NENE GRANVILLE
"I didn’t want to use chemicals on my body and I knew that Ayurveda was totally holistic and herbal, therefore it made complete sense to me. It seemed like the perfect option to regain balance in my health again."
Nene Granville is an established authority in the fashion, beauty and lifestyle industry with nearly two decades of experience as a public relations agency communications director, and the mastermind behind Industry Menu. Industry Menu offers bespoke communication and creative services executed by insider experts for fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands.
Self-confessed foodie Nene couldn’t start a business without a nod to her favourite pastime. A cooking obsessive, the ritual and pleasure of consuming food is reflected in the easy-to-digest approach that informs Industry Menu.
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"Although ayurveda is not a quick fix, once you have taken the time out for your health, the benefits are immeasurable."
What does Ayurveda mean to you?
Ayurveda to me is all about balance. To put myself back into balance and to centre myself. I have never felt better than after my month-long Panchakarma treatment in India.
When did you discover it? How long have you been practising it?
A friend introduced it to me about 15 years ago. She wants to set up an Ayurvedic hospital in the UK and she is always raving so positively about the benefits of Ayurveda. I only started practising it two and half years ago; I think it takes a while to get on board, but once you are on board you love it. I have been to a few places in India to do different treatment but I love The Swan Ayurveda Retreat in North Goa, and for a more luxe retreat I tend to visit Surya Samundra in Kerala, a place I absolutely adore.
What drew you to Ayurveda?
The health system aspect. I didn’t want to use chemicals on my body and I knew that Ayurveda was totally holistic and herbal, therefore it made complete sense to me. It seemed like the perfect option to regain balance in my health again.
Has it helped you with anything major?
I had fibroids and the treatment centred around this helped massively.
Is Ayurveda part of your everyday life or just for your medicine cabinet or fall-back routine?
I follow it as far as a busy life in London allows. I wish it was much easier to maintain in London, but sadly I do still struggle at finding the perfect balance. It’s quite hard to sustain and follow it every day in this city, but I would say I follow it weekly.
What are your top 3 Ayurvedic tips that have worked for you?
When it comes to food, I follow my Doshic Constitution, so I have a diet that is aligned to my Doshas for balance. Eating freshly prepared meals and cooking with seasonal produce is an Ayurvedic tip as well as a life tip. Also, I try and switch off technology at least an hour before bed (although this is hard!) and drink warm water in the morning.
What surprised you most about Ayurveda?
How good I felt after having a month’s Panchakarma treatment; I felt like a new woman inside and out. I had read that I would feel this way but I didn’t particularly believe it until I had experienced it. The treatments are incredible and so interesting and learning about the why and how different treatments work was a healing experience.
Did you integrate it gradually or overnight for any particular reason?
It was really overnight. I had a month’s treatment so I jumped into the deep end, with 2 treatments a day for 1 month. It was intense and after that I felt revitalised, so I have been following it ever since. I am really looking forward to doing another month as the effects are long-lasting.
What is your favourite Ayurvedic recipe or go-to ingredient?
I really like Dahl and Kitchari. I know Kitchari is a cleansing dish and when I feel like having a reset, I do a 5-day streak of only eating this meal. Basicially it is a traditional Indian dish made from split mung beans, basmati rice and digestive spices. It is a very warming dish.
How does Ayurveda fit into your day-to-day routines?
I try and do a walking meditation every day and I do affirmations in the morning and evening. Both of these little routines massively help me enter the day on a positive note and go to bed with gratitude.
What do you wish was easier in our society to make an Ayurvedic lifestyle more accessible?
In London, particularly, hot weather. And that it was more widely available.
Do people around you/in your circle of friends know about Ayurveda?
Unfortunately, not really, although my great friend Susie is a practitioner.
What’s the one thing you would encourage everyone to try or you think would benefit the majority of people’s health for the better?
I would say, living in the present, not worrying about the past or the future, to ensure they don’t get stressed. Stress is the biggest killer I’m sure.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I am an avid fan of Ayurveda, the treatments are incredible and make you feel like a new person. Although it is not a quick fix, once you have taken the time out for your health, the benefits are immeasurable. I would truly recommend it to anyone looking to reset their body and mind.