Dr. Deepa Verma is double board-certified in family medicine and integrative holistic medicine. She graduated magna cum laude from The College of NJ and is a graduate of Rutgers Medical School in New Jersey (formerly known as Robert Wood Johnson Medical School). Dr. Verma completed her family medicine residency at Somerset Medical Center and was elected chief resident. She founded Synergistiq Integrative Health, her private practice, in 2013, during a very challenging time in her life.
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Everyone's body is different, which is why everyone's wellness routine varies. Haute Beauty sat down with Haute Beauty expert Dr. Deepa Verma to review her anti-inflammatory morning routine that she abides by daily. From the time Dr. Verma wakes up to arriving at the office, here's an exact rundown of what she does:
6 AM
This is my typical wake-up time. I have always been a morning person. I like to start my day early. I actually have never used an alarm clock unless I have to catch a flight at an ungodly hour. My body actually wakes me up as my gut starts moving. Once the sun starts rising, I can sense the light, even if I try to sleep in.
The moment I open my eyes I start chanting sacred mantras. Being of Eastern Indian origin, I grew up trying to bridge two cultures as I am a 1st generation Indian in America. I watched my parents perform traditional Hindu customs, do yoga, follow Ayurvedic practices in relation to diet and lifestyle, all this at a time when no one knew the value of Easter Indian practices in the Western world. I grew up as a vegetarian and mainly adhered to a plant-based diet, well before the time when this type of diet has gained tremendous popularity only in the past few years.
6:30 AM – 7:30 AM
When my three teen boys are with me (I am divorced so have them 50%), I get them ready for school by making them a nutritious breakfast. The first thing I consume is warm lemon water with baking soda and turmeric and black cumin and neem and amla and a touch of organic honey. I have never had a cup of coffee in my life, as the cons outweigh the benefits. I then drink fresh red juice that I prepare myself which includes red beets, ginger, celery and cilantro with some collagen peptides. I have physician-regulated, pharmaceutical-grade supplements that is a regimen I take, no matter where I am in the world. Because I travel a lot, consistency is what keeps me grounded. I typically will wait about 30 minutes and do some yoga or a HIIT/weights workout.
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8 AM
Working out varies for me as sometimes I prefer the mornings and other times I like to before bed. Either way, the immense benefits of endorphin release as well as flexibility and muscle toning never fail. Pick a time that works best for you and suits your lifestyle. I typically do yoga 2-3 x per week but do HIIT and weights 5-6 x per week. After working out, I prepare a green smoothie. I use a banana, a handful of spinach, ¼ of an avocado with some pumpkin seeds, flax powder, chia and hemp seeds with oat milk and a plant-based pea protein powder. This fills me up and sets the tone for my day. Breakfast to me is starting the day off with fuel for the brain and body after sleeping all night. My goal is to detox from the day before and maintain an alkaline lifestyle that is devoid of inflammation.
9 AM
Then at the office...I practice intermittent fasting. There are some days I like to snack and will have some healthy organic plant-based snacks such as hummus and lentils and quinoa and nuts etc. But I typically like to fast during the day as that best suits my dosha and schedule. I like to use my hypobaric chamber which is the CVAC pod. You can learn more on my website www.synergistiqwellness.com. I also get energy and anti-aging IVs twice monthly. Self-care is important!