If you’ve been struggling to achieve your health goals, follow Dr Amy Shah on Instagram (@dramyshah) for some honest advice. The New York-based immunologist’s holistic methods involve clean eating and intermittent fasting to balance hormones, strengthen the gut, and reach peak mind and body health. After years of practicing nutrition and immunology, it was a personal scare in 2012 that made Shah turn to Ayurveda. She has since become a renowned wellness expert, and last year, even partnered with pro make-up artist Bobbi Brown to create a wellness supplement line, Evolution_18. Here, Shah shares her top advice.
ELLE: What are the signs of an unhealthy body?
Amy Shah: Bad gut and hormonal health, weight or sleep issues all have two indicators: bloating and fatigue.
ELLE: What lifestyle changes do you suggest?
AS: When the mind is constantly active, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, which accelerates the heart rate. But a few minutes of meditation will relax your muscles, improve digestion and help your body repair itself. You can also try intermittent fasting about twice a week to give your cells a break, and to slow down the ageing process.
ELLE: What about the diet?
AS: Eliminate sugar, dairy, refined flour, soya flour, nuts and wheat from your diet for one month, and introduce them back slowly to understand what’s bothering you. And add fibre-rich foods like sweet potato that restore both gut and hormonal balance.
Recipe for gut health
Dr Shah’s roasted cauliflower soup is high in fibre, curbs inflammation, and packs in a vital amount of vitamins C and K1.
1. Coat small florets of cauliflower with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, pepper and coconut oil. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes at 350F.
2. Blend the cauliflower on medium-high. Add four cups of boiled water and stir till it’s silky. To make it creamy, add a teaspoon of coconut milk.
3. Heat on a low flame and season with cayenne pepper, thyme, paprika and turmeric. Serve with a side salad.
Naturally healing foods to add to your diet
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