This delightful gluten-free coconut cake features fresh, moist coconut and reduced sugar for a more mindful treat. Topped with a light and creamy lemon Swiss buttercream frosting, it’s a comforting way to indulge as the weather cools. 8-inch spring form pan, greased, bottom lined with parchment...

Nopal is the Spanish word used for “prickly pear” or “tender cactus”. Farmed nopales are often of the species opuntia ficus-indica or opuntia matudae, although the pads of almost all opuntia species are edible. Nopal has flat, oval-shaped pads and bright colored fruit (prickly pear fruit)....

Do you feel like your digestive system needs a reset? Whether you're managing a chronic condition or recovering from intermittent indulgence, this course can teach you how to rejuvenate, revitalize, and reset your digestive system. In this two-hour, live Zoom class, you will learn basic principles of...

Are you curious about Ayurveda, but hesitant because you're not into Indian food, not vegetarian, or find it complex? Would you like access to an Ayurveda expert who is eager to answer your questions and has a track record of simplifying and adapting the vast...

Come join me in this 90 minute Ayurveda Workshop. You will learn about The Elements, The Doshas, The Principle of “Opposites Balance”, and Food as Medicine. Light refreshments will be served. When: Sunday, March 10 1:30-3:00pm Location: iYoga Studio 601 North Congress Ave Second Floor Suite 426 Delray Beach, FL 33445 Sign up: https://iyogadelraybeach.com/schedule/ Cost: FREE   Ayurveda Workshop: Ayurveda...

This is my gluten-free variation of the classic Persian Rose Petal and Pistachio Tea Cake. Now everyone can indulge in the exquisite flavors of Persian Rose Petal and Pistachio tea cake with a gluten-free twist. This Tri doshic delight offers a moist texture infused with...

Raspberry and chocolate are a divine combination and in this recipe I've layered them into a gluten free cheesecake with reduced sugar for a guiltless pleasure! This is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser at picnics, parties and and festivities. In terms of Ayurveda energetics, it...

GF Irish Oat bread warm from the oven makes for a delicious breakfast during the fall and winter months. Prep the recipe in the evening so the grains have a chance to absorb the liquid and then it cooks up quickly in the morning. This recipe...

GF Turkish Halva with rose water, pistachio and cacao nibs is a healthy snack that's easy to make. This no-bake recipe uses honey as a sweetener and can be adjusted to your preference. The topping variations are endless, so get creative, take pictures, and tag...

Elevate your barbeque with this beautifully stacked bison burger layered with heirloom tomatoes, fried eggplant slices and avocado. Served on top of a bed of radicchio and escarole with sides of umboshi paste, basil pesto and Grey Poupon mustard - your senses will explode!   Makes 4...

Yellow mung dal is the hulled and split form of the popular green mung bean. Mung beans have many documented health benefits including ability to ameliorate hyperglycemia, hyperlipemia, and hypertension and prevent cancer and melanogenesis. In addition it has been documented that mung beans protect...

My dad is celiac and loves his sweets, so I created this Tahini-Espresso Chocolate chip cookie recipe for him for Father’s Day. It is a healthy alternative to the sugar-laden, processed foods sold in most supermarkets. It has a chewy texture and is infused with...

Snake gourd (Trichosanthes Cucumerina) is a wild fruit found in India, some parts of Asia and the northern region of Australia. It is a vine which climbs trees and unfurls flowers and fruits that hang to the ground. When purchasing snake gourd, look for fruits with...

Kids heading back to school? You got this! Yummy, healthy, gluten-free banana-plantain muffins with Cacao Chips may be prepped the night before and combined/cooked the next morning for a quick and delicious breakfast. Kids can slather with ghee or cream cheese for extra nutrition and healthy...

Check out these amaranth and red lentil veggie bites flavored with a blend of southwest spices and topped with cilantro jalapeño sauce. They are perfect for brunch, lunch, dinner or you may serve them as an appetizer. They are healthy and low calorie, especially if...

Ayurveda is a holistic approach to wellness that incorporates the physical, emotional and spiritual bodies. I have created this one-day spring cleanse to help us do a quick mental recharge and physical reset so as to connect back to our natural state of balance. More details...

A quick winter weeknight meal that will warm your core and nourish your soul. I always have some pre-made spice mixes on hand from The Essential Ayurvedic Cookbook and “Moroccan Spice” is a favorite. It adds instant depth to any recipe to create an exotic...

Lemon, ginger and basil give a unique twist to this broccoli soup recipe. Suitable for all doshas, it is bursting with flavor and packed with vitamin C and healing ginger. Since it's the flu season, I have included optional herbs that are used in ayurveda...

These carrot muffins make a great addition to Sunday brunch or school lunch boxes! Seasoned with fresh ginger root, allspice, cinnamon and clove, they are packed with flavor and are low in sugar. The gluten-free flour blend includes heart-healthy whole oats and glucose-balancing millet flour...

Wild Atlantic lobster tail stacked on a vegan garbanzo bean salad makes a light, energizing lunch menu for summer or early fall. The vegan garbanzo bean salad can serve as a meal in and of itself making this menu ideal for guests with varying food...

Rich, chewy, dark chocolate with swirls of organic tahini - this chocolate tahini brownie cake is so decadent your guests will never know it’s gluten-free. Perfect with a cup of tea on a chilly autumn afternoon. If there happens to be any leftovers, it also...

Saturdays were made for a short stack of blueberry poppy seed pancakes! This recipe is made from a gluten-free base of flours with flax and poppy seeds for added nutrition and flavor. From an Ayurvedic perspective, these are tri-doshic (balancing to vata, pitta and kapha)...

Sesame Seed Granola Crisps are a versatile, nutrient dense vegan snack that taste amazing! They are gluten-free and a great alternative to bread or cookies. I like to use them as a garnish for soups, crumbled into my morning yogurt or onto salads. They will...

This amazing gluten-free, vegan loaf is made entirely with seeds, nuts and dried fruit. The recipe is similar to old world Danish rye bread recipes, minus the gluten-containing rye flour. Hearty, healthy and filling, the high fiber content will promote digestive health and weight loss....

Are you stressed out? Try this poppy seed tea cake! It’s gluten free and low in sugar so you can enjoy it for breakfast or a guilt-free snack any time of day. Poppy seeds have been used in Ayurveda and other ancient cultures for their many...

I couldn't decide if I wanted to make a scone or a cookie and came up with these amazing oatcakes! Very low in sugar, full of heart healthy, gluten-free oats and endless possibilities for variations. I eat them as a snack or for breakfast on...

Holidays stressing you out and wreaking havoc on your waistline? Check out these pumpkin pancakes with cranberry relish! Pumpkin is detoxifying and soothes the mind while the cranberries aid digestion. A perfect combination for the holiday season and throughout the fall and winter. These pancakes...

Risotto is an easy, healthy weeknight meal that is always a hit with family and friends. It's grounding for fall and satisfying for winter months. In this variation, I'm serving it with cranberry pesto and a splash of pumpkin puree - a delicious complement to...

Fresh ginger root puréed with roasted pumpkin makes a healthy, creamy soup that is perfect for fall, winter or spring. Vegan, tridoshic and delicious! This variation is garnished with arugula pesto and for the omnivores, I've added some lobster and shrimp. When cooking for a family or...

If you’re looking for a morning pick me up without the jitters from caffeine, you’ll love this delicious Cacao-Tulsi Latte. Lightly sweetened with natural dates and flavored with cinnamon stick, it is soothing to the nerves, nourishing to the heart and clarifying to the mind. (Makes...

Rosemary Infused Heirloom Scarlet Runners with Lemon Dressing - recipe from "The Essential Ayurvedic Cookbook" you can purchase at Amazon. Scarlet runner beans (also called Oregon lima bean or ayocote morado in Spanish) are native to Oaxaca, Mexico, and were among the first domesticated crops in Mexico...

Does your morning ritual involve multiple rounds with the snooze alarm button followed by copious amounts of caffeine to turbo charge the day and clear the cobwebs from your brain? Insomnia, or the inability to sleep, can be detrimental to your health and happiness. Sleep is...

There's nothing better to calm vata, relieve stress and soothe an anxious mind that a bowl of warm soup. Soup is grounding and healing. I was never a fan of split peas growing up. They are very astringent and drying, which make them more suitable...

Light and smooth, this purée of Swiss Chard and potato will make you want to eat more greens! I'm not a fan of leafy greens as they tend to be too dry and rough for my vata constitution. But Swiss Chard feels less bitter and...

Nothing says Sunday morning like corn muffins! Recipe from The Essential Ayurvedic Cookbook for gluten-free corn bread (recipe makes 7 muffins or one 8" loaf). Corn can have a dry and heating effect on the body - it is great for balancing kapha and is generally...

Dashi clear broth with gluten-free buckwheat soba noodles. Recipe for the dashi broth in The Essential Ayurvedic Cookbook available at Amazon. Dashi Broth is easy to make and can be stored in the freezer in 2 cup containers, ready to go when you need a quick...

This Lebanese Lentil Soup is gluten free and vegan (although you can also make it with ghee). Seasoned with sumac and thyme, it is well balanced for all the doshas. Eating an ayurveda diet doesn't have to include traditional Indian spices at all. The key to...

Pan seared halibut and beluga (black lentils) are an easy weeknight dinner. Make it elegant with a swirl of pureed beetroot and a roasted carrot "chip". The carrot chip is a fun way to get your kids interested in vegetables. Here they are sliced thin, brushed...

In the winter months our digestion is the strongest and the colder weather may have us craving foods that are warm and substantial. Chicken pot pie (or vegetarian pot pie) can fill the bill - and our tummies! You can also make this vegetarian, omit...

Rice bowls are fun and easy to put together for a quick week night dinner. This bowl has an overall warming and somewhat drying energetic that is perfect for cold, rainy weather. The bowl is vegan/vegetarian, but it could also be made with pan-fried fish for...

These roasted chickpeas are crunchy and spicy. They can be eaten plain as a healthy snack, or added to a salad or rice bowl to give your meal a little zip! From an energetic standpoint, garbanzo beans are cold and dry. The spices in this recipe...

Spices have a warming energetic and are used in ayurveda to aid digestion and enhance the taste of food. These molasses cookies are spiced with ginger, cinnamon and cloves which can balance out some of the effects of the sugar. In moderation, they are a...

Millet stuffed red kuri squash makes a delicious vegetarian, gluten-free, tri-doshic dinner (or side dish for lunch). Red kuri is a bright orange winter squash with a thin, edible skin. It's a great source of vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium and iron. The millet...

Are you seeking a magic elixir to help you look and feel amazing? It's tempting to purchase an herb and throw it in your smoothie because some celebrity or blogger is claiming it will give you super powers, clear your skin, help with menopause or shed...

"Ayurveda and yoga give me the power to understand my unique constitution and its predisposition to illness. With that knowledge, I am able to stay ahead on the wellness curve – always preventing. " ~Thank you Voyage LA for the lovely article about my journey with...

This quiche is great for holiday entertaining or a lazy Sunday brunch. It has a silky custard filling and an earthy buckwheat-mushroom crust which makes for a delectable combination.     Recipe coming in my new e-book. Sign up for the email list to be alerted when the new...

Home-made chocolate syrup is an indulgent treat that is easy to make and doesn’t contain any of the chemicals found in pre-packaged products. I use it to make hot cocoa in the winter, but it can also be added to smoothies or used to top...

Squash blossoms are in season and popping up at farmers markets all over LA. Low in calories, high in calcium, iron, Vitamin A and C, these delicate beauties will add nutrition and sophistication to your summer menus! Look for blossoms with tightly closed buds. They are...

Light, creamy and low in sugar, this Lemon Mousse is easy to make. It is a delightful summer snack or finale to an elegant meal.   Ingredients: 4 organic, eggs from pasture grazed chickens ½ cup organic sugar ¼ teaspoon salt 2 organic lemons (juice and zest) ¼ cup organic heavy cream ½ teaspoon...

Light and refreshing, this tequila-spiked kombucha is perfect for a summer party. I make this with GTS Synergy Mojito flavored Kombucha. It is loaded with healthy probiotics and macai berry and has no added sugars. I add a small amount of hand crafted El Tesoro...

It’s so easy to eat healthy when you have red lentils on hand! They cook in minutes, are nourishing to all three doshas and go well with so many seasonings. Here I have paired them with a spicy lemongrass paste which is ideal for balancing...

I did a little spring cleaning in my refrigerator and channeled Grandma Mary to come up with this light, tasty lunch. The base is made with celery root which has been used in ayurveda for treating high blood pressure, digestive weakness, inflammation and bacterial infections....

The winter and spring are seasons with cold and damp weather. Our bodies assimilate these external qualities and it can create congestion, mucus buildup and phlegm. When the lymphatic system gets congested, it can lead to sore throats, runny noses, respiratory infections and the flu. But...

Makhani is the Punjabi word for buttery, and this dish is essentially buttery lentils! I discovered this rich, creamy comfort food during my solo travels in India. It is ideal for cooler weather or anytime you need some self-nurturing. This is grounding for vata. Pitta...

This delicious smoothie will soothe your nerves and clear the clutter from your mind. About Tulsi: Tulsi, or “Holy Basil” was used by ancient cultures for its healing and rejuvenating qualities. In India, it is considered a sacred plant with sattvic characteristics. It is pungent, heating,...

Lotus seeds are a heart tonic and aphrodisiac and kabocha has been revered as an aphrodisiac in ancient cultures for centuries. Pippali is a rejuvenator and an aphrodisiac. Lemongrass is cleansing to the lymphatic system and it is calming to the body and mind. This...

WINTER IS TIME TO NURTURE AND REJUVENATE During the winter our bodies enter “nurture and rejuvenate” mode. Emotionally, it is a good time to look inward, reflect and set intentions for the next cycle. With the shorter days, you may have noticed your bodies requesting more...

This flavorful chickpea stew is light and warming - perfect for kapha or any dosha during the winter season. Healthy, easy to prepare and budget friendly you and your family will love this ayurveda recipe! Gluten-free, Vegan     (Serves 6) 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 onions, peeled, chopped 2 cloves garlic ½ teaspoon...

This spicy lemongrass paste  is ideal for balancing kapha in the spring and winter months (or any time the weather is cold and damp). It relieves sinus congestion and lymphatic stagnation. The combination of ingredients work together to promote overall health and well-being: lemongrass helps...

  TRAVEL TIPS TO KEEP HEALTHY DURING THE HOLIDAYS ‘Tis the season of travel and everyone seems to be in a hurry to get somewhere. Whether it’s flying, driving or taking a train, travel can be disruptive to our natural rhythms and negatively affect our body and...

  Celebrate the end of the fall harvest (aka pumpkin season) with this Chocolate Pumpkin Chai Latte using Tusli tea. Tulsi (or Holy Basil) is a sacred herb used in ayurveda for its rejuvenative properties. Naturally caffeine-free, it is a tonic for the nerves – perfect...

  Ayurveda with a Mexican Twist! Do you think an ayurveda diet limits you to eating Indian curries? Think again. Ayurveda is about eating foods that are balancing to your constitution. Balance can be achieved by adjusting the quantity of food, the combinations of food and varying the...

When you're running late and don't have time for breakfast whip up this delicious Oatmeal Smoothie and take your breakfast “to go”. Comforting and warming, it  has heart-healthy oats and almond butter protein to kick start your day. Low in sugar, it is a healthy, fun breakfast...

FEELING UNGROUNDED? In the fall, the air becomes cooler and drier and sometimes windy. These characteristics are similar to the qualities of the ayurveda dosha called “vata”. Vata is referred to as the air or wind dosha, because it is cold, light, dry, rough and mobile,...

  My local co-op market had purple sweet potatoes which I made into a lovely soup. Their purple color comes from anthocyanins (the pigments responsible for the red and purple in cherries, strawberries and purple carrots). Anthocyanins have beneficial health effects (they scavenge cancer-causing free radicals,...

  This is a Yucatan-influenced lime and chicken soup that is comforting and healing. Traditionally, it is made with "lima agria" or bitter lime, but if you cannot find those, substitute regular limes or key limes. From an ayurvedic standpoint, this soup is well combined and has...

  Served warm,  this tri-doshic salad is suitable for fall. This is a good example of ayurveda food combining and representing the six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent). Ingredients are gluten-free, real food: rainbow quinoa, french lentils, pumpkin seeds, escarole, lemon zest, fresh mint and...

  Easy and elegant, this fall soup works equally well as an antidote for a long day at the office or the main dish for a last minute casual dinner party. Lightly seasoned with mint and a hint of tarragon, this delicious vegetarian meal is easy to make with...

  Baklava reinvented for fall and health-conscious foodies! This delicious pumpkin-spiced baklava has a rich flavor and texture that will please everyone. I've reduced the butter and sugar, so go ahead and indulge with this healthier version of the traditional Turkish treat. If you haven’t worked with phyllo...

Sweet and sour, this gazpacho is a perfect ayurveda summertime appetizer that will stoke your digestive fire. Serve at room temperature or lightly chilled. Gluten-free, soy-free, vegan, vegetarian (Yield: 4 appetizer-size servings) 8 Tomatillos, husked, quartered 1 onion, quartered 1 small jalapeño, seeded, halved 1 garlic clove, peeled, halved 1 tablespoon sunflower oil 1...

WHEN YOUR CELLS DON'T RECOGNIZE EACH OTHER Autoimmune disorders occur when your body’s cells fail to recognize each other and mistakenly start attacking healthy cells. If left untreated, this eventually creates inflammation and can cascade into a variety of diseases such as: Rheumatoid arthritis (most prevalent),...

  The holidays just got less stressful! You can make this delicious, healthy loaf in minutes then have plenty of time to enjoy the company of your guests. Seasonal sustenance and clean eating for the fall and winter. Serve with brown rice, maple-roasted Brussels sprouts and Ginger...

Kabocha and okra are abundant in the fall and are ideal for grounding vata. The skin of kabocha is edible, but make sure it is “organic” to avoid pesticide contamination. Serve along with cranberry sauce to add a colorful side-dish to your holiday spread! Serves 4...

  WHAT IS CONSTIPATION Have you pooped today? If you haven’t, you may be constipated. Other signs that your bowel movements are less than optimal include: constant straining; feeling like your bowel movement was incomplete; passing dry, hard, painful “rabbit pellets”; or feeling bloated, crampy or full...

Laced with paprika and a splash of lemon, this easy to make chicken will liven up your weeknight meal. Leftovers can be served cold the next day with Radiccio Fennel Salad or Persian-spiced Quinoa Salad for lunch. Serves 2 Marinade: 3 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1...

Quinoa, which is cooling and a little dry, is great for pitta dosha and summer salads. Here, I have incorporated Persian-inspired ingredients to add some zest and round out the energetics for all doshas. The addition of chickpeas boosts the protein content, making it a healthy, balanced main-dish...

Kitchari: An ayurvedic Recipe for Healing and Cleansing Kitchari is an ayurvedic stew for cleansing and restoring the body. It is made with mung dal (split green mung beans) and basmati rice which are delicately spiced to aid digestion, stimulate removal of toxins and restore your...

Ghee is highly regarded in ayurveda and is considered to both detoxify and rejuvenate at the same time. It is made by cooking down butter until the liquid evaporates and the milk solids sink to the bottom of the pan. The end result is the...

SPRING IS THE SEASON OF RENEWAL AND GROWTH Ayurveda is the original fountain of youth, a natural alternative to plastic surgery. Originally consolidated with the teachings of yoga, this sister science was left behind when yoga migrated to the west. Reunited again, yoga and ayurveda are...

  This is a lighter, healthier variation of traditional dal fry - the spicy Punjabi dish made from a mixture of dals and liberal doses of ghee and chili. This version is suitable for spring, winter and kapha constitutions. It is rather spicy, so pitta constitutions...

A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO WELLNESS Have you ever called your doctor with a nagging complaint (migraines, ringing in the ears, sinus congestion, bloating, constipation, heartburn, acne, sciatic pain, etc.) and he tells you there is nothing he can do? Ayurveda, an ancient holistic science from India, believes that...

This is a great vinaigrette for cold, damp spring weather. The radishes are pungent and drying while the rice syurp lends a balancing sweet note. Served over watercress salad, it is perfect for weathering the seasonal influences and taming kapha!  Makes 3/4 cup 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup...

  Spring is cool and damp and most closely related to kapha dosha. Regardless of your constitution (or dosha), everyone will feel the seasonal influences. You may feel heavy and sluggish and possibly experience sinus congestion or allergies. This light, warming kapha spring tea is perfect...

Ayurveda Seasonal Cleanse SMC Community Ed is pleased to offer a new class: “Ayurveda Spring Cleanse Retreat,” by Lois Leonhardi. This three-day urban retreat will be held April 24-26 (Friday evening and full days Saturday and Sunday) at our Bundy Campus. To ensure individualized attention, class-size...

Mirpoix (pronounced "meer-pwah") is a combination of diced carrots, celery and onions that is used to add depth to soups, stocks and stews. Here it is used as the base from which additional ingredients are woven to create layers of subtle flavors. This tri-doshic vegetarian...

  "Chai" means tea in Sanskrit and in India it generally means a sweet blend of black tea, milk and spices. The ratio and selection of spices varies according to family recipes and regional preferences. This version is mildly sweetened with raw honey and made with...

Ayurveda Spring Cleanse Retreat In this weekend workshop we will do a food-based cleanse to stimulate the removal of stagnant physical and emotional energy/toxins accumulated over the winter months. Cleansing with the seasons helps to strengthen our digestive fire. It resets our internal clock to support our immune system, calm...

INTRODUCTION TO AYURVEDA Sunday, February 1st from 1:30-3:30pm Ayurveda is the sister science to yoga and an ancient holistic system of medicine from India. It is still used today because – it works! Learn basic ayurveda principles and how to apply them to receive instant benefits!...

January 30, 2015 11am-2pm OPEN HOUSE Santa Monica Community Education is hosting an open house January 26th - 30th to introduce instructors to the community and showcase their upcoming classes. There will be prizes,  raffles/discounts on classes, food and more! I'll be attending on Friday Jan 30th from 11am-2 pm with...

Introduction to ayurveda Learn about ayurveda – the sister science to yoga and an ancient holistic system of medicine from India. It is still used today because – it works! This sequential series of classes will be taught with a combination of interactive lectures and experiential...

Need help staying balanced through the holidays? The holidays are a time to rejoice and give thanks for the abundance in our lives. But sometimes, they bring emotional stress, anxiety and overeating. In this workshop, we will learn the time-proven techniques from ayurveda to bring balance...

Lunchtime Monthly Meditation & Wellness Series – noon – 1:30pm Biltmore Court, 520 S. Grand Avenue, Suite 680, Los Angeles, CA  90071Cost $20 non-CFA members Are you stressed out? Try Meditation. This lunchtime meditation series is for beginners and anyone looking to de-stress, refocus and energize. Seated in...

Introduction to Ayurveda Class - We will review the basic theory behind the ancient holistic system of medicine called ayurveda and learn how to apply it for happier and healthier lives! Wednesday, November 5, 2014 7:00 -8:00 PM Heal One World Healthy Living Space3503 W. Pico Blvd Los...

Kabocha is a delicious squash that is often referred to as "Japanese Pumpkin". It is sweeter and moister than a pumpkin, but less sweet than a yam. It is reputed to be an aphrodisiac and loaded with vitamin A & C - kabocha will keep you healthy through the...

Introduction to ayurveda Learn about ayurveda – the sister science to yoga and an ancient holistic system of medicine from India. It is still used today because – it works! This sequential series of classes will be taught with a combination of interactive lectures and experiential...

Oct 2, 2014- Lunchtime Meditation Class for Beginners/CFA Society of LA Are you stressed out? Try Meditation. This lunchtime meditation class for beginners will help you de-stress, refocus and energize (lunch will be served after the meditation). Seated in chairs, you will be guided through 30-minutes of...

September 28, 2014 – Ayurveda Fall Cleanse Feeling a little unbalanced? Seasonal transitions are the perfect time for a physical, mental and spiritual tune-up. In this workshop, we will learn how to do a gentle, food-based cleanse specifically designed for the transitional season of fall. We will...

September 21, 2014 - Ayurveda Fall Cleanse Feeling a little unbalanced? Seasonal transitions are the perfect time for a physical, mental and spiritual tune-up. In this workshop, we will learn how to do a gentle, food-based cleanse specifically designed for the transitional season of fall. We will...

August 13, 2014 - Lois Leonhardi was interviewed on the Los Angeles radio show "Yoga Chat" at 1pm pacific/4 pm East coast time – click HERE to listen to the podcast. The infamous Joni Yung, aka "The Accidental Yogist" and a fixture in the LA yoga community, will be hosting her...

Light and nutritious, this side dish is also easy to make and tastes great! Serve with couscous, quinoa or fish. This is suitable for summer and fall and is ideal for pitta and vata; kapha can eat in moderation with the addition of some cayenne...

A healthy, low calorie summer snack with lots of versatility for time-pressed individuals who find themselves eating on the go! This lemony hummus recipe is carefully seasoned to be tri-doshic (balancing to all constitutions – even vata! (Gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, vegetarian)     Get this recipe at:  "The Essential Ayurvedic...

Cooling Down Pitta Dosha What do hot flashes, migraines, acne, indigestion and diarrhea all have in common? According to ayurveda, they are often indications of an imbalance related to excess heat (pitta dosha) in the body. These conditions can be exasperated in the hot summer months...

CFALA Happy Hour Chat Series: Wellness Talk Want to reduce stress, improve digestion and feel better? Join us for a wellness talk and cocktails at the X-Bar in Century City. Lois Leonhardi will provide a brief overview (20 minutes) about the holistic system of medicine from...

These tri-doshic patties are delicious and freeze well. Top with avocado for brunch or non-vegetarians can serve with a poached egg. (gluten-free, soy-free and vegan)     Get this recipe and more at "The Essential Ayurvedic Cookbook".   All images and content on this site are copyright protected. Please do...

Cooling & cleansing, this is a great summer meal after a long week (or weekend!). Mung dal stokes the digestive fire and helps to burn toxins. Burdock root is cooling and cleansing to the liver, blood and lymphatic system; its diuretic effects aid in the...

Ayurveda: What's My Dosha? Saturday, July 26th from 1-2 p.m. Learn about ayurveda – the sister science to yoga and an ancient holistic system of medicine from India. It is still used today because – it works!  This workshop will be fun and interactive. No prior knowledge of...

[caption id="attachment_923" align="alignleft" width="175"] Pitta Cooling Summer Dal[/caption] INTRODUCTION TO AYURVEDA Sunday, July 20th from 1:30-3:30pm Ayurveda is the sister science to yoga and an ancient holistic system of medicine from India. It is still used today because – it works! Learn basic ayurveda principles and how...

    Eradicating the root cause of disease allows wellness to blossom Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine from India. It characterizes each individual as having a unique energetic constitution. It uses five elements as metaphors to describe those energies – ether, air, fire, water and earth. If...

The perfect recipe for summer to beat the heat. Cool down and cleanse your liver with this pitta-pacifying, summer tonic. Makes two 12-ounce servings.  4 cups kale, rinsed, lower stems trimmed 1 cup aloe vera juice 1 cup water ⅛ -¼ of a lemon, with peel (seeds removed) 1 tablespoon dulse ½...

July 23rd: SUMMER BOOK GIVEAWAY To celebrate summer I’ll be giving away 2 copies of “Eat Well, Be Well: Ayurveda Cooking for Healthy Living” in July and August. To be eligible to win, you must do the following: 1. Sign up for my email list HERE and...

On July 16, 2014, I will be giving a talk on Ayurveda at the Tower Cancer Research Foundation in Beverly Hills, California. This talk is for cancer patients of the Tower Cancer Research Foundation Only. In this workshop, we will focus on the mind-body connection and how to...

Introduction to ayurveda 5 week series Learn about ayurveda – the sister science to yoga and an ancient holistic system of medicine from India. It is still used today because – it works! This sequential series of classes will be taught with a combination of interactive lectures...

I will be teaching a 5-week series introducing Ayurveda beginning on May 27th. Learn about ayurveda – the sister science to yoga and an ancient holistic system of medicine from India. It is still used today because – it works! This sequential series of classes will...

Would you like to be healthier (eliminate bloating, heartburn, migraines, acne, etc.)? Would you like to increase your energy? Would you like to lose weight without dieting? The solution can be as simple as modifying your food choices to be in sync with your unique constitution. Learn about...

  Your employees are your most valuable asset. Stressed employees are a liability. Stress leads to lower productivity, high absenteeism, low motivation and poor decisions which increases your expenses and hurts profits. Turn around those statistics by investing in yoga for your employees.  Yoga classes will...

This is an amazing gluten-free Indian flat bread (roti) with a soft, chewy texture that even gluten-eaters will enjoy! Easy to make, it can be spiced to accompany traditional Indian dishes, or you can change the tone by omitting/substituing cumin, turmeric and ajwain (vegetarian, gluten-free,...

Chewy Choco-Orange Coconut Macaroons are a delight for those on a gluten-free diet. Low in sugar, they are a healthy indulgence for kids and will satisfy your cravings for sweet. Flavored with orange zest and topped with melted Green & Black 85% dark chocolate, this makes a great...

~To err is human, to forgive divine~ We made some mistakes. Books that were printed prior to February 1st, 2014 had some typographical errors which are now corrected. If you have one of the original copies, please note the following corrections to ensure optimal results with...

‎Introduction to Ayurveda - Feeling unbalanced? Ayurveda is a holistic lifestyle from ancient India that promotes longevity. It views each individual as having a unique constitution and states that there are certain foods and activities that are balancing (and imbalancing). Focusing on food and activities that...

Book Signing Events: Would you like to be healthier? Would you like to be able to better cope with the daily stresses of life? Would you like to have more happiness and balance in your life? The solution can be as simple as modifying your food choices to...

Coming this fall, publication and book tour for Eat Well, Be Well - Ayurveda Cooking for Healthy Living. A wellness cookbook based on the principles of ayurveda; with tri-doshic recipes adapted for the western palate ayurvedic cooking has never been easier! Read about this book here....