, loaded with veggies and good fats. Barley, Tom Yum and Minestrone are their favorites. Once In a while I will do sautéed asparagus or broccoli with garlic, olive oil and sesame.
What is your secret HOT SAUCE?
I am Still looking for one, but I do find myself using the garlic-red chili paste available at the Indian grocery.
Top five favorite restaurants?
Nidhi Pandya currently practice as an Ayurvedic Coach in Mumbai, New York and New Jersey. Nidhi writes for the Ayurveda and Health Tourism Magazine, the number one Ayurveda magazine for India and conducts workshops in Mumbai, New York and New Jersey. You can follow her work at www.nidhipandya.com and on Instagram – @my_ayurvedic_life