We were all born to lead a healthy non–toxic life. But somewhere along the way, we adopted poor choices that moved us away from accessing our very own intelligent system set up in our biological bodies.

Unhealthy food habits and choices of foods contribute to most of the illnesses in our bodies. As Ayurveda clearly defines them as toxins contributed by undigested food, we can call them toxic food waste or AMA. Our liver is the vehicle that cleanses these toxins, which with constant overload, starts getting weaker in its functioning. The weaker elimination of these wastes from the body further damages the liver.

The principles of ancient Ayurveda focus on balancing different types of energy within your body, which is said to improve health.

Unlike many other diets, the Ayurvedic diet provides personalized recommendations about which foods to eat and avoid based on your body type. It’s also popular because the Ayurvedic diet is an eating plan that sets guidelines for when, how, and what you should eat based on your dosha or body type. While each dosha merits its exploration, the idea that you have a unique blend of mental, emotional, and physical characteristics which exist in balance encapsulates the holistic nature of Ayurveda.

On my quest for healing through food, I chanced upon this quaint restaurant located in the Mumbai Suburbs of Malad, known as Sawdshakti. Little did I know that this would become such a great gastronomical experience.

Ayushakti’s Swadshakti restaurant is located right amid a busy locality yet is a pleasant surprise for those looking for a peaceful, nutritious, and sumptuous meal. The restaurant is associated with a renowned chain of Ayurveda centres famously known as Ayushakti and shares the space in their facility. A bungalow with sprawling green trees and nature sounds of a chirping bird, and if that still doesn’t get you excited, ask the Chef for the masala tea/coffee. A delicious yet healthy kadha welcomed us that got my digestive juices flowing and calmed my Kapha.

They boast a vast menu ranging from Indian vegetarian to continental food and is often combined to make customized dishes. They serve the clients that visit for their treatments or walk-ins who can surely enjoy the impeccable food. Their famous Thali is fully-loaded with nutritious thali maize, makai, and a whole grain roti with nutrient-loaded six vegetables. Along with multiple side dishes such as moong bean papad, energy curry, their yellow moon bean curry cooked with coconut curry will kick you out of your afternoon siesta.

Their generous portion sizes make the meal affordable and increase the entire well-being value that one receives. One which makes you feel light even after hours of consuming a whole thali! In a surge of emerging food choices to embrace a healthy lifestyle, especially with the changing times due to the pandemic, Ayurveda has stood relevant and its guiding principles are incorporated carefully during the cooking process.

For example, Chef talks about the in-house Ghee as a replacement for oil or using jaggery to make sweets nutritionally packed, yet those that help you satiate the sweet cravings. Another example includes boiling the Rajma (red kidney beans) along with a white and red pumpkin to balance the Vata element of the Rajma, which also helps cut down the acidic nature. Kokum replaced tomatoes in this dish yet didn’t taste any different than my Grandma’s secret Punjabi recipe, which so far I know as best.

The entire restaurant is regularly sanitized and follows the hygiene protocols. So the ones looking for a day out with a meal or just a quick escapade, this eatery would keep you surprised with their service, taste and choice!pdates in your email for free!

• Shalinni B Gaba; Reviewer for hospemag.me

AyushaktiSwadshakti Restaurant, 563, 1&2, Bhadran Nagar, Road no: 2, Opposite PVR Cinema, Malad West, Mumbai-400064