For almost two months I have been following the Hot Belly Diet. The name is kind of silly, but makes sense if you’re read the book. The diet is based in Ayurveda, and meant to really stoke your digestive fires, hence Hot Belly.
It’s more than just a diet, though. It’s more like a lifestyle change and a course in getting to know yourself better.
It encourages gentle (but very effective!) exercises like yoga and walking. It encourages time spent outdoors in fresh air and sunshine. They have a suggested bedtime, as they really want people to get enough restful sleep. And so much more.
One of the things I really like about it is that it has changed my flavor preferences for the better. My sense of sweet has changed, and things that I used to think of as only somewhat sweet are now too sweet for me. I’m more likely to appreciate a less sweet piece of fruit or vegetable, than a piece of candy or bowl of dessert.
My sense of spicy has also changed, though not as consistently. Some things are spicier than they had been, while others are tamer.
I also find myself occasionally wanting something with dairy in it, but then when I take a bite or drink, it’s not what I wanted or expected, because of the dairy in it. I mean, I never thought I’d say this, but I like black coffee.
I have been having some cravings, though. Being hot here lately, I’ve wanted a cool, refreshing salad for dinner, instead of a hot cooked meal. Greens are good, but they’re not where it’s at for me right now. I wanted balela.
Balela, for those not familiar, is a middle eastern bean salad. with lots of tasty brightness, bite, and some spice, all nicely coating some garbanzos and black beans.
I’ll work up my adaptations for the recipe for that tomorrow. Until then, here’s a teaser:
Argyle Toe Socks 