Food is such a big part of our lives. Beyond the practical needs of sustaining our bodies with nutrients, what we eat - and how we eat it - can feed not only our bodies but also our souls.
When I was 11, I started cooking for my family and came to understand the joy in cooking for others.
In the years since, I’ve read extensively about food and holistic nutrition, and I’ve pulled together various inspirations - whether that’s my grandmother’s Indonesian food, thoughts from books and movies, or even tastes of my travels around India, Indonesia, Morocco and the South in the US - and found that I love to cook as much as I love to eat.
Even when my endometriosis prevented me from eating certain things, I found that cooking sparks my creativity, brings me joy and allows me to support my health.
Like food itself, I think the joy of cooking is something that’s meant to be shared. When it comes to nutritional advice, I most often use Ayerveda as a base, but I’m also a trained vegan chef who’s studied raw food, macrobiotics, the potential pitfalls of a vegan diet, as well as how women can find food that’s right for their menstrual cycles, gynaecological issues and menopause.
As we head into winter, I find myself craving foods that are vata-pacifying in nature. From curries to soups, these easy-to-make recipes have a warming, nurturing and nourishing effect that I love. If you’re trying to find something for the season, basically anything that is a bit more liquid (think soups, stews, or porridge) with lots of root vegetables and warming spices will do.
Over the years, I've written and contributed to a few cookbooks and found an abundance of recipes that feed the soul. I've pulled together a few of my favorites below:
* One of my most loved and easiest recipes is this Sweet & Spicy Roots soup.
* This Lentil Amaranth Soup from my book "With a Pinch of Yoga" is a lovely one for gray and rainy days.
* My Ginger & Miso Bowl is comforting and nourishing at the same time.
* This Chai makes a perfect wintery gift for your loved ones (or yourself).
Whether you’re cooking for one or 100, I hope you come away from your meals with full bellies and full hearts.
Irina emits a healing energy that just feels good to be with. Each time we've met, I've relaxed into her presence, openness, authenticity and ability to offer support. She has helped me gain the perspective I needed to be more compassionate and gentle with myself. If you're ready to do the hard work of personal growth, I'd highly recommend partnering with Irina.
