Rice and Beans... Getting the Balance Right!

Hi everyone... Great to be with you again.

How confident are you about crafting balanced meals that feed your body and soul? Meals that have the proper ratio of ingredients and feel deeply nourishing. The ones that leave you satisfied and with a happy tummy.

This question might be more difficult to answer for those of us who eat mostly or entirely, a plant-based diet. The intricate dance of incomplete proteins trying to become one unified super-nutritious protein source that nourishes us.

Now, I know we've talked about protein already in my blog posts, but this is one piece of the puzzle that we only lightly touched upon, and I think it's essential for us to discuss it... and to be honest, this matters wherever you are in your Ayurveda journey. I know many of my clients who eat regular meat-based diets are aiming to transition gradually to vegetarian or vegan patterns and this info will be super helpful, as 'where do I get my protein?' is one of my most asked questions.

I like you, want to make sure I am eating enough protein, even if we live off vegetables, grains, cereals, legumes, nuts, and seeds. We've seen already how key it is and that’s why I want to introduce you to what makes it EASIER for us to combine incomplete-protein ingredients and turn them into nourishing Ayurvedic dishes that completely support our health.

HERE ARE THE TIPS:

1. Combine your legumes, such as lentils, dhals, chickpeas, or black beans with grains, such as rice, quinoa, or millet to create a complete protein profile:

Some examples may include, enjoying a spicy mung bean dahl, cooked slowly with turmeric, ginger, and a hint of cumin and served over a fluffy bed of basmati rice, a creamy barley risotto cooked with vegetable broth and mixed with sweet green peas, or maybe some nutty buckwheat served alongside a hearty chickpea curry that's spiced with coriander, cumin, and a splash of coconut milk. All these dishes provide a harmonious blend of complementary amino acids and the perfect balance of proteins and carbohydrates.

2. Pair legumes with seeds:

For instance, you can make a vibrant pesto by blending pumpkin seeds with fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil, tossing it with cooked lentil pasta, or sprinkling hemp seeds over a filling of spicy pinto beans, fresh avocado, and salsa in a warm and soft chapati or roti

You can also prepare a nourishing salad by combining cooked green lentils, with a handful of sunflower seeds and an amazing olive oil and lemon dressing. Be playful with your combinations, especially in Summer, as is the perfect time to prepare juicy salads, or eat them warm for these Winter months, every dosha will benefit from this.

3. Have grains with nuts for a complete protein source:

Prepare a nourishing quinoa salad with roasted almonds, fresh vegetables, and a light dressing of your choice or a fragrant cashew rice pilaf by sautéing cashews and spices, then adding cooked brown rice and mixing well.

And you know, a warm bowl of oatmeal doesn't disappoint when topped with crushed walnuts or fresh coconut flesh, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

I just want you to remember that they don't need to be eaten in a single meal. As long as they're consumed throughout the day, your body will get what it needs.

The ratio can be simple, too, aim for a half-and-half mix, adjusting these based on your dosha's unique requirements and reactions. Listen to your body and intuition; they will guide you toward what you need.

What is your go to incomplete protein combination? Let me know!

Thank you SO much for being here.

Namaste and good health

Anji