"As a connoisseur of retreats we
were overjoyed to find excellent vegetarian food. In contrast
to other venues we'd frequented, we were not desperate to return
home to 'real' delicious vegetarian food; in fact we could have
stayed here forever." Danny & Carol (Ayurveda
UK)
Full-board is provided during themed events,
and evening meals can sometimes be supplied
outside of catered events by prior arrangement.
Catering is usually co-ordinated by Frances under the guidance
of Alex and
consists of delicious, fresh, home-made vegetarian meals inspired
by Ayurvedic nutritional principles, adjusted to western foods
and culture.
Most of the ingredients we use are organic and grown
in the local area.
Breakfast is self-service and continental-style
(breakfast cereals, toast, jams, juices, tea / coffee etc). A
cooked Ayurvedic breakfast is sometimes offered.
Meals for group events are normally served on a
terrace overlooking the valley, or in the communal living/dining
room when the weather is not suitable for eating outdoors.
Guests are usually requested to assist
at meal times by washing up and clearing away afterwards.
Vegans & Special Diets
Most of our meals are suitable for vegans, however
we can usually cater for people with other special dietary needs.
Contact us well in advance to discuss options.
What is 'Ayurvedic' food?
Ayurvedic nutrition teaches us how to balance our
doshas (body energies) through the act of eating. It is not merely
a question of what to eat and what not to eat. Ayurvedic nutrition
considers each individual in terms of constitution, capacity for
food, digestive strength, age, state of health and lifestyle. Taking
these factors into account, a trained Ayurvedic practitioner can
guide you towards a healthy eating program. Recommendations might
come from one or more of the following areas of Ayurvedic nutritional
advice: attitude towards food, act of eating, environment, quality
and quantity of food, combinations and order of eating, spices to
aid digestion, state of food (raw or cooked), the actual type of
foods eaten.
'Ayurvedic food' consists of many considerations
other than the actual food that is served. So in what way are the
foods we serve at Garduossel 'Ayurvedic'? Well, apart from the
fact that you are eating in nature, in a relaxed supportive atmosphere,
at regular times of the day, the following points are worth mentioning:
- Meals are designed with the season, climate and weather in mind.
- Meals are prepared using home-made organic ghee and cooked gently
(when applicable) so as to preserve their health-giving properties.
Only ghee or sesame oil are used when baking or sauteeing as other
oils can become dangerous when exposed to high temperatures.
- The largest meal of the day is served at lunchtime as this is
when the body is best able to digest foods.
- Desserts are not served with each meal, however we do offer
light puddings and desserts, usually once a day.
- Meals are freshly prepared from mostly local and organic produce.
Whole grains and whole grain flours are preffered.
- Cheeses are normally served separately so that they can be eaten
towards the end of the meal. Some meals have cheese baked into
them.
- We focus on quality not quantity. Meals are prepared in a positive
atmosphere and are offered as a gesture of love to all those who
may eat them.
Alex teaches
these Ayurvedic nutritional principles and other aspects of Ayurveda
as part of his one-to-one consultations and occasional workshops.
See www.ayurvedaworkshops.com
for details. (See Alex's Practical-Ayurveda
site for general information on Ayurveda.)
NOTE: Local red wine is usually offered at the evening
meal (unless your group leader requests otherwise). A small amount
of red wine aids the digestion, and we are after all in France...
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