Do you love decadent Italian meals but wish you didn’t feel sluggish after eating them? Did you know that you can substitute Ayurvedic ingredients to improve your body’s digestion, which leaves you feeling lighter and more energetic? Certified Ayurveda Counselor, Sara Garofalo, explains how! Read on.

4 Questions For Sara Garofalo

1) What Are Some Specific Ayurvedic Ingredients You Use And Why?

Sara Garofalo: My lasagna recipe calls for ghee instead of butter. Traditionally, ghee has been used to aid memory and enhance digestion. Modern science tells us that ghee also harbors phenolic antioxidants, which bolster the immune system. Learn more about ghee. Nutmeg (an ingredient for the sauce) is an aromatic astringent that helps digestion by cutting through the fat of milk cream custards. Learn more about nutmeg.

2) How Are Your Versions Healthier Than Classic Italian Recipes?

SG: A normal lasagna recipe is made with 2-3 different cheeses (ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan) and butter. It is heavy for the digestive system. Dairy and gluten cause inflammation. My tiramisú is made without these ingredients. Regarding my ribs: Ribs are usually served with a high amount of BBQ sauce, which is high in cane sugar or high fructose corn syrup. My recipe contains less sugar.

3) What Does Italian Food And Ayurveda Have In Common?

SG: Both Italians and Indians take the time to sit and enjoy a meal in peace. Carving time to enjoy your meal brings mindfulness to the act of eating and helps digest the food well. Another similarity between the two is the use of seasonal, fresh foods. Minimally processed, locally grown and organic foods nourish the body on a fundamental level.

4) Can You Share A Bit Of Folklore About One Of These Dishes?

SG: In ancient times, Italians believed that tiramisú was an aphrodisiac. “Tiramisú” translates to “cheer me up” which alludes to the dessert’s ability to reinvigorate those who taste it. 

3 Of Sara’s Recipes To Try!

Budget-Friendly Ways To Celebrate The Holidays

Ayurvedic-Italian Lasagna

Ayurvedic-Italian Pork Ribs With Cherry BBQ Sauce

Ayurvedic-Italian Tiramisú

Join The Discussion!

Which of these three Ayurvedic-Italian style recipes will you make?

What is one ingredient mentioned here that is new to you?

What are some questions that you have for Sara?

Let us know in the comments below!

Sara Garofalo is a certified Ayurveda counselor, chef, and Intuitive Health instructor. Her holistic approach helps women break unhealthy (and subconscious) patterns to become more intuitive about their bodies. Garofalo’s first cookbook, Mangia!, will be released in January 2023. Learn more at loveholisticliving.com/

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