A quick but powerful way to reset both your mind and body is through a weekend-long kitchari cleanse.
Kitchari is a traditional Ayurvedic dish that not only nourishes the body but also promotes balance and rejuvenation. In this blog post, we will explore what kitchari is, how to detox or reset with dosha-specific kitchari and tea, and the numerous benefits it can bring to your well-being.
Before we get started, it’s important to determine your specific dosha. Take our fun little quiz to determine your dosha.
What is Kitchari and Why Use It?
Kitchari is a delicious and nutritious one-pot meal that has been enjoyed in India for centuries. It is the most easily digestible food and removes toxins from the body gently. Kitchari consists of grains, pulses and an array of aromatic spices. The grain and pulses used for each dosha-specific kitchari is selected to balance that dosha.
It is a staple dish in Ayurvedic medicine, which focuses on achieving balance and harmony within the body, mind and spirit. According to Ayurveda, kitchari is known to help you reset your body’s “agni” or metabolic fire and the body’s wellness is centered in your digestive health.
A kitchari reset offers many benefits, like improved digestion, increased energy levels, increased mental clarity and a sense of overall balance. It helps to eliminate accumulated toxins, reduces inflammation and promotes a healthy metabolism. In just a weekend, a kitchari cleanse can reset your mind and body.
Kitchari reset helps to:
- eliminate accumulated toxins from the mind and body tissues
- improve digestion and restore regular bowel movements
- remove heaviness or congestion in the body
- support a healthy body weight or weight loss
- improve energy and vitality
- promote overall health and wellness
Take a weekend to invest in yourself and experience the transformative power of a kitchari reset. Start your journey toward better health and inner harmony today!
The Kitchari Detox: Pre-Cleanse
Pick the Right Time to Start
Begin your detox on a Saturday morning at 11 am and conclude on Sunday evening with dinner. This time frame allows for a focused detox while still accommodating your daily routine.
Get Your Dosha-Specific Kitchari
Ayurveda recognizes three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha - each with its own unique qualities. Determine your dominant dosha by taking our online dosha quiz and select the vata kitchari, pitta kitchari or kapha kitchari that is right for your dominant dosha.
Plan to Hydrate With A Dosha-Specific Tea
Alongside your kitchari, drink a dosha-specific tea (vata, pitta, kapha) throughout the detox period. These teas are specially formulated with herbs and spices that support your dosha and enhance the cleansing process.
Pre-Cleanse to Set Yourself Up for Success
The pre-cleanse period is up to one week before the start of the cleanse. During this time, you should cut back on sugar, caffeine, coffee, alcohol, processed foods and all animal and dairy products in preparation for the cleanse.
The Kitchari Cleanse: Cleanse
Cook half the package of your dosha-specific kitchari according to the instructions for Saturday and the other half for Sunday. Your daily meal plan begins a grain dish of your choice for breakfast and the kitchari for lunch and dinner. Be sure to add the vegetables recommended on the instructions on the back of the package to the kitchari or as a side. This will keep the hunger at bay while you are cleansing.
Eat mindfully at each meal. Savor every bite. Chew thoroughly. Eat in a calm and relaxed environment – away from the TV and your mobile. Be fully present and attentive to the nourishment the kitchari is providing your body.
Snacking is limited, but you can reach for fresh fruit or raw soaked nuts if you find yourself hungry between meals and unable to wait. Hydration is key for cleansing, so aim for 8 to 12 servings of water and your dosha-specific tea.
Keep a journal of your thoughts, emotions and experience during your detox. Journaling can be a powerful tool for remaining in the present, self-discovery and growth.
Retreat from the world. Be sure to prioritize rest and relaxation during this time. Do not have any social engagements. Give your body the proper space to cleanse by disconnecting from external distractions and creating a serene environment for yourself. Take this opportunity for an electronic timeout and instead take a nature walk, do yoga, meditate or take a soothing bath.
The Kitchari Cleanse: Post-Cleanse
After the cleanse is complete, slowly re-introduce foods and ingredients back to your diet over a week to 10 days. Doing this will help to ensure you don’t upset your digestive system.
We recommend a dosha reset about three times a year, especially during seasonal transitions. This practice helps the body adapt to changes and maintain optimal health throughout the year.
Embarking on a dosha-specific kitchari detox is an excellent opportunity to prioritize self-care, reflection and introspection. Consider incorporating the best-practices of the Dosha Balancing Kit if you would like to incorporate a holistic dosha supportive lifestyle.
(Note: The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.)
