As a yoga and meditation practitioner for 14 years, I’ve always embraced a holistic lifestyle that includes long walks in nature, Sun gazing, and healthy eating. I believe in the adage, “we are what we eat,” and continuously seek to learn, grow, share, and contribute. Over the years, I’ve learned through experience that when my body feels out of balance, eating less makes it feel lighter and re-energized.

A Chance for Creativity

During the lockdown, I decided to expand my creative skills by drawing, coloring, and painting. It led to the creation of a sacred space in my house, where I practice yoga and meditation every morning. I’ve also explored various cuisines due to our shift from eating out to cooking at home.

The COVID Challenge

A trip to Pennsylvania for my son’s basketball game exposed us to potential infection, and soon after, we tested positive for COVID-19. The symptoms were mild but included headache, sneezing, chills, and a severe backache. Thankfully, our son tested negative.

Initial Dietary Adjustments

In the initial days, we switched to light foods like soups and porridge. Despite our friends’ support with delicious recovery meals, I couldn’t enjoy them as I lost my sense of smell and taste about ten days into the illness. This period was challenging as I could only savor the food’s texture and not its flavor.

Discovery of Natural Life Style (NLS) Diet

Inspired by a friend’s recommendation, I decided to try the Natural Life Style (NLS) diet, which aims to cleanse the body and give the digestive system a break, allowing the body to focus on healing. The NLS diet consists of three steps:

1. Vegetable Juice / Coconut Water / Boiled Vegetable Stalk Fast: For 1-3 days, consuming only vegetable juice, coconut water, or boiled vegetable stalk.
2. Addition of Fruit and Salads: Along with the liquids from step 1, add a single fresh fruit at a time or a mixed seasonal vegetable salad with gaps of 1.5 to 2 hours between meals.
3. Inclusion of Cooked Meals: A cooked meal in the evening comprising mixed veggies and one composite whole grain.

Depending on symptoms and recovery, one can follow the diet for 3, 6, or 9 days.

My NLS Journey

Day 1 & 2: Juice Fast

I started with 8 ounces of fresh Ashgourd juice mixed with water. The energizing effect was immediate, sustaining me without hunger for hours. I consumed another glass in the afternoon and evening, continuing with my yoga and routine activities, feeling a surge of energy throughout the day.

Day 3: Introduction of Fruits and Salads

Following my body’s signals, I introduced an apple, bananas, and a fresh vegetable salad into my diet. I could taste the food again, which was an exhilarating experience. The salad included spinach, carrots, cucumbers, celery, red pepper, mint leaves, cilantro, avocado, and freshly grated coconut, without any dressing or salt.

Finding Balance and Recovery

Over these days, my energy levels remained high, and I observed a remarkable improvement in my sense of taste and smell. The diet allowed my body to rest and heal efficiently.

Gratitude and Moving Forward

I am deeply grateful for my friend’s introduction to the NLS diet and my resolve to follow it. This journey not only restored my senses but reinforced my belief in the power of natural healing and holistic practices.

Final Thoughts

By sharing my experience, I hope to inspire and help others in their recovery journey during these challenging times. Trust your instincts, listen to your body, and embrace the balance that nature offers.