14/12/2025
🌱 GLADvent - 14th December 🌱
Something I’m really grateful for as we reach the end of 2025 is what I’ve gained from my studies this year. With more formalised studying of herbalism and diving deeper back into Ayurveda, my interest in foods has shifted from the benefits/nutrients of individual foods towards a synergetic view; what a combination of foods asks of the body AND when it is best to be received.
🥑 This smoothie is made up of avocado, banana, rocket micro greens, moringa powder, fresh ginger and soy milk. It’s protein rich, has healthy fats, lots of minerals (potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium), plenty of essential vitamins (A, C, B6 and B9), loads of antioxidants and phytonutrients (especially important for me to manage inflammation), and fibre.
🍌 From an Ayurvedic perspective, it contains 4 of the 6 tastes (rasas) that make a meal the ideal balance. It’s has sweet, bitter, pungent and astringent flavours making it a great energetic blend…..
💚 But, whilst this smoothie has greens, healthy fats, minerals and vitamins and a gentle bitterness making it hugely nourishing, it can be heavy on the digestive system, which means eating it first thing could be ‘too much’ for the body. A combination like this is best late morning/lunchtime when the digestive system is more awake and ready.
🪴 Ayurvedic Herbalism teaches rhythm and relationship, listening to what the body needs when, and I’m loving adapting my recipes to meet the more energetic needs of the body.
Also a reminder that learning is fun; it doesn’t have to be huge or loud to be powerful. And, we’re never too old to learn ❤️ I didn’t anticipate more studies and exams as I hit a significant birthday this year, but here I am!
As we move through this season of reflection, what new learnings are you grateful for this year?
