My “Prime” Journey
One of my clients mentioned this book to me when we were talking about building strong digestive fire (agni). I started by listening to the audiobook, read by the author. The marketing push for the program’s weight loss effects was less interesting to me. As I listened, I was impressed by the story of Dr. Chaudhary’s journey to reclaim her health after completing medical school to become a neurologist. I was hooked by her way of describing the physiological impacts of each part of the program including the Western research support and the traditional Ayurvedic reasonings. The program itself seemed very gentle and doable. So I decided to give it a try.
Although I did want to loose the weight I gained during 2020, my main goal was to manage symptoms from fibroids. I knew a little about Ayurveda and the perspective of fibroids being caused by a build up of toxins. The Prime sounded like a gentle detox. I would not have to change my eating habits, just add a few things (special daily tea, a few supplements, and increase my awareness).
Hacks
So I wanted to share some of the resources/hack I’ve used while in Stage 3 of the Prime.
Prime Tea: I have been making this from dried spices (whole fennel, coriander, and cumin). I get great spices from Penzy’s Spices. I also use a tea infuser like this one and set it up in an insulated 20oz coffee cup to sip on all day.
Fiber: I am a fan!! This has had the most dramatic affect on how I feel. Even if I eat crap or eat too much for dinner, I feel better and sleep better after taking the evening fiber. I’ve also started adding additional fiber (chia seeds) to my morning oatmeal and looking for additional veggies throughout the day. Good news, the flax seeds and psylium are easy to find at Trader Joes or Whole Foods.
Green Juice: I don’t want to invest in a juicer, so I found some cold pressed juices that I like; Trader Joes Cold Press Green Juice and Evolution Fresh juices (I like the Organic Greens and Ginger). There is also a Indy local company - Simplicity - that has a tasty green juice. It may take a little getting used to, especially if you like your beverages sweet, but I have noticed that drinking the green juice help regulate my blood sugar and makes me less hungry for sweets overall.
Bone Broth: This is probably not something I’m going to make myself - I just don’t have the ingredients often. I’ve been trying different store bought brands, but not in love with any of them yet. I’m also not a big fan of sipping it alone (without anything in it ;). I have used bone broth added to steamed veggies and grains.
Curry Powder: I do love a good curry, so I was excited to try this one out. The only spice in the mix I had trouble finding (found on Amazon) was Amla. The rest are pretty standard. I do like the taste and have been sprinkling it over most foods. (I really like it over eggs & broccoli!) The recipe makes A LOT!! I have 2 jars full and am still working on the first jar. I have not tried it as a tea.
Supplements: You can buy the brand mention in the book (Maharishi Ayurveda) here. Another quality distributer is Banyan Botanicals.
Garshana/Ayurvedic Dry-brushing Lymph Massage: The Ayurvedic idea of this activity is to help increase heat and friction. This technique does multiple things; it removes dead skin accumulating (ama), moves the lymph fluid underneath the skin, and stimulating circulation. The recommendation is to do the dry brushing first thing in the am, before you shower. I don’t usually shower first thing in the am, but I will use the gloves or a brush before I shower any time. If I’m in a rush, I might do the massage technique with a sugar scrub in the shower. You can get some affects of moving lymph if you do the same movements without the dry brush or gloves (can be done when applying lotion or oil after your shower), but you won’t get the benefit of heat. I have noticed a reduction in the cellulite pockets, especially on my thighs and butt after doing this practice regularly.
Continuing Aug 30….
I have continued on the Prime journey - maintaining in Stage 3. This is the stage of cleansing. I have felt remarkably good overall. I’ve started to move into some of the Stage 4 components, eating more mid day and aiming for ward food vs. cold/raw in general. I plan to continue until I run out of guuglu supplement and then move onto the maintenance stage.