The journey to naturopathy starts when you are ready for it. This is my theory as for years a friend of mine in Mumbai has been urging me to join her in her annual visit to a naturopathy center in the hills of Nasik, India. I finally succumbed to her pleas this January while on a visit. What I experienced was a total mind and body connection that I discovered brought calm and peace into my life and a lifestyle that went back to the basics of nature. Suffice to say I came away after a week totally rejuvenated and refreshed.

Food in a naturopathy center is very different from any other. The focus remains mainly on raw salads, fresh soups and delicious flavorful simple dishes of Bajra, sprouted lentils, steamed vegetables and fruits galore. The philosophy is removing toxins from your body and leading a healthier lifestyle.

The 1^st rule:  Give a break of a minimum of 12 hours after your dinner before you begin on your next meal. This allows your digestive system to complete an entire cycle before it is ready.

I will begin this series with the first item on our daily menu: The Drink ‘Kaada’

Tea and coffee were never served. Instead after our early morning yoga and meditation and a long walk amongst nature we were given what is called a warm delicious Kaada drink made of herbs and spices.

Kaada – Drink

2 tsp methi seeds.( fenugreek seeds found in Indian grocery stores)
4 cup water
20 leaves tulsi, ( Indian basil) if available/substitute with mint leaves1 tsp of black pepper
1tsp sonth or ginger powder
2 inch piece ginger
1 tbs gur

Boil methi and water for 10-15 min. Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil for another 5 minutes. Drain through a filter and drink it warm at least two glasses every morning.

The key is to make it fresh every single day. Other options that can be added to this are mint, green tea leaves.

Enjoy!

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In my next column, I will share two healthful salads and soup.

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