Consciously Feed Your Body And Your Soul At SEVA Table

We might all have the same 24 hours a day, but this doesn’t mean we all use them the same way. While some people can have a pretty “zen” or laid-back attitude, most of us are caught in the reality of urban living. Between long working hours, the traffic jam, grocery shopping, trying to have a social life, and eventually getting a few hours of sleep at night, who has the time to take a real lunch break? We often prefer to cut it off to leave work a few minutes earlier and avoid the evening rush (or not!). However, and that might seem like a crazy idea - instead of cutting your precious lunch break by hastily eating something unhealthy - why not make time for yourself? Eating is your opportunity to nourish your body and soul, and taking a few minutes out of your day to slowly and consciously eat something healthy should never be seen as an inconvenience.

The Power of Mindful Eating 

When we take time out of our day to sit down and enjoy our meal - free from distractions like work emails or scrolling through social media - we are engaging in a form of sacred eating. This practice can be incredibly powerful; it gives us an opportunity to reconnect with ourselves and with the food that sustains us. It also allows us to slow down, savor, and appreciate our meals - something that can easily be forgotten when we're caught up in the hustle and bustle of modern life. Eating mindfully is not only beneficial for our physical health; it can also be incredibly beneficial for our mental well-being. 

By taking just 10-15 minutes out of your day to sit down and appreciate your meal, you create a moment for yourself where you can relax and reinvigorate before getting back into work mode. 

This mindful practice encourages us to switch off from everything else going on around us, allowing us a much-needed break from all the stressors in life.  

Finally, when we take the time to eat mindfully, we are more likely to make better nutritional choices too. We pay attention to our bodies’ cravings and avoid overeating by recognizing when enough is enough. We may even realize what our cravings are really trying to tell us, and make healthy food choices such as replacing unhealthy snacks with healthier alternatives like fruits or nuts!  It’s time to reclaim the ritual of mindful eating. Slow down and savor every bite, paying attention to all the flavors and textures that make each meal unique. When taking the time to fully experience your meals, you will not only appreciate what is on your plate but also support your digestive health. Slowing down and focusing on how you are eating, you give yourself a chance to get in tune with your body’s needs. You become more aware of when you are full and how certain foods make you feel energized or sluggish. It's an opportunity for self-care as much as it is about nourishing yourself through food.

The Need For “Superfoods”

Unfortunately, as we’ve progressed through the past century, mass agriculture production, GMOs, and the obsession with standard produce have caused our food to become increasingly nutrient-poor. Once upon a time, the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” had some truth to it. We now hear people talk about ‘superfoods’- but what are they exactly? A radish with a lightsaber? A banana with levitation powers? 

Far from it! “Superfood” is actually a purely marketing term that has surfaced in recent years to describe foods rich in nutrients, and, at the same time, steepen the gap between regular (poor) and nutrient-loaded foods. Let’s take a closer look at why the nutritional value of our food has decreased so drastically in recent years - what happened?

Mass Production Farming 

In pursuit of higher yields and greater profits, many farmers have turned to monocropping techniques (the practice of planting one crop over an extended area) to increase their output. While this technique may seem efficient on paper, it comes with its own set of risks. By planting only one type of crop over a large area, farmers are putting their land at risk for soil erosion and depletion due to the limited rotation of nutrients in the soil. In addition, this type of farming makes crops more susceptible to pests and disease, which often leads to heavy use of pesticides or herbicides that can further degrade the soil and reduce crop health. 

GMOs (genetically modified organisms) have also become increasingly common in industrial farming practices over recent years. While not inherently bad for our health or environment, GMO crops are often engineered for specific traits such as resistance to pests or for higher yield potential than non-GMO varieties. Unfortunately, research shows that GMO crops may contain fewer nutrients than their non-GMO counterparts due to changes in plant physiology caused by genetic modification. 

The Beauty Obsession

Another factor contributing to declining nutrient values in our food is the obsession with pretty produce. We live in a world obsessed with appearances; whether it’s cars, clothing, or even our food! Supermarkets obsess over stocking only perfectly shaped fruits and vegetables while ignoring those that are oddly sized or oddly colored – even if they taste exactly the same. This means that less aesthetically pleasing produce gets thrown away before it even reaches store shelves – reducing yields and further degrading overall nutrient levels across all types of produce.      

There is no denying that modern agriculture production, GMOs, and consumer preferences have all contributed to decreased nutrient levels across many types of products in recent years. It is up to us as individuals to make sure we are doing our part by supporting farmers who practice sustainable agricultural methods such as crop rotation and organic growing practices whenever possible so that we can help ensure future generations will have access to healthy foods rich in essential nutrients.

The Benefits of Eating Plant-Based Foods & Superfoods

However, it is not all doomed: eating plant-based meals prepared with GMO-free produce has many benefits for your health and well-being. Plant-based foods contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in your body. Eating more plants and sugar-free foods also helps reduce your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Plus, eating plant-based meals allows you to experiment with new flavors and textures while also getting all of your daily nutritional needs met. 

But eating healthy is more than just sourcing produces locally and avoiding genetically modified ingredients – it’s also about giving your body the nutrition it needs to thrive. And that’s where superfoods enter the scene: being nutrient-rich ingredients packed with a powerful punch, they’ll help you get the most out of your meals. Here we will look at some of our favorite superfoods, what makes them so unique, and how you can incorporate them into dishes both sweet and savory. 

Camu-Camu 

Camu-camu is a berry that grows abundantly in the Amazon rainforest. It’s known for its potent concentration of vitamin C: 30 times greater than an orange! Adding camu-camu to dishes can give an extra boost of antioxidants, making it an ideal choice for smoothies or baked goods like muffins or scones, or sprinkling it over some delicious plant-based tacos.

Reishi Mushroom 

Reishi mushrooms have been used in Chinese medicine for centuries due to their incredibly potent health benefits. They are believed to boost energy levels, reduce stress, improve immunity, and sharpen mental clarity. Reishi mushrooms have a unique flavor – slightly bitter with hints of sweetness – which can be used as a base for soups or stews or added as a topping on salads or roasted veggies. 

Spirulina 

Spirulina is one of the oldest life forms on earth and is packed with protein and essential fatty acids like omega 3 and 6. Spirulina has a distinct flavor that may take some getting used to but adding a few teaspoons into smoothies gives you all the protein you need to start your day off right! You can even mix spirulina powder into cookie or cake dough for an extra nutritional boost in your baking. 

Ashwagandha  

Ashwagandha is an herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed to help reduce stress levels significantly, improve mental clarity, and increase overall well-being. Ashwagandha powder has a mildly sweet taste so it works well mixed into desserts like ice cream or yogurt parfaits. 

Cacao   

Cacao beans are rich in antioxidants and minerals like magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, potassium, and calcium! Cacao has a naturally sweet flavor so it works best as an ingredient in desserts such as brownies or chocolate cookies. However, if you’re feeling adventurous why not try adding cacao nibs to savory dishes such as stir fry? The crunchy texture pairs well with other vegetables and proteins like tofu!   

Maqui Berries 

Maqui berries are native to southern Chile where they grow abundantly in hilly terrain near the sea level. This antioxidant powerhouse is known for being high in polyphenols which work together with vitamins A & C to help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals! Maqui berries have a tart flavor so adding them to smoothies masks their taste while still providing all the health benefits that come along with them!   

MCT Oil 

MCT stands for medium chain triglycerides which are fats found naturally occurring in coconut oil but also available as an isolated supplement on its own. MCT oil helps boost metabolism while also providing long-lasting energy throughout the day without any jitters associated with caffeine consumption! Adding MCT oil to coffee or tea helps keep you energized while still allowing you to enjoy your favorite hot beverages guilt-free!   

Superfoods provide us with more than just nutrition - they help us stay connected with nature while exploring different cultures through food experiences we may never have had before. Incorporating superfoods into everyday dishes allows us access to nutrient-rich ingredients at home without having to travel thousands of miles away from our kitchen table! 

Feed Your Body And Your Soul At SEVA Table

SEVA Table fully supports individuals who are making mindful food choices and provides them with wholesome, plant-based food made from scratch with locally sourced produce. As a 100% GMO-free, sugar-free and gluten-free restaurant, you can be sure that everything served is of the highest quality and meets strict standards for healthfulness, carried by the belief in nourishing people, the planet, and the future generations through mindful eating. 

If you are looking for a unique dining experience, it really is the perfect spot! It’s the first Middle Eastern cafe serving exclusively plant-based, gluten-free food and cane sugar-free food in the Middle East. This concept is based on the principle that Mother Earth offers an abundance of nourishing ingredients that have been forgotten in today’s fast-paced relationship with food. SEVA Table gives diners the opportunity to create a transcendental experience instead of just feeding their hunger. 

When you enter SEVA Table, you will be greeted with a rustic, earthy setting surrounded by lush green surroundings and infused with scents of natural spices. The tunes of harmonious melodies can be heard from every corner of this beautiful space. You can expect to find an array of dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients and innovative plant-based recipes. Whether you are looking for a light snack or a full meal, there is something for everyone at SEVA Table! 

The Importance of Connecting with Nature 

We live in a time where it is crucial to reconnect with nature through food choices. SEVA Table strives to provide an environment that encourages people to take time out from their busy schedules and connect with simplicity, beauty, and wholeness at once. In addition to providing delicious plant-based food, the holistic wellness center offers yoga classes as well as other modalities such as sound healing classes designed to help guests relax and unwind in nature’s embrace.  

Have you visited SEVA Table yet? We invite you to come to explore the delicious menu options made from fresh local ingredients while also enjoying some relaxation activities or simply sitting back and taking in the peaceful ambience around you!