Great news: The days of starving yourself to death during a cleanse are over!
Enter: KITCHARI. Say HELLO to actually EATING while detoxing. No more cayenne pepper lemon drinks for 7 days… Long live Ayurveda baby!!
An Ancient Food for Holistic Healing
So, what is Kitchari? Kitchari has its roots in ancient Ayurveda practices, which is why it’s something I can 100% get behind! Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old healing system originating in India. It operates on the principle that there are three bodily doshas that must be in balance for optimal health (check out my article on Ayurveda to find out your dosha). Kitchari is one of Ayurveda’s foundational foods.
Basic Kitchari is comprised of basmati rice, lentils, and quick-cooking pulses such as mung beans. However, there is a multitude of variations, and each cook puts their own spin on it. Skillful use of added vegetables (or fruits) and spices can optimize the balancing effect of Kitchari on the body, mind, and spirit.
Gentle on the Digestive System
Rest easy, your tummy will be just fine during this cleanse! Kitchari gently purifies the digestive organs as it cleanses toxins from the body. Furthermore, the combination of the ingredients in Kitchari is very easy on the digestive system. So, apart from being a super cozy cleanse – Kitchari promotes strength and vitality in the body while nourishing the cells and tissues. All of these factors make Kitchari my go-to cleansing or detoxification program.
If it’s not pleasurable, it’s not sustainable.
Cleansing is really something you should do regularly. A typical cleanse lasts from three days to two weeks, and for those looking for a full reset – even longer. If eating grass, or downing cayenne pepper concoctions don’t excite you, ultimately it’s not something that you can realistically keep up.
Here are the basics of a Kitchari cleanse:
- Basmati rice (for a lower-carb version, substitute basmati with cauliflower rice)
- Mung dahl
- Ghee
- Spices, vegetables or fruit (you can season your Kitchari to be savory or sweet)
Adding spices like cinnamon or a dash of lemon can really enhance the experience of cellular cleansing with this time-honored dish.
Get the full Kitchari Recipe here.
Get ready to feel great, not starve, and seriously slay the cleanse game during your Kitchari cleanse!
*Check with your health care professional before beginning this or any new detoxification program.
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