EAT WELL & STAY WELL

We hope this newsletter finds you well and ready to welcome spring. As we celebrate the colorful and joyous Hindu festival of Holi and Women's History Month, it's the perfect time to plant seeds for a renewed focus on women's health and balance through the wisdom of Ayurveda.

At Shakti Natural Nutrition, we believe that the image and concept of Shakti - not only the Sanskrit word for the "divine feminine energy" inherent in all women, but also our company's namesake - is deeply intertwined with the celebration of Women's History Month and Holi.

As women, we are tasked with multitasking various roles and responsibilities through the different phases of our lives; thus, women's health is unique and requires a personalized approach to achieve balance and well-being.

For this month’s newsletter, we will share how we at Shakti Natural Nutrition are helping women harness their innate power to achieve optimal health and balance.

To begin, we'd like to share with you some simple "Stay Well" and "Eat Well" tips. These are essential "easy to grow" seeds to embody our feminine power and nurture the balance of mind and body. By doing so, we can bring more color and joy to our gardens, just like the vibrant colors of Holi. So let us embrace our Shakti and celebrate the beauty and strength of womanhood on this Women's History Month and beyond.

Abhyanga: A Traditional Ayurvedic Self-Care Practice for Women's Overall Health and Wellness.

Abhyanga This weekly full-body oil massage is particularly beneficial for women's overall health and wellness. It can help rejuvenate the body and mind by reducing stress, supporting quality sleep, alleviating anxiety, promoting relaxation, stimulating the lymphatic system, and increasing blood flow throughout the body.

To perform Abhyanga, start by generously applying a choice of organic, virgin oil, such as sesame, coconut, or olive oil, onto the body. Using a combination of long strokes and circular movements, gently massage the oil onto the skin. If time allows, the massage can be done from the crown of your head to the soles of your feet. If time is limited, simply apply some oil to the crown of your head, the soles of your feet, and toes; you might even add a couple of drops in the ears to promote grounding and relaxation. The majority of the oil will get absorbed into the skin, and the remainder will get rinsed off during a shower.

*Please note that on colder days, it is recommended to perform the oil massage in the mornings to help stimulate blood flow and keep the body warm.

Pranayama: Mindful Breathing for Balance and Connection

Pranayama is a Sanskrit word that refers to the regulation and control of breath in a variety of patterns. In Ayurveda, mindful breathing is a lifestyle practice recommended to create balance and connection between one's mind and body.

While there are many types of pranayama patterns to explore, alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana Pranayama) is both simple and effective for all.

To begin, sit in a comfortable, seated position and inhale through both nostrils. Gently close the right nostril with the right thumb and inhale slowly through the left nostril. Close the left nostril with the ring finger and lift the thumb, then exhale soothingly down the right nostril. Repeat this alternate nostril breathing a few times.

*Please note that inhaling through the right nostril is said to be heating, while exhaling through the left nostril is cooling.

Skin Health:

When it comes to beautiful skin, digestion and sleep are two important factors:

That's why we've created our signature Digestion and CCF blends with gut health in mind, and our Soothing Turmeric and Golden Milk blends to promote sound sleep. In the coming newsletters, we will discuss in detail how you can improve these areas for better skin health.

In the meantime, we have some tips for you:

Firstly, try our Tulsi-Brahmi tea. This blend can help with rejuvenating and repairing the skin. As a special hint, instead of throwing out your leftover Tulsi-Brahmi tea, try splashing it on your freshly washed face before continuing with your skincare regimen.

Secondly, if you are struggling with fatigue and irritability, try our popular blend, Amorette. This traditional blend of Shatavari herb can help to rejuvenate the body and mind by easing fatigue and irritability. It promotes relaxation and hormonal balance, making it an excellent choice for women's wellness and balance.

Veggie Mash (vegan/gluten free)

Here is the recipe of our family's favorite veggie mash.

Ingredients:

• 7 cups of mixed vegetables (such as carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, eggplant, squash or zucchini and green beans), roughly chopped
• 4 medium potatoes, chopped into small pieces
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium red or green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small piece of ginger, grated
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tsp Shakti's Veggie seasoning or coriander powder
• 2 tsp Shakti's Curry seasoning or garam masala
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup of oil or ghee or butter
• Himalayan pink salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Boil mixed vegetables and potatoes in a large slow-cooker (without water for 6 hours) or in a large pot with 1 cup of water on medium heat and with a lid. Cook until they are soft and tender. Using a handheld blender, mash them together until they are smooth.
2. In a separate pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and allow them to splutter.
3. Add veggie seasoning, curry powder, turmeric powder and cilantro leaves. Mix well and cook for about 30 seconds.
4. Add chopped onions, bell peppers and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
5. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
6. Add the tomato-bell pepper-onion mixture to the pot or slow-cooker of mashed vegetables and mix well. Add 1/2 cup water and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes in the pot or 1/2 an hour in the slow cooker .
7. Add salt. Check for seasoning and adjust as needed.
8. Serve hot with fresh cilantro leaves and lemon wedges.

Enjoy your delicious veggie mash!

As we celebrate Holi, Women's History Month and spring, we hope that this edition will inspire and empower women to lead a healthy, balanced, and fulfilling life.

In closing, all of us at Shakti Natural Nutrition would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the women who bring colors to our lives and make this world a better place.

As always, EAT WELL - STAY WELL.

Email: manasi@simpleshakti.com
Website: https://www.simpleshakti.com
Location: 2771 Saturn Street, Brea, CA 92821