From Kerala to The Mindful Kitchen

A journey to the roots of Ayurveda

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to travel to Kerala, India – a trip that would become both a culinary adventure and a personal transformation. Sponsored by Benchmark Travel and Fool’s Paradise Homestay, my mission was to immerse myself in the region’s rich cultural and culinary heritage – especially its deep-rooted Ayurvedic traditions – and to integrate that wisdom into my work at The Mindful Kitchen. 

Why Ayurveda?

The Mindful Kitchen is built on a passion for vibrant, plant-based food and cooking as a path to personal and planetary wellbeing. Through catering, retreats, and educational programmes, I help people reconnect with seasonal rhythms and explore the healing power of food. 

My own health journey taught me that wellness is never one-size-fits-all – and that real nourishment goes far beyond calories or trends. This is what led me to Ayurveda. 

Ayurveda, the world’s oldest holistic healing system, originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It offers a deeply personalised approach to health, using food, lifestyle, and herbal wisdom to balance the body and mind. While not strictly vegetarian, Ayurvedic nutrition naturally emphasises seasonal, whole, plant-focused meals – a philosophy that aligns with The Mindful Kitchen’s ethos. 

 Living Ayurveda in Kerala 

Kerala, as the birthplace of Ayurveda, was the perfect place to go deeper. I spent four transformative weeks at a school and hospital near Kannur, learning how to support vitality by balancing the body's three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. 

Every day, I was nourished with healing meals made from simple, local ingredients. I received traditional treatments like Abhyanga (therapeutic oil massage) and Shirodhara (a calming stream of warm oil poured onto the forehead), which left me feeling grounded, restored, and inspired. 

Through hands-on classes, I learned to: 

• Prepare dosha-balancing recipes 

• Make traditional spice mixes to support digestion 

• Create home remedies and tonics 

• Balance meals using the Six Tastes (Rasas) 

• Understand how food affects the body’s elemental balance 
  
  This immersive experience gave me the tools to not only deepen my own wellbeing, but also to evolve The Mindful Kitchen in meaningful ways. 
  

Ayurveda at The Mindful Kitchen 

Since returning from India, I’ve woven Ayurvedic principles into every aspect of my work. This includes: 

• Seasonal Cleanses and Workshops 

• Personalised Ayurveda Nutrition Consultations 

• Retreat Catering inspired by doshic balance and the Six Tastes

• A comprehensive Retreat Chef Training Programme 
  
  These offerings are grounded in ancient wisdom but adapted to modern life – helping clients feel more balanced, energised, and connected to nature.  

Kerala’s lasting influence

My journey to Kerala was a reminder to live with presence, purpose, and curiosity. The kindness of the people, the spiritual richness of the culture, and the vibrant simplicity of everyday life continue to influence me and my work every day. 

Want to learn more? 

If you’re curious about how to bring Ayurvedic principles into your life or kitchen, explore my upcoming programmes, or book a consultation. Whether you’re an aspiring chef, want to improve your overall wellbeing, or simply someone who loves food with meaning, I’d love to support your journey.