Ayurveda, a yoga sister science, aims to keep your body balanced and satisfied (unsplash).

As the new year begins, it's the perfect time to make some changes when it comes to nutrition. Don’t try some fad diet that may not be compatible with your body; try Ayurveda, according to a local wellness counselor. 

Ayurveda is an ancient sister science of yoga that loosely translates to mean “the science of a balanced life.” Ayurveda is all about finding balance in your body with your individual needs. 

“Ayurveda is based on this wisdom about optimizing and maximizing your own health,” said Lori Pankrantz, a local Ayurveda Wellness Counselor. “With foods that you eat, how you move your body, how you pay attention to the cues your body gives you, all of those combining to lead you to living your best life.”

One big way that Ayurveda can help balance your body is through the six different tastes that should be incorporated into every meal: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, pungent, and astringent. According to Pankrantz, your body can often feel unsatisfied when you are lacking one of these tastes.

“So often you eat a big meal and then, half an hour later, you find yourself perusing the pantry and you’re like, ‘I’m not even hungry, what am I doing?’” Pankratz said. “You could argue that maybe you were missing a key taste."

These tastes don’t have to be super overpowering or complicated. In fact, Pankratz said incorporating these tastes into your diet could be as easy as squeezing a lemon over your meal to include something bitter. 

Pankratz became interested in Ayurveda while was completing her yoga study in Minneapolis. Her instructor would weave in aspects of Ayurveda into their sessions, and it immediately drew her in. 

“It’s an individual concept,” said Pankratz. “It really focuses on you as an individual, about what is going to keep my body healthy and happy is most likely different from what is going to make your body happy and healthy. This was really appealing to me.”

There is a plethora of information on the web about Ayurveda, but if you’re looking locally, The Yoga Room holds workshops introducing people to it. Pankratz recommends taking this in “bite-sized pieces” so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.

“If there was anything we’ve learned over the last few years,” Pankratz said. “Optimal health is key.”