In today’s ever-changing world, there are so many “things” to choose from. Often times, too much choice can be overwhelming. This particularly applies to our general health and overall wellness, especially where diet is concerned.
Often times, the word diet is associated with a temporary solution or short-term regimen that leaves us irritated, unsatisfied, guilty and to be honest, quite hungry. In truth, a diet should be what is eaten on a daily basis for a healthy life and not a temporary fad that is sure to not last. Overhauling one’s diet is a lifestyle change. It does not have to be difficult. In fact, it should be looked at as a challenging adventure.
There is a lot of talk these days about a plant-based diet. A plant-based diet is one that focuses on vegetables, whole grains, fruits and legumes. With this type of diet, little to no animal products are consumed, dairy and eggs are slowly eliminated and whole foods are often incorporated. It is a diet that is not only good for health, but supportive of the environment.
Most people’s interpretation of whole foods is wrong. Whole foods are not foods you eat whole, for example not cutting or chopping them, and they are certainly not foods that come from a whole foods type of chain market. Rather, whole foods are foods that come from the earth. Whole foods are foods that are eaten in their natural state – they have not been tampered with, refined or processed. Instead, they come straight from the earth and onto your plate or into your mouth.
Whole foods are good for our body in that it does not have to work hard to digest them as they are free of harmful chemicals and substances. Whole foods allow us to know exactly what we are putting into our bodies, and that knowledge allows us to control calorie intake and take charge of health goals.
Whole foods can be bought daily at a variety of fresh or farmer’s markets across from Phuket. The foods will be fresh, often times free of chemicals, and in their natural state. It is best to eat whole foods within a day or two of purchasing them so you can still experience their natural flavors.
Roadside produce stands are also popular in Phuket, and a good spot to source whole foods. If you have a green thumb, you can try growing some of your own fruits and vegetables. It is very satisfying to eat something straight from your garden and take pride in a fruit or vegetable that you’ve nurtured or grown.
Here at Santosa Detox and Wellness Center, we are extremely proud to launch our new menu based on whole foods. We offer tantalizing, nutritious choices with a wide variety of flavours that offer up optimal nutrients and provide delicious meals.
For more information on our all-new whole foods menu, simply fill out the enquiry form below and one of our dedicated staff members will be in touch.
Turmeric has a peppery, warm and bitter flavour. Known as the main spice in curry, it is without a doubt the most powerful herb on the planet. It’s a strong anti-inflammatory, and is well known for fighting and potentially reversing diseases. Throughout history, turmeric has been used as a healing remedy, a textile dye and a condiment.
Health benefits of turmeric
Turmeric is popular in both the Chinese and Indian systems of medicine, and has been used for centuries in treating a wide variety of conditions including toothache, colic, chest pain and jaundice.
Turmeric is one of the most frequently mentioned medicinal herbs in all of science. In over 6,000 studies, research has shown that the benefits of using turmeric are equal to that of many pharmaceutical medications.
Turmeric’s yellow or orange pigment is called curcumin. Curcumin is turmeric’s primary pharmaceutical agent, and in a wide variety of scientific and medical studies it has been proven to be comparable to potent over the counter and pharmaceutical drugs. Highlighted below are some of the extraordinary benefits of turmeric and curcumin:
A safe yet strong anti-inflammatory
Turmeric is a safe alternative to pharmaceutical medications. It reduces anti-inflammatory conditions without the toxicity that some medications produce
An effective treatment for bowel disease
It’s been proven that turmeric can reduce the inflammation of bowel diseases such as Crohn’s. Turmeric reduces the irritation caused by the thickening of the intestinal wall. Even small doses of turmeric are beneficial.
Relief for rheumatoid arthritis
Due to the fact that turmeric is a powerful antioxidant, it is able to neutralize free radicals in the body. This is important in a disease such as rheumatoid arthritis as free radicals are responsible for all of the joint pain this disease causes.
Improved liver function
In addition to its antioxidant properties, turmeric also increases detoxification systems. This is great news as it aids the liver in detoxifying toxic chemicals from the body.
Cardiovascular protection
Studies have shown that turmeric possibly prevents the oxidation of cholesterol in the body. Oxidized cholesterol is what damages blood vessels and builds up the plaques that can eventually lead to a heart attack or stroke. Turmeric’s ability to prevent the oxidation of new cholesterol may reduce the progression of diabetic heart disease all together.
How to enjoy turmeric
Now that you know some of the important health benefits of turmeric, you might be wondering how to enjoy this super medicinal herb. Here are a few ideas for incorporating the spice into your daily diet, and reaping the benefits of terrific turmeric:
Turmeric is a great compliment to recipes that feature lentils
Add turmeric to egg salad
Season salad dressings with turmeric
Saute cauliflower florets in turmeric
Mix turmeric with brown rice, cumin and coriander for a healthy, flavourful treat
Terrific Turmeric in Phuket
If you are looking to change your diet and incorporate foods and spices, such as turmeric, that are good for you into your daily eating plan, please come visit our wonderful vegetarian & vegan restaurant here at Santosa Detox and Wellness Center. Our chef makes delightful, satisfying dishes from locally grown, fresh produce and ingredients. For further information, simply fill out the enquiry form below.
Kombucha is an age-old fermented tea drink. Its been around in various forms for centuries in many different cultures. Prized by traditional cultures for its health benefits, Kombucha contains a wide variety of minerals, vitamins and enzymes. The tea is well-known for aiding in digestion, liver support, weight loss and detoxification.
What exactly is Kombucha?
Kombucha is a sweetened black, green or white tea with sugar that is fermented with a SCOBY, which is a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast. Once initiated with the sugar, the fermentation begins. The fermentation process takes 7-12 days and turns the tea into an extremely nutrient rich, low sugar refreshing beverage. The process of fermenting Kombucha is similar to what happens in sourdough bread. Often referred to as “the booch” by its faithful drinkers, Kombucha is essentially a probiotic drink with helpful bacteria that contains enzymes, amino acids and antioxidants.
Are there benefits to drinking Kombucha?
There are distinct health benefits to drinking Kombucha. The tea does a great job at supporting the body in a variety of ways. Although Kombucha is not a magic elixir, you will reap the benefits from sipping the tea daily. Some examples of the benefits of Kombucha include improved digestion, liver support, total body detoxification and weight loss.
Kombucha improves digestion
Kombucha contains probiotics, enzymes, antioxidants and beneficial acids which all combat the ‘free radicals’ that can wage war in the digestive system. Essentially, Kombucha helps restore balance to the digestive system by fighting the bad bacteria and repopulating the good.
Kombucha supports the liver
Kombucha protects against liver toxicity and aids in its natural detoxification. Kombucha is high in Glucaric acid which is beneficial to the liver.
Kombucha can help you to lose weight
Kombucha helps improve and balance metabolism as well as limits the body’s fat accumulation. Kombucha is high in acetic acid, which has been proven to aid in weight loss.
Kombucha and detoxification
Kombucha is high in glucuronic acid, typically referred to as GA. GA is well-known as a detoxicant. Within the body, GA combines with toxins like environmental pollutants and pharmaceuticals. GA then converts the toxins into compounds that are soluble which the body can then excrete.
Is there a downside to Kombucha consumption?
As always, if a person is diagnosed with a medical condition its best to check with their doctor before consuming Kombucha or taking any other type of supplement. Some people new to Kombucha have experienced pain and bloating which is most likely due to changes in gut bacteria. Kombucha is high in natural acids, which can be harmful to the teeth and perhaps cause dental problems. However, it should be noted that Kombucha is still lower in natural acids than most sodas or other sugary drinks.
How to drink Kombucha?
It is best to drink Kombucha all in one sitting, and swish clean water in your mouth once you’ve finished. Some Kombucha brewers encourage people to take ‘shots’ of Kombucha throughout the day followed by a glass of water. However, in order to reap the full benefits, it is best to drink the tea all at once and let its effects start to take place in your body immediately.
Kombucha in Phuket
Kombucha is gaining popularity in Phuket, but even so, it is still quite difficult to find on the island. Here at Santosa Detox and Wellness Center we are fortunate to have fresh Kombucha delivered to us. If you would like to try Kombucha, we have four different flavors to choose from: Original, Lemongrass, Turmeric and Cinnamon.
Home-made Kombucha Class
We are excited to announce our all new ‘Home-made Kombucha Class’ here at Santosa Detox and Wellness Center. The class will teach you everything you need to know about how to make your own Kombucha! If you are interested, all that you need to do is fill out the form below.
Veganism is wrapped in many myths and misconceptions. In truth, going vegan does not have to be difficult. You can still eat comfort food, you can still save money at the grocery store or market, and regardless of what you may have heard, you can still frequent your favourite restaurants. Although going vegan is a lifestyle change, it is a positive change and one that can truly be very easy.
What is a vegan?
A vegan is a person who avoids eating animal products. As veganism is a plant-based diet, vegans tend to have lower rates of obesity, and on average weigh 5 to 20 percent less than regular meat eaters. For some, the philosophy of veganism reaches beyond the plate. Many vegans do not wear animal products and avoid products with animal ingredients or those that test on animals. Studies have proven that veganism existed in ancient India and Greece, so although it has recently gained momentum with regards to certain environmental and health movements, veganism is not a fad diet.
Steps to going vegan
Making changes to your everyday meals is without a doubt the easiest way to start your path to becoming a vegan. The best way to start is by removing meat or dairy one day a week and continue from there. There is a plant-based alternative for almost every type of food you come into contact with, so in all sincerity, you do not have to miss out on any of your favourite snacks or foods. Going vegan can simply be started by switching out the cow’s milk you drink with almond milk or soy milk, or substituting butter with the healthier alternative of coconut oil.
Will I get enough protein?
The answer is absolutely yes. You will get enough protein from eating plants. Many vegans meet the necessary dietary requirements of protein by eating a variety of beans and legumes such as lentils, eating cooked spinach and other leafy greens as well as adding soy products such as tempeh to their meals.
Doing vegan the right way
As a vegan, you need to make sure that you are not missing out on essential nutrients. One of those key nutrients is vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 helps with brain and nervous system functions and is found naturally in many animal-sourced foods. As a vegan, you can eat fortified nutritional yeast and sprinkle it over dishes such as pasta to get a buttery taste. If you are concerned about missing out on essential nutrients, just make sure that you are eating a wide variety of plant-based foods.
Many vegans center their diet around fresh fruit and vegetables in addition to beans, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Purchasing in bulk is an economical way to stock your kitchen with vegan ingredients.
Like any lifestyle change, going completely vegan won’t necessarily happen overnight. Becoming a vegan takes a bit of getting used to, and you also need to take it slow and figure out what works best for you. Try new things, and expose your taste buds to a wide variety of new foods and flavours. Find your food comfort zone and don’t give up. There are so many meals that can be prepared from staples you already have in your kitchen, and many restaurants these days have vegan-friendly options.
How to go vegan in Phuket?
Going vegan in Phuket is easier than you might think. Plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits abound, and there are also a wide variety of organic options as far as produce and dry goods are concerned. It is quite easy to replace eggs and dairy in any recipe, and Phuket has the available resources in a number of supermarkets to experiment with a variety of vegan-friendly recipes. Also, the vegan community is growing in Phuket, and there are a lot of individuals willing to help you on our journey.
Santosa Vegan Restaurant
The vegan restaurant at Santosa serves modern vegan and raw food in a relaxed setting. The restaurant offers a stunning view of the Andaman Ocean, and is the view is glorious at sunset. It is the perfect place to enjoy the ultimate, guilt-free fine dining experience. Our healthy, plant-based menu helps to restore alkalinity while exciting the palate with fresh, exuberant flavours.
We offer a vegan buffet every Saturday at our restaurant starting at 18:30pm. Chef Mauro wows every guest with his raw, culinary creations. If you are looking for the ultimate vegan dining experience, please call +66 (0) 76 330 600 for a reservation, or simply fill out the form below.
The ultimate goal of Ayurveda is reaching a balance between the three doshas. This goal of reaching a balance perfectly fits with the Santosa Wellness Center concept as balance between the body and mind is the final goal of every wellness-based experience.
Here at Santosa Wellness Center, we offer a wide variety of different programs and activities for people to join. Whether you need to reactive your body, find quiet and calm in your mind, or work on ridding yourself of old habits, the end goal is ultimately the same: balance. However, the ways you achieve balance will be different as each person is unique.
Learning to balance doshas
We are what we eat. Upon following the Ayurveda Diet, for example, if your dosha is Kapha it is possible that you will not find balance in eating Kapha dishes, and instead must combine foods from the other doshas to reduce Kapha.
Ayurveda Diet is considered a lifestyle diet. This way of eating is about focusing on the energies of the ingredients and becoming aware of how these energies compliment our bodies. An Ayurvedic Diet is not a short term or fad diet, but it will prodce solid results in just a short period of time. After making this lifestyle change, within a few months you will notice solid results.
Throughout our lives, balance is very important, however, on some occasions we find ourselves being pulled in other directions.
For example, a creative person who is in the midst of a project and perhaps is not sleeping well at night needs to increase Vata dishes so that they don’t fall ill. A passionate football player who is preparing to play an important match may not be looking for balance, but in order to stay on top of his game needs to increase Pitta to maintain balance with his high energy levels.
If you are considering the Ayurveda Diet on a daily basis, there are ways to eat to satisfy short term needs, keeping the ultimate goal of balance in mind for the future.
And if a person is already in balance?
At Santosa Vegan Restaurant, on of our most delicious dishes is called Merit. Merit is a scrumptious dessert of chocolate fudge, vanilla ice cream and nuts. The dish contains cocoa, which in Ayurveda Diet is considered a balanced ingredient as it increases all three doshas of Pitta, Kapha and Vata.
Your balanced diet will be maintained all while enjoying a great dessert!
Finding balance is humbling and interesting, eating healthy can truly be delicious and taking care of yourself can be one of life’s finest pleasures.
We welcome you to come and try our Ayurvedic Diet menu at Santosa Wellness Center. Be good to yourself.
Santosa Vegan Restaurant
Our restaurant serves modern raw and vegan food, including a wide selection of Ayurveda Diet dishes. We can also help you with the dosha quiz so you can figure out our dosha and the best meal plan for you.
For more information, or to make a booking, please call +66 (0) 76 330 600 or fill out the form below.
Have you ever felt just a bit out of sorts, slightly off, but really can’t pinpoint what exactly is wrong? Perhaps there is a specific condition that is disrupting your general quality of life? Are you sluggish? Do you have a hard time focusing? Always low on energy? For some, feeling lousy seems to have become the norm, however, this doesn’t have to be the case. You don’t have to give up on feeling your best again. It’s important not to ignore your inner alarm bells. At its best, feeling bad can be a blessing in disguise as it allows you to reset your engine and correct any imbalances effortlessly. Even if you feel fantastic most of the time, wouldn’t you want to stay that way? Ayurveda has the power and potential to change our lives as it celebrates the uniqueness of each individual as well as helping to bring balance and harmony to our lives.
Defining Ayurveda
“My wish is to give to every client the little subtle awareness how important food is for everyone.
All is made of energies and we are a result of energies contained in our food, in the environment where we live and of other inner and external inputs we receive constantly.
Every person has different needs and the food has to be personalized in a way to be the right “healer”, bringing back the psico-soma balance that makes us stronger and healthy. Observation and caring of ourself is the best approach to get a better lifestyle; let’s forget the concept of a temporary diet that is general good for everybody because everybody has different needs.”
– Mauro, Executive Chef at Santosa
Ayurveda literally means “the science of life.” It’s a centuries old concept that originated in India, and teaches us to tune in to the subtle and obvious indicators that there is room for improvement within our bodies, our minds and our spirits. Ayurveda takes food highly into consideration, and believes the concept of combining foods that digest well together is essential in the understanding of how to eat properly.
What is Ayurveda Diet?
The Ayurveda Diet holds deep in the belief that each food has a distinct combination of energies and tastes. In turn, these energies and tastes have a significant affect on the digestive system and the body as a whole. The Ayurveda Diet offers a simple, direct eating path that is developed for each unique body type. In Ayurveda, these unique body types are referred to as dosha.
The Doshas
Doshas are biological energies found throughout the body and mind. The doshas govern all physical and mental processes, and provide an individual blueprint for each unique body type. Often referred to as mind-body types, the doshas express the blending of physical, emotional and mental characteristics. In a nutshell, the doshas define who you are.
The three Ayurveda Diet doshas are derived from the five elements and are known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Each individual dosha has a unique set of characteristics designed for our individual bodies. There are several ways to determine your body type, however it can be as simple as taking a quick Ayurvedic quiz. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of Ayurveda Diet and are interested in knowing your dosha, please take the quiz that is on the table at Santosa Vegan Restaurant. Spend a few minutes answering the questions thoughtfully, and you will find your unique body type immediately.
The Kapha Dosha
The Kapha Dosha encompasses qualities reflecting the elements of the Earth. This dosha governs structure and fluid balance in the body. Kapha controls weight, growth, lubrication for the joints and lungs, as well as formation of the seven tissues.
Typically, Kapha is the largest of body type. Physically, those who are Kapha have wide hips and shoulders, thick wavy hair and good stamina. Mentally, Kapha types tend to be slower at learning things, but have immense memories. Emotionally, Kapha types tend to be loyal, stable and reliable. They are the “rocks” in relationships and friendships.
When the Kapha Dosha is out of balance, people with this body type tend to be prone to sinus congestions and possible infections, poor circulation, and a sluggish digestive system that can easily lead to obesity.
The Pitta Dosha
The Pitta Dosha has qualities reflecting the elements of Fire. This dosha controls all heat, metabolism and transformation in the mind and body. Pitta is responsible for how we digest food, how sensory perceptions are metabolized and how we choose between right and wrong.
Individuals possessing the Pitta Dosha typically are of medium build, and physically have good muscle tone. Pitta often always feel warm, have ruddy complexions and tend to have prematurely graying hair or balding. They are often full of energy and due to their strong digestive systems can eat almost anything. Mentally, Pitta are ambitious and extremely intelligent. Emotionally, Pitta types are passionate perfectionists who have the tendency to become easily irritated.
When the Pitta Dosha is out of balance, individuals can become overstressed; this type is sometimes referred to as the angry workaholic. However, when out of balance, problems arise with inflammatory conditions and digestive problems.
The Vata Dosha
The Vata Dosha’s qualities reflect the elements of Air. This dosha is responsible for all movement in the body and the mind. Vata Dosha controls blood flow, breathing, the elimination of waste and the way thoughts move across the mind. Vata types tend to be the most slim of the three dosha types.
Physically, Vata Dosha types are thin with bony structures, and find it difficult to gain weight. They often feel cold, have dry skin and hair, and have little to no muscle tone. Mentally, the Vata are very creative although they do learn and forget rather quickly. Emotionally, they are ever the enthusiast, but tend to become anxious quite easily.
When the Vata Dosha is out of balance, poor digestion ensues with lots of bloating and constipation. Vata types are easy to catch cold and suffer from insomnia and fatigue.
Choose from the menu
At Santosa Vegan Restaurant, each and every one of our dishes is labeled with a dosha type. When choosing a dish based on your dosha type, you will come into balance. Our executive chef Mauro Anzideo painstakingly follows the tradition of Ayurveda and in doing so, provides a personalized vegan dining experience that is not only nutritious, but simply delicious.
If you are interested in taking The Dosha Quiz and experiencing your own Ayurveda Diet, please contact us at +66 (0) 76 330 600 or fill out the form below. We wish Santosa to become your start of healthy living, and it is our aim to inspire your lifestyle.
Full fast is a full cleanse program specially designed to enable maximum results. You will have no food / no juice but only drink water with cleanses drinks and nutrition supplements. Participants of this program will be subjected to the most powerful, yet natural, body detoxification processes. This program is suitable for those who have detoxification experience and are determined to go deeper for cleanse. A thorough pre-cleanse is also important for the full fast.
Juice fast is a cleanse program to nourish and detoxify the body by drinking fresh fruits and vegetable juice. The key is to hydrate and nourish your cells with the correct vitamins, enzymes, minerals and antioxidants. Guests participating in the Juice Fast Program have higher energy levels allowing them to take advantage of the various activities available at Santosa Detox & Wellness Center.
Raw food fast brings together nutritional science and holistic therapies. This program is recommended for guests looking for a long lasting and sustainable post program experience. With a balanced and nutritionally delicious set raw food menu in addition to the regular fasting supplements and a complete program of daily therapies, including regular cleansing sessions, this program is designed to optimize the detoxification process in every way. A raw food diet has shown to increase energy levels, which is great for taking part in many of Santosa’s activities.
At Santosa, guests can use their free time to relax and disconnect from the stresses of the outside world by joining our free classes, taking a swim or a relaxing ice bath after a sauna.
Santosa Spa is truly an extension of our ethics; to take you on a sensual and luxurious journey. Our treatments nurture and support the connection between body, mind and spirit.
Shirodara & Ayurvedic - Thai Herbal Compress - Hot Stone - Cupping Therapy - Infrared Dome Sauna - Ion Cleanse Foot Bath - Epsom Salt Foot SPA and Foot Scrub
might be wondering how to enjoy this super medicinal herb. Here are a few ideas for incorporating the spice into your daily diet, and reaping the benefits of terrific turmeric:
regardless of what you may have heard, you can still frequent your favourite restaurants. Although going vegan is a lifestyle change, it is a positive change and one that can truly be very easy.
Going vegan in Phuket is easier than you might think. Plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits abound, and there are also a wide variety of organic options as far as produce and dry goods are concerned. It is quite easy to replace eggs and dairy in any recipe, and Phuket has the available resources in a number of supermarkets to experiment with a variety of vegan-friendly recipes. Also, the vegan community is growing in Phuket, and there are a lot of individuals willing to help you on our journey.
The vegan restaurant at Santosa serves modern vegan and raw food in a relaxed setting. The restaurant offers a stunning view of the Andaman Ocean, and is the view is glorious at sunset. It is the perfect place to enjoy the ultimate, guilt-free fine dining experience. Our healthy, plant-based menu helps to restore alkalinity while exciting the palate with fresh, exuberant flavours. 
At Santosa Vegan Restaurant, each and every one of our dishes is labeled with a dosha type. When choosing a dish based on your dosha type, you will come into balance. Our executive chef Mauro Anzideo painstakingly follows the tradition of Ayurveda and in doing so, provides a personalized vegan dining experience that is not only nutritious, but simply delicious.
