Don’t tell me what to eat!

Men are from Mars. Women are from Venus. Even in the world of Ayurveda! 

Any honest Ayurvedic doctor will tell you that men and women respond differently to Ayurvedic treatment – physically, emotionally, and attitudinally. Much of this has to do with food and yoga. For instance, if you don’t like yoga or think it will aggravate your back, you may be resistant to go somewhere that forces you to do it. And if you don’t like vegetarian food or are not used to it on a regular basis, you may oppose Ayurveda or any health regime that asks you to stop eating meat, even temporarily.

I once had a client who said to me, “Aly, I don’t want any doctor telling me what to eat. So don’t send me to any place that is strict. As for my wife, she will accept the vegetarian diet. And she likes yoga and is very advanced. I might try the yoga but don’t want to be forced. I prefer the gym.”  

I can totally identify with the above feelings and concerns. I had them too, once upon a time.

Journey into Ayurveda

I discovered the world of Ayurveda at age 35. Until then, there was not one day without chicken or fish as part of my diet. Indeed, adopting a purely vegetarian diet without coffee for 12 days was a huge test. It became frustrating and monotonous. But afterwards, it felt great. The body felt new and light.  

So when clients and friends tell me about their reservations about going to a health farm, I remember my younger days and respect what they are saying, but also find ways of encouraging them to take the leap.

Not all health farms are strict. And not all systems of alternative medicine require you to abstain from your favourite foods. 

Indeed, I have never met an Ayurvedic doctor who told me to become a vegan or pure vegetarian. 

Most doctors that I have encountered – including chiropractors, medical doctors, naturopaths, surgeons and Ayurvedic doctors – have been fairly consistent about one thing: “Moderate your intake of meat and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables.” The message has been loud and clear. But have I listened? Yes and no.  

I certainly do eat more vegetables and do “pure veg days”. But I also enjoy life: the good, the bad and the ugly. And then I detox afterwards. That’s my take on the Ayurveda way of life in modern times.

Nearly all the Ayurvedic doctors that I have consulted have said: “No, don’t become a vegetarian. Continue having non-veg but reduce. Try to eat each type of meat (fish, chicken, lamb) not more than once or twice a week.” They reasoned that since I was raised on a non-vegetarian diet, I should not abruptly stop meat but moderate my intake. The message has always been conveyed without dogmatism, and so it found a way to the heart.

“Everything in moderation”, even occasional deep-fried foods, is consistent with the attitude of most Ayurvedic physicians, in my experience.

Fortuitously, Ayurveda does not recommend or encourage starvation diets in order to loose weight.

But there are limitations. Abstinence from “normal food” and living on a red rice porridge is required during certain procedures like panchakarma (the Ayurvedic system of detox). Ayurveda is all about balance.

A tale of two beaches

Remember my client who did not want any doctor telling him what to eat? Well, we found just right the property for him – Niraamaya Retreats, a wellness resort where the massages are excellent, the food options are plentiful, and the yoga is entirely optional. It is an oasis of tranquility on a cliff that overlooks the Arabian Sea and straddles two private beaches. 

Unlike most Ayurveda destinations, this resort boasts two outstanding restaurants with Ayurvedic and non-Ayurvedic food options. So if you are not inclined towards a vegetarian wellness diet, you can choose from plentiful non-vegetarian items including pork, beef, lamb, duck, chicken and all varieties of seafood. Wine and beer are also readily available, if one prefers to intox rather than detox. All major types of cuisine are on offer: North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Thai, Italian and Continental.

Located only 40 minutes from the nearest international airport, Niraamaya Retreats offers Ayurveda and non-Ayurveda treatments under one roof. Shortly after your arrival at the resort, you can expect a detailed consultation and health checkup with the onsite Ayurvedic doctors. Both male and female doctors are available for private and confidential discussions throughout your stay.

There are also two venues for yoga: an outdoor platform by the sea or an indoor studio on hardwood floors. Classes are always small, usually less than five people. If yoga is not your thing, the resort has a fully equipped gym.

In the end, my client graciously declared, “You picked the perfect resort for us.” On their first visit to Niraamaya Retreats, they stayed for 7 days. The following year, they stayed for 10 days. And whereas earlier my client refused to let the doctor tell him what to eat, this time he proudly said, “I have not had any meat or seafood. I have managed to stay vegetarian for the last 10 days.” That’s progress. That’s transformation. That’s Ayurveda.

Are you ready for a health transformation? Then click here to begin the journey. 

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This article was written by Alykhan Alidina, co-founder of Ayurooms. Ayurooms helps people to discover and access India’s best resorts for Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy and other forms of holistic health. For more information, please write to: [email protected]

To know more about food diversity at health resorts, click here