Lois Leonhardi

Updated 2021

Author, Ayurveda Wellness Coach, Yoga Instructor

Constitution: Vata-Pitta

Lois is an Ayurveda Wellness Coach, personal chef, yoga instructor, and author of The Essential Ayurvedic Cookbook. With an in-depth understanding of how to use food as medicine and the mind-body connection, Lois helps you slow the aging process, increase energy, and improve total health. Learn more about Lois on her website.

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Articles by Lois Leonhardi

- Ayurvedic Recipes
- June 08, 2021
Summer Recipe: Kale Quinoa Salad with Zesty Vinaigrette
This zesty tamari-sesame vinaigrette will add irresistible pizazz to your salad and balance all doshas, making it an ideal Ayurvedic meal for the summertime.
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- Ayurvedic Recipes
- January 08, 2021
Kapha-Balancing Recipe: Red Lentil Lemongrass Soup
Red lentils cook quickly, nourish all doshas, and go with a variety of seasonings. Here, they're paired with a spicy lemongrass paste ideal for balancing kapha.
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- Ayurvedic Recipes
- March 18, 2020
Ginger Tulsi Almond Smoothie Recipe
This tasty smoothie with tulsi and ginger is perfect for de-cluttering the mind, soothing the nerves, supporting healthy energy, and helping you feel amazing.
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- Ayurvedic Recipes
- January 02, 2017
Amaranth Crêpes with Pomegranate Syrup
Have fun making these delightful amaranth crêpes with pomegranate syrup! They are gluten-free, soy-free, vegetarian, and balancing for vata, pitta, and kapha.
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- Ayurvedic Recipes
- December 21, 2016
Ayurvedic Recipe: Pomegranate Orange Chip Bars
Chocolaty, chewy goodness, heart-healthy oats, and pomegranate created this divine bar—a taste of bliss in every bite. All doshas should eat it in moderation.
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Lois’ Experience and Education

A certified Ayurveda wellness practitioner, Lois trained under Vasant Lad, MASc at the Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico and in Pune, India. She has over 20 years of training in holistic studies (Ayurveda, yoga, and Buddhism) and living the Ayurvedic lifestyle.

Publications

The Essential Ayurvedic Cookbook.

Upcoming Events

Join Lois for her Introduction to Ayurveda class, March 8–April 26, 2021. Learn more about how to sign up on her website.

The Essential Ayurvedic Cookbook

Lois’ Point of View

How were you introduced to Ayurveda?

In 2001, friends from yoga class were talking about an upcoming visit from Dr. Danaher from the Ayurvedic Institute. I knew nothing about Ayurveda and didn't understand why I should see a doctor if I was not sick. But my curiosity was piqued, and I scheduled a consultation. Dr. Danaher concluded that I was vata and my vata was high! He sent me home with a long list of instructions and a few books. This was the beginning of my journey down the Ayurveda rabbit hole.

When are you most likely to go out of balance and how do you bring yourself back in balance using Ayurveda?

Cold, windy weather or loud parties are certain to vitiate my vata. To help bring myself back to balance, I'll eat a warm, grounding meal, such as dal makhani, or sip some tulsi tea with honey. If needed, I'll drape myself over a yoga bolster and do restorative yoga poses.

What does the future of Ayurveda look like to you?

Ayurveda is a living science and the science of life. My intention is to continue to educate people about the benefits that can be achieved by using a holistic approach to wellness. May Ayurveda flourish for another 5,000 years or more!

What's one Ayurvedic practice anyone can implement to spur change in their life, right here, right now?

Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) is a simple practice that will bring balance to the physical, mental, and emotional body. The results are instantaneous.