KIM ELLIOTT
“I was surprised that [Ayurvedic] knowledge is over 5,000 years old — it was true then and remains true for today. There is knowledge for every aspect of our lives, to enable us to live in a state of health in mind, body and spirit.”
Kim Elliott is an Ayurvedic cook — she cooks at the retreats for her son Gary Gorrow [Jasmine’s meditation teacher]. She is always being asked to produce a recipe book as her food is said to be delightful. Kim took up Ayurveda late in life, and has had many wonderful teachers, even taking a course in Ayurveda in Rishikesh, India. She also studied for a Masters in Ayurvedic Digestion to bring a greater depth of understanding to her cooking for others.
Kim’s passion for cooking healthy delightful Sattvic food continues to inspire all who have the pleasure to attend Gary’s retreats.
She has 3 sons and 5 grandchildren (almost 6, with one due in July).
“I feel like Ayurveda is a trusted friend.”
What does Ayurveda mean to you?
Ayurveda means how to live a healthy happy fulfilling life. It means living in harmony with nature. It means balance.
In many ways it is simple and yet the more I learn the more I know it's a lifelong study. With this in mind, I am kind to myself and make the changes that I can. I feel like Ayurveda is a trusted friend. I can be with it at a kindergarten level or high school level and it will be of benefit. I feel very very blessed to have this knowledge in my life.
What drew you to Ayurveda?
Over 20 years ago, my middle son Steve encouraged me to meet his Vedic meditation teacher Thom Knoles. I was instantly drawn to learn meditation and practised twice a day without fail. Not because I was so disciplined but because I was allowed no excuses living with my son Gary. I am forever grateful for his dedication and his strong role modelling. He inspired me to establish the lifelong habit of daily practice. Role reversal from parent and child to master and student. From there it was a process that went from Vedic meditation, then incorporating yoga and breathing practices, to wanting to know about Ayurvedic philosophy. My first book into this learning was Perfect Health by Deepak Chopra and I still refer to it today.
When did you discover Ayurveda? How long have you been practising it?
I stepped into the world of Ayurveda in 2005 when I went to Rishikesh, India to witness my youngest son Gary graduating from his training to become a Vedic meditation teacher. After this, my son Steve and I were booked in for 3 weeks of Panchakarma treatment with Dr. Raju in the Maharishi hospital in Delhi. I had no idea what to expect. I learnt so much in those weeks that changed my life forever.
Dr. Raju gave talks at the hospital and I was in awe of his knowledge. I learnt the importance of a healthy diet from the perspective of Ayurveda, how food could bring about health. There was so much to take in, the guidelines… OMG — the list of changes to make was enormous.
I returned home and began my Ayurvedic cooking journey.
Has it helped you with anything major?
Practising Vedic meditation changed my life — I very quickly became calm and content and lost drama and chaos from my life. Then after meeting Dr. Raju and listening to his knowledge meetings, eating the specially prepared Ayurvedic diet and experiencing the Ayurvedic treatments, I was hooked. I felt so light and healthy. I was consumed with a passion to learn more about Ayurveda. It all made so much sense to me. It enables me to take charge of my own health and prevent any imbalances from becoming disease. I have been to Panchakarma in India 4 times since then. If I ever had anything major, Dr. Raju would be my first contact.
Is Ayurveda your everyday life or just for your medicine cabinet or fall back routine
I am guided each day by Ayurveda — how I am feeling, what is out of balance. I ask myself, “what do I need to restore balance?” I am aware of the six Tastes and try to ensure they are consumed over the day. Bitter is the one I need to look out for.
When I am aware that something is becoming a problem I go to my book by Vasant Lad for some special help in the way of understanding the problem and a remedy, The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies. I prefer to be able to eat myself well, so I turn to Ayurvedic Cooking for Self Healing by Usha and Vasant Lad to find a simple recipe that will be beneficial.
I notice my body changing with the seasons — like presently autumn has arrived overnight [Kim lives in Australia], it seems, and my skin has become dry, bowels not so regular, so I understand that my Vata is disturbed. Time for me to do some morning self-massage with sesame oil. I can feel the difference from the first morning. I just love Ayurveda.
What are your 3 Ayurvedic tips that have worked for you
It was important to learn you are what you eat is only half the story: you are what you can DIGEST.
I learnt not to snack. Have three meals a day and allow time to digest between each meal. When meals are consumed at regular times, the body can make preparations beforehand to get ready for the digestive process. I love that there is this intelligence working away inside me all the time and my good habits and awareness can support it to be an easy ride.
I love fruit and Westerners have fruit at the end of a meal, which is not good for digestion. At first I couldn’t find a good time to eat my fruit, but I now I find it best to have a small plate of fruit for morning or afternoon tea.
I like to keep a thermos flask of hot water and sip throughout the day.
Most important, don’t eat leftovers: they have no life-force. FRESH IS BEST.
What surprised you most about Ayurveda?
I was surprised that this knowledge is over 5,000 years old — it was true then and remains true for today. There is knowledge for every aspect of our lives, to enable us to live in a state of health in mind, body and spirit. I have no interest in the latest fads in food, which will be partly true, but I prefer to be with the whole truth which I find in Ayurveda.
Did you integrate it gradually or overnight for any particular reason?
When I first was introduced to the guidelines for a daily healthy lifestyle it was quite overwhelming, as it contradicted my western way of living. I was encouraged by the gentleness of Dr. Raju and learnt to just change one thing. As with the way of Vedic meditation, it is to be effortless and follow charm. I took a gentle step into the practice of Ayurveda, incorporating one change at a time. I chose as my first step to make lunch my main meal of the day. Each morning before work I made a quick 5-minute kitchari and then let it cook in my thermos until lunch revealed a delicious hot meal with all the six tastes and complete protein along with vegetables and a squeeze of lime. I did this every day at work for over 10 years. I never tired of it, as it seemed to taste different each time. My workmates thought I was crazy, but they had sandwiches every day.
Do your children/family eat an Ayurvedic diet? And if they do, do they know it’s Ayurveda or do they just think of it as home cooking?
Our whole family has adopted a lot of the Ayurvedic lifestyle. I share recipes with my family — they are great for me to practise new recipes on. My grandchildren have absorbed the lifestyle and I often have been in shock at hearing my small grandchildren [teaching] Ayurvedic lifestyle rules to others.
What is your favourite Ayurvedic recipe or go-to ingredient?
My favourite recipe is still a simple kitchari — ready in 20 minutes, so delicious and satisfying and it feels so nurturing to me. My other favourite is a vegetable soup: I love how I was taught that some vegetables are not so good to eat with others, but put them in a pot together and they work out their differences. It is a shame it doesn’t work like that for us humans. We have much to learn from plants.
Another saying I like is that while lemon can aggravate Pitta, [but] lime has no enemies.
How does Ayurveda fit into your day-to-day routines?
I have a morning routine that I follow, which starts with tongue scraping, then a warm drink of ginger, lemon and honey. While it is cooling down [so I can add the honey later to keep it raw], I have my shower. A few times a week I do oil pulling. I put a drop of nasya in each nostril, then I do my daily practice of yoga, pranayama and meditation. Now I am ready for the day. I incorporate different additions to my routine depending on the season and any imbalance I notice.
I have gratitude for the fresh food I have to eat and I feel so blessed that I love to cook for myself. I like simple easy fresh meals. I love tuning into what my body feels like eating.
When I am cooking for others I like to set an intention to make a meal that is nourishing, delightful, easy to digest, and nurturing on all levels. I like to prepare the meal while playing the Gayatri mantra. It makes the meal magnificent and the cook is nurtured in the process.
What do you wish was easier in our society to make an Ayurvedic lifestyle more accessible?
I am happy that many of our schools in Australia have gardens where children learn to grow the vegetables and then together harvest and make a meal to share. Our children need to experience how to cook fresh food and enjoy the fresh vitality. When our tastebuds taste the vitality, they may begin to reject processed foods and takeaway.
Do people around you in your circle of friends know about Ayurveda?
Some of my friends practise Ayurveda. I don’t preach about it — I keep it to myself unless asked. I share remedies or tips when the occasion arises. I feel sad when I witness others eating foods that are not healthy. I have respect that others are following a path different to mine. It is better for me to embody what I believe and radiate good health.
What is the one thing you would encourage everyone to try or you think would benefit the majority of peoples health for the better?
To be simple — to cook a variety of fresh foods available in each season. There are no superfoods; all have something to offer. Don’t go for fad diets and superfoods. If a processed food has more than 3 ingredients, don’t use it.
Cooking is an act of love — try just once a week to cook a family meal together using fresh whole foods. Let each family member choose a new recipe each week. Have fun making it together.
Anything else to add?
I came to Ayurveda in my fifties and now 20 years later I am still practising and still learning. I take no medication and enjoy good health. It is never too late to enjoy the benefits of Ayurveda in your life.