Transforming My Life: Embracing the Ayurvedic Lifestyle for Gut Health and Wellness

I made a lifestyle change, and let me tell you, it's been incredible! Now, let me start by saying this—I'm a total foodie. I absolutely love cooking, entertaining, and dining out. And yes, I even indulge in a specialty cocktail every now and then. I appreciate the joy that food brings into my life.

However, a few months ago, I realized that I needed to make a change in my life. For the past 15 years, I had been dealing with persistent gut issues. That's when I discovered the Ayurvedic lifestyle and started working with the amazing Bridgette Ochoa. Although I was somewhat familiar with Ayurveda, I hadn't fully embraced it until now. I knew deep down that my body needed something different, but I was hesitant at first due to previous failed attempts at finding a solution.

But when I met Bridgette, everything clicked into place. She explained that I hadn't done anything to strengthen my gut health, and it made perfect sense to me. Ayurveda, an ancient holistic system of medicine originating from India, focuses on achieving balance and harmony in the body through various aspects of life, including diet, mindfulness, and lifestyle practices. It recognizes that each person is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. The Ayurvedic approach to food emphasizes the importance of mindful eating, understanding our body's individual needs, and choosing foods that support our well-being.

So I decided to take a leap of faith and embark on a 3-day challenge with Bridgette. During this time, I learned about the power of food combining and how to eat according to my body type, as guided by the principles of Ayurveda. And guess what? I started feeling better!

Encouraged by these initial results, I decided to take things a step further. I opted for a private assessment with Bridgette and joined her group program to dive deeper into this transformative lifestyle. Now, I follow the 80/20 rule—80% of the time, I stick to the Ayurvedic principles that work for me, and the remaining 20% is reserved for enjoying the foods I love, like fish tacos and the occasional cocktail. It's a balance that feels just right for me.

Throughout this journey, I've come to realize that my resistance to change was rooted in past situations and old ways of thinking. Questions like, "Will I be giving up too much food?" or "Can I get enough protein?" or "Will I be able to digest beans?" plagued my mind. But I made a conscious decision to release that resistance, listen to my intuition, and take that leap of faith.

And you know what? It's been nothing short of amazing. I'm still working out some kinks along the way, but overall, I feel so much better. I have more energy, so I’m exercising more (riding my bike now that the weather is nice), sleeping better and my mood is better too. My meals now consist of nourishing whole grains, vibrant veggies, delicious fruits, and protein-packed beans—all in alignment with the principles of the Ayurvedic diet.

So, if your body and intuition are calling you to make a change but fear is holding you back, I encourage you to do it. Trust me, your body knows what it needs. Embrace the possibility of a healthier and more vibrant life. Take that step towards a lifestyle change that aligns with your well-being. And remember, you're not alone in this journey. There are incredible resources and experts like Bridgette who can guide and support you along the way. Trust yourself, trust the process, and get ready to experience the transformative power of listening to your body and nourishing it with love and intention. You've got this!