1. July Wellness: Practice daily gratitude

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and give thanks

continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include

all things in your gratitude.”

—Ralph Waldo Emerson

What are you grateful for today? Begin a daily morning and evening gratitude practice. Before opening your eyes

and getting out of bed in the morning, think of three things you are grateful for. Before closing your eyes and going

to sleep in the evening, think of three things you are grateful for. Many people also choose to keep a daily gratitude

journal. Incorporating a simple gratitude practice into your daily routine will positively impact your well-being and

other aspects of your life in ways you cannot begin to image.

August Wellness: Experience all six tastes at every meal

“Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.”

—Hippocrates

Ayurveda identifies six basic tastes, each of which has a specific influence on your mind/body physiology.

Ideal nutrition results from choosing foods with suitable tastes that are prepared appropriately and eaten in a

nourishing environment. To feel satisfied and ensure that every food group and nutrient is represented, experience

all six tastes at every meal. If all six tastes are not present, you may feel unsatisfied after your meal and experience

additional cravings.

Include more of the tastes that pacify your current Elemental NatureSM imbalance.

  • To pacify the elements of Infinity/Air, favor sweet, sour and salty tastes.
  • To pacify the element of Fire, favor sweet, bitter and astringent tastes.
  • To pacify the elements of Water/Earth, favor pungent, bitter and astringent tastes.
  • Tastes Characteristics/Functions Food Sources
  • Sweet – Predominant in our diet, Most nutritive, Build body tissue.
    examples: Chicken, fish, starchy vegetables, sweet fruits, milk, butter, grains, pasta, rice, bread, oils, honey
  • Sour – Increase appetite, Promote digestion, Facilitate passing of gas, Add interest to other flavors.
    examples: Citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, pickled foods, salad dressing, yogurt & cheese
  • Salty – Mildly laxative and sedative, Promote digestion.
  • examples: Salted meats, fish, sea vegetables, table salt, soy sauce
  • Pungent – Stimulate digestion and secretions, Clear congestion 
  • examples:Chilies, peppers, chilies, onions, radishes, horseradish, garlic, salsa, cayenne, black pepper, cloves, cumin, ginger, mustard.
  • Bitter – Anti-inflammatory, Detoxifying. 
  • examples: Leafy vegetables, green and yellow vegetables, beets, broccoli, celery, kale, sprouts, turmeric.
  • Astringent • Drying,  Compact the system. 
  • examples: Cabbage, cauliflower, green apples, pears, pomegranates,