Embarking on a culinary and wellness odyssey, Divya Alter, a certified nutritional consultant and educator in the Shaka Vansiya Ayurveda tradition, shares her transformative journey into nutrition and Ayurveda. As the co-founder of Bhagavat Life, New York’s only Ayurvedic culinary school, and the visionary behind North America’s first Ayurvedic chef certification program and Divya’s Kitchen, an authentic Ayurvedic restaurant in Manhattan, Divya’s expertise extends to her cookbooks, “What to Eat for How You Feel: The New Ayurvedic Kitchen” and “Joy of Balance: An Ayurvedic Guide to Cooking with Healing Ingredients.”
UNCOVERING THE ORIGINS:
At the age of 18, Divya found herself in a Bulgarian yoga ashram, where her passion for cooking blossomed through humble kitchen duties. The seeds of Ayurveda were sown during her sojourn in India, where an Ayurvedic doctor’s personalized treatment protocols left an indelible mark. Under the guidance of Vaidya R.K. Mishra, the successor of the Shaka Vansiya Ayurveda tradition, Divya’s informal study of Ayurveda evolved into a profound commitment to healing through nourishing food. [1] [2]
AYURVEDA REVEALED:
Ayurveda, the world’s oldest recorded medical system, is a holistic approach encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Its core principle focuses on addressing the root causes of health issues, facilitating healing, maintaining good health, and curing diseases. Divya’s expertise lies in decoding Ayurveda’s components, with a specific emphasis on its food aspects. Her mission resonates with helping individuals heal through delicious, nourishing, and satisfying everyday eating.
NAVIGATING THROUGH AYURVEDIC UNDERSTANDING:
Divya reflects on her health challenges, particularly an autoimmune disorder that led to chronic indigestion, malabsorption, food allergies, chronic fatigue, and depression. Collaborating with a healing team, including an Ayurvedic doctor, she successfully reversed and eliminated these conditions. Now at 50, Divya navigates the terrain of perimenopause, fine-tuning her diet to minimize discomfort and optimize well-being. [3]
Divya’s Ayurvedic Tips:
- Morning Ritual for Digestive Strength: Instead of a substantial morning water intake, Divya suggests beginning the day with a cooked apple and 2 cloves. This ritual has significantly fortified her digestive system.
- Avoidance of Inflammatory Vegetables: Chronic inflammation became a distant memory for Divya when she removed potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, onions, and garlic from her diet.
- The Art of Self-Massage (Abhyanga): Through the practice of self-massage, Divya experiences softened muscles and tissues, nourished skin, grounded Vata energy, EMF clearance, and emotional satisfaction, fostering self-love.
For more Ayurveda Tips from Divya read : DIVYA ALTER | AN AYURVEDIC CHEF ON EATING FOR WELLNESS AND BEAUTY
Divya Alter’s journey weaves a tapestry of culinary passion and Ayurvedic wisdom, guiding individuals toward holistic well-being. Through her ventures, teachings, and personal experiences, Divya inspires a mindful approach to nutrition, inviting others to embrace the transformative power of Ayurveda. As she gracefully navigates the chapters of her life, Divya continues to be a beacon of wellness, exemplifying the profound impact of conscious eating and Ayurvedic principles.