October 29, 2025

56. Beyond Kitchari: Real-World Ayurvedic Meals for Busy Lives

52 minutes

Cookbook author and Ayurvedic educator Claire Ragozzino joins Kate to talk about real Ayurvedic eating—beyond dogma and into daily life. They explore how routine and relaxation transform digestion, why many of us actually need more nourishment (not less), and how an omnivorous approach can be deeply aligned with Ayurvedic principles. Claire shares how she meal-preps on Kauaʻi, why porridges and stews are her anchors, and how sourcing food locally (and ethically) connects us back to the ecosystems we live in.

In this episode:

Claire’s path to Ayurveda: from teen digestive struggles and raw food detours to classical texts and real nourishment.

The “omnivore” conversation: how meats, dairy, and grains fit into Ayurvedic energetics; why diversity matters.

Routine + relaxation: the two most important (and most overlooked) Ayurvedic keys to digestion.

Pantry & prep: glass-jar spices, grains/legumes/seeds, weekly sauces, and Instant-Pot strategies.

Sourcing food well: CSAs, farmers’ markets, hunting culture on Kauaʻi, and paying attention to place.

Bioregional cooking: translating rasa/virya/vipāka to your local ingredients.

When beans don’t love you back: what to do when kitchari isn’t medicine for your body.

Books that inspire: living traditions, local food systems, and staying curious.

Guest Bio

Claire Ragozzino is a writer, photographer, and Ayurvedic educator based on Kauaʻi. Author of Living Ayurveda (Shambhala/Roost), she brings a background in sociocultural anthropology and years in the kitchen to make Ayurveda practical, beautiful, and doable. Her forthcoming book, The Omnivore’s Ayurveda Cookbook, explores classical Ayurvedic nutrition for modern eaters—embracing diversity, local sourcing, and food that truly nourishes. Claire teaches cooking classes, leads cleanses, and shares recipes and resources on her website.

Resources & Links (as referenced in the conversation)

https://vidyaliving.com

https://www.instagram.com/claireragz/

https://www.facebook.com/VidyaLiving/

Books mentioned: Living Ayurveda; The Omnivore’s Ayurveda Cookbook (forthcoming)

Also referenced: Dr. Lad’s primer; “Eat Wheat” by Dr. Douillard; Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

Kate’s books and programs: healwithkate.org

Call to Action

Try this: Pick one meal this week to anchor with the six tastes—salt, pepper, and lime on top of a warm grain or stew. Notice how you feel.

Share your takeaways: Tag @healwithkate and tell us your number-one kitchen tweak from this episode.

Subscribe & review: Your reviews help more people find real-world Ayurveda.

Join the newsletter: Simple seasonal tips at healwithkate.org.

Health Disclaimer:

The information shared on Everyday Ayurveda with Kate is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or wellness routine.

Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org

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By Kate O’Donnell

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