These Egg Puns are by my niece Indira Chellaram, check our her Tiktok account “Indigo & Potato”
These egg puns are “ Eggcelent” they “Crack” me up, when I feel “Scrambled” inside.
We should go “Eggcersise” , don’t be “Anti-so-shell” !
When your friend is being mean you say, “I wish I could Fry” away from you!
When you hurt someone’s feelings, you need to “eggpologise”The is very “Eggtertainiing”, and that’s “Eggsactly” what I want it to be.
When you are in a fight with your friend you say “Eggscuse” me, are you “Eggnoring” me?”
Flu Season, what Ayurveda says
Key ingredients to keep in your arsenal for cold and flu season.
Benefits of Fasting
There are many types of fasts that can be done. Intermittent Fasting (IF) is a great start. There is a body of research indicating that fasting is a natural part of human existence. In times of famine our ancestors would naturally fast. So it only makes sense that we should go periods without an excess of food and beverage. Here is a quote I got from Life Hack the website;
“Starvation literally means starvation. It doesn’t mean skipping a meal or not eating for 24 hours. Or not eating for three days even. The belief that meal skipping or short-term fasting causes “starvation mode” is so completely ridiculous and absurd that it makes me want to jump out the window.” – Martin Berkhan
IF (Intermittent Fasting) shifts the gears of the body to go into fat burning mode, not sugar burning. This helps one loose weight effectively and lowers insulin sensitivity. It does this by allowing the body to burn fat cells and thus making spikes in blood sugar not occur. Once the communication of the body reaches homeostasis, the body uses glucose from the blood more effectively.
Our body metabolizes certain foods better than others. Undigested food becomes toxic to our system and ends up polluting the body environment. According to Ayurveda, toxic build up is eliminated better with herbs and fasting procedures and thus the “burners’ of the body become way more efficient. Burning up toxins (Ama) can help the digestive fire spark some pretty awesome heat to burn calories faster. And remove toxins such as heavy metals from the body more efficiently.
If you want a youthful glow, get ready to do some fasting. It takes the energy away from the process of digestion and puts the energy back into rebuilding collagen, tissues and tendons. This means that the body has more time to focus on the broken stuff and rejuvenates the entire system.
If you partake in fasting, you will be able to tell if your body is experiencing true famine or not. Your body signals will be sharpened and enhanced and finally eating patterns will also improve. This will have a positive effect on your brain function and immunity. Immunity is also known as Ojas in Ayurvedic medicine, and this means that once immunity is improved, the chance for getting the common seasonal flu are limited. Sickness is a thing of the past. Allergies are a thing of the past.
A very popular type of IF is known as the Circadian Rhythm, the fast starts at sunset lasts to morning. This is an easy one for most people to do. Another one is known as 16:8, where a 16 hour fast with an 8 hour eating feeding window is done. This is great if you want to push the boundaries a little more.
Next is 18:6. 18 hour fast with 6 hour feeding window is done. Then there is the 20:4 and finally 36 hour fast, which is a monk fast.
Whichever way you look at it, fasting is a great boost to health. Give it a go.
Basil & Chili Pesto
So what do you do with leftover basil and chili?
Hummus LTF Style
This simple hummus is perfect for you and your family to enjoy
Benefits of Sauna
Whilst Hong Kong is in a mess, going to my regular hot yoga classes is sometimes not possible. Thus I discovered a sauna in my building complex and wanted to share with you the ever beneficial uses of sauna. The adage “heal with heat” is used in a variety of different cultures to heal, soothe and detox, not to mention destress. Wherever heat goes, circulation improves, this is why many athletes use infrared saunas these days. Heat makes the heart beat faster and blood can easily flow to where it needs to go. especially regarding muscle soreness.
In Finland, I had my very first “real Sauna” experience, where participants are fully naked and then they hit the sauna, using a plant to smack onto one another to improve circulation. I was in shock a little, because it resembled some S&M play… lol
As soon as the patron has had enough heat, they proceed by jumping into an ice cold lake. This is repeated about three times and is very rejuvenating. Science has shows this method to help improve immunity and circulation. Furthermore, saunas have been studied to reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases. The reasoning is because sauna resembles physical exercise making the blood flow improve and sweating occur. Due to this, the cells in the heart function better are are ‘reset’ so to speak. According to this research data, saunas can help with something known as "vascular compliance," meaning how efficiently the blood vessels respond to changes in pressure. This is indicative that the efficiency of blood flow can be amazingly impacted, even in the brain.
The sweating itself, flushes out toxins from the body, and according to Ayurvedic medicine (an ancient system of healing from India) sauna or sweat boxes helps the skin detox the majority of toxins via the skin channels, clearing and rebooting the lymph or otherwise known as ‘rasa dhatu’.
In another study, Sauna have been seen to protect the lungs from potential harm. This is because they improve the functioning by removing mucus or ‘Kapha’ from the respiratory region. A very good technique to use if you want to get nicotine out of the body ASAP. I’ve used this technique several times on my journeys to quitting smoking and it helps remove those addictive substances faster than most other forms of sweating.
Spirulina , the world's healthiest food... or is it?
Many health advocates could claim that spirulina is high in all amino acid profiles, and contains tonnes of Vit B12, there is numerous evidence that this superfood blue-green algae is revered for it’s potential to cure and erradicate many modern day diseases that are cropping up. Actually spirulina is a freshwater plant that is related to its cousin chlorella. It grows in Hawaii, Mexico and Africa.
It is well researched and for this reason, there are many uses for this powerhouse of a superfood. In fact spirulina is used in countries suffering from malnutrition, as it is rumored to eradicate and even cure potentially life threatening diseases.
We all know that with our ever polluted earth, heavy metals get lodged into our tissues and cells, and rarely find their way out. Look no further than spirulina, it removed heavy metals from deep within the cells and helps them push through the elimination channels of the body. (Including sweat, urine etc.) Another advantage of taking this superfood is that it feeds the good bacteria in our gut, housing beneficial bacteria strains and improving digestive capacity tenfold. It is so effective, in fact, that it can aid in repopulating the gut and harnessing homeostasis. Thus for those suffering from yeast overgrowth such as candida or UTI’s, just taking a teaspoon a day can rapidly improve this condition.
Due to its high number of antibodies, spirulina can help lower blood cholesterol and pressure and fight cancer. Humans are really prone to oxidative stress, and spirulina is sometimes viewed as being very close to human blood and thus feeding it with all the beneficial goodness that oxygen rich blood would. That being said, it reduces cholesterol and boost energy dramatically. More so than your regular cup of Joe. Due to its detoxing properties, Andy ENT (ears, nose and throat) issues can be received when taking this supplement for 3 weeks or more. And if that was no enough, spirulina also protects inflammation in the brain and boosts memory.
So how does one intake this. Well it can be put into raw smoothies, or even into an overnight oats bowl. The trick is to start with 1 teaspoon and reach a a maximum of 1 tablespoon per day, who is about 7 grams. It is unlikely that you can overdose from this blue-green algae, however some people experience healing crisis, this is when toxins are being removed too fast for the body to handle, and thus uncomfortable symptoms are experienced. You can take the powder, tablets or pill form. Some advocates say this should be consumed on an empty stomach, whilst others state after a meal. The truth is everyone is unique, so try which way works best.
So don’t delay, give this superfood a try and see for yourself.
Benefits of Protein Shake Before Bed
As you all know I am still recovering from a rotator cuff tear. After researching a fair bit I found out that a healthy diet, namely high protein, fibre, carb and plant based could aid and escalate the healing process by 40%. Using the right protein powder at the right time will build lean muscle mass faster and also help in repairing tissue and torn muscles structures.
I have been through a lot of dietary proteins. Currently I am using one from The Beauty Chef, and I have heard amazing things about https://www.onnit.com/hemp-force-vanill-acai/ . Check these wonderful brands out.
Consuming adequate protein at night could help your body heal and regenerate faster than if you had your protein in the morning. There have been studies indicating a positive benefit in consuming protein supplements before bed claiming that they increase muscle protein synthesis. Various athletes have adopted a nutritional strategy of consuming a protein shake before sleep to help prevent muscle breakdown.I personally use protein and under armour repair sleep ware to aid in my muscles recovering.
So next time you think of having a protein shake, think about an evening time one instead!!!
PRP (Platlet Rich Plasma) For Partial Rotator Cuff Tear
So , I’ve had this painful rotator cuff tear on my subscapularis tendon (area of shoulder) from overuse and lifting boxes of alcohol during my cousin’s hardcore Indian London wedding. None of the boys were helping, so it was my cousin and I schlepping the alcohol by ourselves. Ugh.
In any case, the pain has lasted for almost 6 months now, with sleepless nights, bouts of many physiotherapy sessions not to mention, acupuncture, cupping, myofacial release; which have all been fucking painful and annoying to say the least.
I have tried anti inflammatories, drugs and other options that just didn't seem to even help in the slightest. Did I mention that I am aa amateur Muay Thai enthusiast, and a very active Hatha Yoga Teacher, chef and photographer… not being able to do what I love has kicked me to the curb. I have single handedly experienced bouts of depression, anxiety and jealously at people that are active and rubbing it in my fucking face. Whilst they putter around being all active, I have forced myself to train other areas of my body and mind. I do see this change as rewarding, as I have been able to focus on meditation and mindfulness, focusing on my online Ayurvedic Course which has now been launched, and building strength in my running style.
Now to the good news. After I gave up on my physiotherapy with a very talented physiotherapist Joseph March, located here in Hong Kong. He shot me a text asking if I was ok and recommending a Shoulder and Knee Orthopaedic doctor by the name of Dr. Benjamin Chow; a very sweet informational shy doctor. He recommended PRP, Platlet Rich Plasma, a type of injection using my own blood spun in a centrifuge to elicit healing the tissue using the body’s natural inflammatory response.
I must say, Dr. Chow didn't say how much it would fucking hurt or cost. For three days after I was not only sore, but I couldn’t move my arm I was in agony. So much so that my sister Hersha had to come over and get me tranadol and a sling. BUT, after the initial inflammatory response fizzled off, I experienced 80% range of motioning my arm and shoulder, which is better than 0%. I still feel some localised pain with certain internal rotation, but not as much as before. He said to give it a month, and I could resume normal activity within 2 weeks.
I feel that this therapy could be a saving grace for those not wanting to opt for surgery. I have aided my healing by eating whole food plant based and am certain something is being repaired in the subscapularis tendon. I feel slight twitching and itching, which indicates healing I reckon.
I will keep you posted in the following weeks with my progress, but so far I am feeling optimistic.
Vegan Bubble Tea
This is a Taiwanese tea-based beverage that can be known as milk tea, pearl tea, tapioca tea, boba tea, boba nai cha and foam milk tea to name a few.
It was invented in the 1980s, although the inventor is still not fully known as there are debates regarding it.
At its very foundation it consists of strong black tea, sugar, milk, and tapioca balls, also known as boba. Those black balls of tapioca starch that sink to the bottom and you can use a fat straw to suck them up. YUM!
Boba is made from partially cooked tapioca flour- the refined starch extracted from the cassava root. It is gluten-free and, has no flavour whatsoever. But its chewy texture can account for the amazing sensation in the mouth.
Below are the ingredients;
1 | Tea. (I use Indian Black Tea)
2 | Milk. (I use either Oat or Almond) For a vegan version.
3 | Sweetener. (I use honey or coconut palm sugar)
4 | Ice.
5 | Tapioca Pearls. Cook to order and you can use this brand
Procedure:
1) Prepare the tea. Stronger the better.
2) Add 1 tbsp sweeter per large 12 oz cup.
3) Use the quick cooking tapioca pearls and cook 5 minutes. They are ready once they float.
4) assemble your tea in a large cup, use an environmental metal straw.
Ideas are the use of vegan chocolate syrup (see recipe section), chocolate sprinkles etc.
ENJOY!
Tip_ be careful, tapioca bak;ls are a choking hazard.