What does an Ayurvedic cleanse entail?
Our Farmtrue Ayurvedic spring cleanse is 14 days. The first 4 days is about eating seasonal dishes, the second phase is 7 days of kitchari for breakfast, lunch and dinner (with options to replace kitchari with a seasonal dish for one or two meals), followed by 3 days of seasonal eating. We encourage you to eat three meals a day and avoid snacking. This process will give your digestive system a rest and allow your body to cleanse from the inside out.
What do I avoid during a cleanse?
During our cleanse we will encourage you toward a plant-based, vegetarian diet, however, some chicken is ok in moderation. You will also want to avoid strenuous exercise.
Foods to avoid: Dairy, caffeine, chocolate, corn, eggs, fermented foods, gluten, meats, nuts, oils (except for ghee), processed foods, peanuts, seafood, soy, sweeteners, table salt, alcohol.
Who shouldn’t cleanse?
If you are pregnant, nursing, sick, or if this feels overwhelming and strenuous to you right now, we recommend that you do not cleanse.
Why is this the best time to cleanse?
Ayurveda recommends that we cleanse twice a year: once in the Fall and once in the Spring. In the Fall it supports us in releasing excess heat from the body and prepares our immune system, and in the Spring it helps to release excess that has accumulated from the heaviness of winter.
The Spring is considered Kapha season, when the elements of earth and water are dominant. This combination can leave us feeling heavy, unmotivated, lethargic, and congested, unless we begin to eat seasonally and switch up our routines. There is also the saying that when life gets complicated, keep food simple. During the seasonal shift and this global pandemic, our nervous system may be feeling taxed and affecting us not just physically but emotionally and mentally. Doing a cleanse at this time, if appropriate for you, will allow you to process and focus on your health and well-being.
I’m an avid snacker, what if I’m hungry during the cleanse?
If you feel hungry it’s ok to have 3-5 apples a day, a couple dates, or steamed veggies. You might also try sauteing apples into your breakfast kitchari to beef it up. We recommend lunch being your biggest portion, dinner the lightest and breakfast to be moderate.
I noticed my favorite vegetables and fruits are not on the seasonal grocery list, can I have other vegetables?
Although we encourage you to eat seasonally as that is what helps us to stay in rhythm with nature, we are fans of all fruits and vegetables. If there’s something you love or feel that would support you, like squash to feel more grounded, that’s perfectly okay. Make this cleanse work for you.
How do you make kitchari?
To make your kitchari, you would want to start by melting ghee in the pot then adding your spices, followed by any hard vegetables. Mix together before adding rice, mung beans and water. You can make your kitchari consistency more water-y or thick depending on your preference. Simmer on low until cooked thoroughly and add any soft green vegetables at the end.
How can I be successful in this cleanse?
We recommend opting for the cleanse kit which includes our support piece. You will be with a group of like-minded individuals on the same path as you, along with our expert team at Farmtrue. During a cleanse it does require prioritizing time to cook meals and rest. If you’re currently working from home and have some newfound free time at the moment, this will be a supportive time and place for you to succeed. Be gentle with yourself and the process, and focus on your intention and your “why” for deciding to begin a cleanse.
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