Meet Gauri Junnarkar

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gauri Junnarkar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Gauri, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I discovered my purpose through a series of meaningful experiences rooted in my childhood home in the heart of Mumbai. Growing up, I actively assisted my mother in preparing family meals, exposing me to the world of cooking and proper nutrition from a young age. A pivotal moment occurred when a small cut on my thumb while chopping onions led me to Ayurveda, the ancient health science of India.

My mother’s remedy of using Turmeric to stop the bleeding sparked my fascination with Ayurvedic practices. This incident, coupled with my daily gratitude practice, grounding, and Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massage, became integral parts of my routine. Eventually, I pursued a degree in Ayurveda (BAMS) from the University of Mumbai and this knowledge paved the way for a fulfilling career as an Ayurveda Practitioner in a Mumbai clinic.

Upon relocating to the U.S. with my husband, I was determined to blend my Ayurvedic roots with evidence-based nutrition. My knowledge and experience with the Ayurvedic diet and food principles coupled with my interest in evidence-based nutrition led me to pursue a rigorous and competitive combined clinical internship and Graduate Nutrition program in order to become a Registered Dietitian (RD). My background in Ayurveda inspired me to complete my Master’s thesis research on “Dietary Curcumin (phytochemical in Turmeric) and its effect in Melanoma (skin cancer)”. This research was selected at the National conference on Experimental Biology under “Diet and Cancer” and also at the Texas Dietetic Association conference. Despite dedicating years to RD practice in an outpatient diabetes setting, a persistent inner voice urged me to reconnect with Ayurveda.

Driven by a passion for individualized wellness, I founded Ayurnutrition . To enhance the offerings at Ayurnutrition, I became a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) to provide Panchakarma, Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massage, and other therapies. This unique combination allows me to share the proven benefits of evidence-based nutrition and Ayurveda, offering clients personalized health and wellness plans. My journey, shaped by childhood experiences and a deep connection to Ayurveda, has culminated in a purposeful career dedicated to holistic well-being.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a Registered and Licensed Dietitian, Ayurveda Practitioner, Certified Diabetes Educator, and Licensed Massage Therapist, my work revolves around guiding individuals towards improved health and wellness. What I find most exciting and special about my approach is the integration of age-old Ayurvedic wisdom with modern nutrition science. This combination allows me to offer an integrative and holistic approach to wellness, addressing various concerns such as weight management, diabetes, GI issues, hypertension, heart disease, and more.

My passion lies in helping people feel better, eat better, and enhance their vitality while reducing stress levels. I provide personalized one-on-one sessions, video conferencing, telephone sessions, meal planning, wellness sessions, and other resources to assist clients on their wellness journey. Whether someone’s goal is weight management, diabetes management, stress reduction, or any other wellness concern, I collaborate with them to develop a realistic and personalized plan for long-term healthy habits.

With nearly a decade of professional experience in evidence-based nutrition and a foundation in Ayurveda, my private practice, Ayurnutrition, stands as an innovative and comprehensive wellness solution. I firmly believe in the power of balanced nutrition and Ayurvedic principles to foster rejuvenated living. Recognizing that each individual is unique, I emphasize the importance of tailoring nutrition plans to meet individual needs.

At Ayurnutrition, we go beyond the one-size-fits-all approach, delving deep into the root of each person’s challenges to develop a personalized set of steps. My goal is to empower individuals to take charge of their health, make lifelong changes, and achieve a lifetime of health and happiness. Together, we work as a team to envision wellness goals, create a plan, stay motivated, and progress step by step towards a healthier and more balanced life.

Here is a list of our amazing health and wellness services & programs:
Nutrition & Ayurveda Consults
Integrative Diabetes Program
Integrative Weight Management Program
Integrative Gut Health Program
Corporate Wellness
Taste of Ayurveda Program
Taste of Nutrition Program

We also recently added C.H.E.F.S: A culinary nutrition program for health, Virtual Grocery Store Tour and different meal plan tools such Anti inflammatory Meal plan, Simple eats meal plan, Plan based meal plan and more.

Besides this we have a Podcast ‘Wellness Bites with Gauri’ and Ayurnutrition You tube channel.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as particularly impactful: knowledge of Ayurveda and modern nutrition, resilience, and the ability to pivot and adapt. These elements have played a crucial role in shaping my path, and I believe they are essential for anyone embarking on their own journey.

Knowledge of Ayurveda and Modern Nutrition:
Impact: The integration of Ayurveda and modern nutrition has been a cornerstone of my success. It provided me with a unique perspective, allowing for a holistic and comprehensive approach to wellness.
Advice: Invest time in acquiring a solid foundation in your chosen field. Stay updated on the latest developments and trends. Attend workshops, courses, and conferences to broaden your understanding. A strong knowledge base sets the stage for informed decision-making and innovative problem-solving.

Resilience, Hard Work, and Persistence:
Impact: The journey towards my goals was not without challenges. Resilience, hard work, and persistence helped me overcome obstacles, learn from failures, and stay committed to my vision.
Advice: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Develop a strong work ethic and persevere through setbacks. Understand that success often involves overcoming hurdles. Celebrate small victories along the way, and view failures as stepping stones toward improvement.

Ability to Pivot and Change:
Impact: The ability to pivot and adapt has been crucial in a constantly evolving field. Recognizing when adjustments are needed and being open to change has allowed me to stay relevant and responsive to the dynamic needs of my clients.
Advice: Be flexible and open-minded. The world is dynamic, and industries evolve. Stay attuned to emerging trends and be willing to adjust your course when necessary. Continuous learning and adaptability are key components of long-term success.

In summary, a solid foundation in your field of expertise, coupled with resilience, hard work, persistence, and the ability to pivot, forms a robust framework for success. For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace learning, stay resilient in the face of challenges, and remain adaptable to change. Your ability to combine knowledge with tenacity and flexibility will undoubtedly propel you forward on your path to success.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! I am actively seeking collaboration opportunities with a diverse range of professionals and businesses to enhance the scope and impact of holistic wellness. If you fall into any of the following categories, I would love to explore potential partnerships:

Healthcare Professionals:
Primary Care Physicians
Endocrinologists
Cardiologists
Nurse Practitioners
Nephrologists
Wellness Practitioners
Gym Owners
Wellness Center Owners
Mental Health Therapists
Physiotherapists
Business Owners:
Woman-Owned Businesses
Minority-Owned Businesses
Spas and Wellness Businesses
Local Businesses
Small Businesses
Community and Non-Profit Organizations:
Non-Profit Organizations focusing on health and wellness

TV stations, Podcasters, Radio Stations and Media Outlets.

Collaboration opportunities could range from joint workshops, educational seminars, and wellness events to shared resources and referrals. I believe in the power of a holistic approach to health, and collaborating with professionals from various fields can offer a comprehensive and well-rounded support system for individuals seeking wellness.

If you are reading this and interested in collaboration, please reach out through https://www.ayurnutrition.com/partner-with-us/. I am excited about the prospect of joining forces to create a positive impact on the health and well-being of our community. Let’s connect and explore how our collective expertise can contribute to a healthier and happier society.

Contact Info:

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