The Innisfil Indian Association has partnered with the Royal Canadian Legion to offer the Graceful Living: Nourish Your Mind, Body And Soul workshop.
This free event will focus on mindful eating and it takes place at the legion branch at 1017 Robinson St. in Belle Ewart on Saturday, April 6, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
“This event aims to provide an immersive experience aimed at promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being within our community,” association president Loki Swain said. “Our collaboration with the legion underscores our commitment to supporting a culture of holistic wellness. We encourage everyone to join us for a day filled with transformative experiences.”
Holistic nutritionist, diabetes educator and yoga teacher Disti Vira will be discussing mindful eating, which includes awareness of eating habits, emotions and physical sensations related to food consumption; learning how to identify and amend habitual eating behaviours, such as emotional or mindless eating; and the positive effects of mindful eating on overall health and well-being.
“Mindful eating means paying full attention to the experience of eating with all your senses,” Vira explained. “Additionally, it means being present in the moment and noticing any thoughts, feelings or sensations that arise while eating. Mindful eating helps foster a healthy relationship with food, promoting better digestion and overall well-being.”
Vira told InnisfilToday that her work in holistic nutrition is more of a calling than a career path. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in applied nutrition in 2012 before completing her post-graduate studies in clinical nutrition and dietetics — with majors in cardiac and diabetes care — in 2014. She furthered her expertise by becoming a certified diabetes instructor, then a yoga teacher — with a specialization in prenatal and postnatal care — and a registered holistic nutritionist in 2023.
“From a young age, I've been captivated by the intricate relationship between food, health, and overall well-being. Growing up in a family where home-cooked meals were celebrated and natural remedies were favoured, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of nourishing foods and holistic practices,” Vira said.
“I've chosen holistic nutrition because I believe in the holistic approach to wellness, focusing on the mind-body-spirit connection. By blending science with holistic principles, I aim to help people achieve optimal health through personalized nutrition strategies.”
Now based in Barrie after emigrating from India in 2020, Vira looks forward to conducting more community-based workshops such as the Graceful Living event, as she regularly conducts corporate workshops. She has worked with several clients suffering from different clinical conditions, including those that originate from gut issues, cancer, hormonal imbalance, allergies and diabetes.
When asked who should attend the Graceful Living workshop on April 6, Vira said, “It is beneficial for everyone who is looking to improve their relationship with food, learn mindful eating techniques, or who wants to cultivate a healthier approach to nutrition and well-being.”
“Beyond individual well-being, the event seeks to foster a sense of camaraderie and support within the community, encouraging participants to connect and inspire each other,” Swain said. “The event aims to keep the session interactive and we have a few fun activities as well and a chance to win prizes.”
Coffee and healthy snacks will be provided. Attendees are invited to bring a notepad and pen if desired, but it is not compulsory.
“A curious mind and mental presence is all we need,” Vira said.
Registration is not required, but anyone interested in attending is invited to check out the Graceful Living workshop on Facebook.
