With the days getting shorter and the nights longer we are moving into a period of the year when we feel even more the qualities of Kapha - heaviness, slowness. Many clients have told me that more/better sleep would be something that would help them improve their energy levels and vitality. So in this article, I'm going to explain why it's important to have a good night's sleep.
With the days getting shorter and the nights longer we are moving into a period of the year when we feel even more the qualities of Kapha - heaviness, slowness. Yet we want to carry on at our normal rhythm, especially during the holiday season. Did you also know that the evening is the Kapha time of the day? Having a good night's sleep is important for your health. Let me share some reasons with you.
Having a good night's sleep is not only important to increase your energy but also to
1. boost your immune system
2. keep the mind and body young
3. avoid chronic diseases, such as diabetes
4. keep in shape
5. to feel more at ease and satisfied with your life
But what can you do if you have problems getting a good night's sleep?
The key to getting quality sleep lies in having good digestion. However, digesting the food you eat well is just one part. It's also important to "digest" all the experiences you've savoured throughout the day. Here are some of my top nutritional tips to help you and your family get that good night's sleep in the coming months.
1. Avoid having drinks containing caffeine - coffee, tea, coca cola - before going to bed because they are stimulants. Your body may take, for example, up to 7 hours to digest the caffeine in a cup of coffee. Observe the effect such drinks have on your body, even if you have them late afternoon.
2. Drink little alcohol (if you drink any) and drink it earlier on in the evening. It can put you to sleep but also affects the quality and quantity of your sleep.
3. Eat satisfying meals which are rich in protein but light in the evening at least 3-4 hours before going to bed. Most of my new clients who regularly eat heavy meals in the evening tell me that they feel tired when they get up in the morning. If you're not sure what to prepare, enjoy a "taste" of my book "Plans for Dinner?"
4. Go to bed about the same time every evening, preferably before 11pm.
5. Observe your breathes for a few minutes before going to bed. Give thanks for each experience you've had that day, happy and not-so-happy moments. When you're lying down comfortably, continue to observe your breathe and slow it down.
(c) 2008 Janet Gomez
Becoming A Vegetarian - Am I Eating Enough Protein?
Am I eating enough protein, especially as I want to move towards becoming a vegetarian? This is a question I get ask a lot. In this article I will share my answer with you.
Ayurvedic Nutrition - Think Before You Drink!
Should I be having dairy products, especially milk, and, if I don't, how do I get enough calcium? Read on to discover the ayurvedic nutrition response to this question.
Healthy Eating - A Taste of Ayurveda
We have all heard the saying "You are what you eat" but in Ayurveda there is a saying too. So in this article, I'm going to give you an introduction as to why food is so important in Ayurveda, and three of my top tips on how to use food to provide greater energy and fuller health for you. Read on to find out more.
