I first met Katharina in 2021 when she and her husband Sandeep were my neighbours in Bali. From the very beginning, our connection was more than just neighbourly; it blossomed into a beautiful friendship. We shared meals, and deep conversations around the pool, and exchanged ideas about our passions and projects. But what I hold closest to my heart are the mornings when I would find delicate frangipanis on my doorstep, a simple yet profound gesture from both that I would lovingly place on my altar.

Katharina is more than a friend—she is a guide, a healer, and a source of inspiration. Her transition from nutrition research to holistic wellness reflects her deep commitment to helping others find balance and harmony in their lives. I’ve had the privilege of experiencing her wisdom firsthand through her sessions on Menstrual Cycle Synchronization and Hormonal Well-being, and I’m thrilled that we are planning to collaborate on future projects.

This interview is not just about Katharina’s journey but also a celebration of the woman she is—compassionate, insightful, and deeply connected to the world around her.

Today, the voice that is heard is from Katharina Austermann!

You transitioned from working in nutritional science and research to focusing on holistic approaches. What motivated this shift, and how has your background in research influenced your current practice?

My transition from working in nutritional science and research to focusing on holistic approaches was a personal and professional evolution. When my contract at the university ended, I knew deep inside that I needed a change. I felt that my work in nutrition research was too one-sided and didn’t fully allow me to help people how I wanted.

In my research, the focus was often on the effects of single nutrients or combinations of foods on the physical body. This approach, while valuable, felt limited. It lacked the holistic and individualized approach necessary to truly understand and improve a person’s health. I realized that not all findings from nutrition research apply to everyone, and there’s a significant gap in considering individual differences. For example, research often under-represents studies on women, particularly those considering hormonal and menstrual cycle changes and how this influences our health, well-being and the need for specific foods and nutrients.

Despite this shift, my love for research remains strong. I will always be a little scientist at heart, and I’m incredibly grateful for the insights I gained into the research system. This background allows me to evaluate new findings at a deeper level, considering potential biases and implementing what resonates with both me and my clients. I’m trying to critically evaluate both holistic methods and scientific research results and combine them in a way that they complement each other.

How do you combine your expertise in nutrition with yoga and traditional healing systems like Ayurveda and Acupressure in your approach to health and well-being?

I believe nutrition, Yoga, and traditional healing systems like Ayurveda are inseparable. We are a reflection of what we consume on all levels—physical, mental, and emotional. Living a happy and whole life means nourishing each aspect of our being.

For the physical body, this involves eating nourishing foods, engaging in movement, and practising breathing techniques. For the mental body, it means being mindful of the information and stimuli we take in and incorporating practices like meditation and mindfulness. For the emotional body, it’s about cultivating meaningful connections and letting go of those that no longer serve us, even though especially the latter can be challenging.

In my counselling sessions, I use a variety of yogic practices, such as asanas, pranayama, meditation, and Yoga Nidra, along with knowledge from Ayurveda not only focusing on food but also applying other practices like self-massage, which can be tailored to the specific needs of each client. I enjoy translating ancient Ayurvedic wisdom into today’s context, understanding how people lived when these systems were developed and adapting them to modern lifestyles.

Regarding nutrition, I’m shifting my focus more and more towards intuitive eating, helping clients reconnect with their innate wisdom to understand their bodies’ needs. This approach encourages them to choose foods that nourish their body, mind and soul. I provide guidance and tips and playfully introduce new foods without banning or labelling them as good or bad. I believe our bodies know what they need; we just have to relearn how to listen to them. Once we do, everything else falls into place naturally.

I believe our bodies know what they need; we just have to relearn how to listen to them.

What are some common myths about food and nutrition that you encounter, and how do you address these misconceptions with your clients?

There are probably more myths than truths about food and nutrition out there at the moment! Some of the most common ones I encounter include:

“Carbs are bad.”

“You shouldn’t eat after 6 pm.”

“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”

“Fat is bad.”

“Eating less will help you lose weight.”

I like to encourage my clients to find their truth by experimenting and observing how their bodies and minds react to different routines, foods, and practices. I combine this approach with my scientific knowledge to debunk myths and explain the underlying physiology in simple terms.

For example, let’s take the myth that “carbs are bad.” In reality, carbohydrates, especially glucose, are the main energy source for your body. Your cells transform glucose into energy, and it’s the most efficient way for your body to produce energy. When we remove carbs from our diet, our cells have to find less efficient ways to produce energy, making our bodies work harder. This goes against the body’s natural design.

I try to create an environment where clients feel confident in exploring and discovering what truly works best for their individual needs.

Many people struggle with food and body image issues. What strategies do you use to help individuals overcome these challenges and develop a healthier relationship with their bodies?

To help individuals overcome food and body image issues and develop a healthier relationship with their bodies, I use different strategies.

Firstly, I never ask clients about their weight. For me, weight or BMI are not reliable indicators of health. There are many individuals in larger bodies who are very healthy, and many in smaller bodies who are not. Body weight does not determine health, and I emphasize this from the beginning. I acknowledge that not everyone agrees with this perspective, but it is based on my experiences and a deep belief I hold.

One technique I frequently use is Yoga Nidra, a yogic relaxation method that allows us to access our subconscious mind. It helps us relax on all levels and reconnect with our true selves. Yoga Nidra is a powerful technique that I believe is underutilized, and it can be incredibly effective in helping clients address and reshape their relationship with their bodies.

I also focus on belief work with my clients, helping them uncover and resolve limiting beliefs. Techniques like Yoga Nidra are instrumental in this process. Additionally, I am further educating myself in hypnosis, which I believe is another valuable tool for addressing these challenges. Hypnosis can help clients work through deep-seated issues and develop a more positive self-image.

What were some challenges you faced working in nutritional science and research, and how did these experiences contribute to your decision to change your career focus?

One major challenge was the lack of individual approaches. While our research generated valuable data, I often missed seeing how these results translated into real, tangible benefits for people in their daily lives. The gap between scientific findings and practical application felt significant, and I wanted to see a more direct impact on individuals’ health and well-being.

Additionally, the field often lacked creative and holistic approaches. Much of the research was narrowly focused on physical health, neglecting the equally important mental and emotional aspects. I found myself searching for an approach that addressed the whole person, not just their physical body.

Another critical area that was overlooked in my research was the focus on reconnecting people with their innate ability to regulate their eating. Instead of empowering individuals to trust their bodies, the field is flooded with numerous, often contradictory recommendations, not considering the innate intelligence our bodies have.

I always wanted to help people not just through data, but by providing practical, creative, and empowering solutions that work for the individual.

Can you share more about the origins of Anandam Yoga School and its mission within the larger framework of the Ashram Trust?

Anandam Yoga School was founded in 2019 by my husband Sandeep, his brother Ankur, and me. Before this, Sandeep and Ankur had established Rishikesh Yogi Ashram in India, where they conducted Yoga trainings and retreats. We had the shared vision to expand the beautiful knowledge of Yoga towards different parts of the world, and thus, Anandam Yoga School was born.

Our mission is to blend the teachings of Yoga and Ayurveda with modern research, making these timeless practices relevant to today’s world. We are deeply committed to honouring the roots of these traditions, focusing on foundational principles, and adapting them to contemporary challenges.

Our heartfelt intention is to share Yoga with authenticity to initiate a shift in human consciousness. We firmly believe that by working on our inner world, we can create a more beautiful outer world. As more people elevate their consciousness, the positive impact will ripple outward, making the world a better place.

Given the current state of the world, I believe there is nothing more important than working on elevating our consciousness. This inner shift is essential for creating meaningful change in the external world.

We firmly believe that by working on our inner world, we can create a more beautiful outer world. As more people elevate their consciousness, the positive impact will ripple outward, making the world a better place.

What types of Yoga training and retreats does Anandam Yoga School offer, and how can potential students find and book these experiences?

We are offering different kinds of Yoga teacher trainings, including the basic 21-day education which is a 200-hour Yoga teacher training. Here we set a solid foundation of yogic knowledge, and the course is not only for those who wish to become teachers but also for everyone who would like to learn more about Yoga and how to implement the different practices into their lives.

Then we also offer specialized courses like 50-hour Yin Yoga Training, 50-hour Yoga Nidra Training, 50-hour arm balancing course or Pranayama training. In these courses, we focus on certain parts of the broad field of Yoga and for most of these courses the 200-hour training is not required, as they have a specific focus. But they can also be attended by Yoga teachers to deepen their knowledge and who would like to add another practice to their repertoire.

Our 300-hour Yoga teacher training is an advanced training for all Yoga teachers who would like to learn more about Yoga and who would like to build on their previous knowledge. Yoga is a life-long practice and we never stop being students.

We always try to expand our offerings. For next year we are, for example, planning a pre-and post-natal Yoga course, we are in the design stage of some workshops about holistic well-being, covering topics such as cycle synchronization and hormonal health and will expand our offerings in holistic therapies including Yoga therapy and nutritional therapy.

We also offer retreats designed for those who wish to take a break from their daily routine and focus on self-care. These retreats incorporate yogic and Ayurvedic practices to help participants regenerate and nourish themselves.

This year we are offering courses in Germany and Bali and for next year we hope to add some more offerings in different places in Europe, hopefully also in Portugal.

Potential students can find and book these experiences through our website, www.anandamyogaschool.com, and stay updated via our Instagram @anandamyogaschool. These platforms provide detailed information about our courses, schedules and students’ experiences with us.

How does understanding and applying proper nutrition enhance the benefits of Yoga practice, and vice versa?

Yoga and nutrition are inseparable. Understanding and applying balanced nutrition is deeply intertwined with the practice of Yoga. Both are essential in guiding us to reconnect with our intuition. The ancient yogis recognized that what we eat should not just be based on external guidelines, but rather on our inner wisdom and the signals our bodies send us.

Through Yoga, we cultivate a heightened sense of awareness and a deeper connection with ourselves. This practice helps us to tune into our intuition, making us more attuned to the foods that truly nourish us on all levels—physically, mentally, and spiritually. When we practice Yoga regularly, we become more sensitive to what our bodies need, leading to more intuitive and mindful eating choices.

In this way, Yoga and nutrition are inseparable and mutually supportive. Yoga enhances our ability to listen to our bodies, while balanced nutrition, guided by this intuition, supports and enhances our Yoga practice.

Can you share how your background in nutrition and Yoga has personally impacted your life and influenced your approach to teaching and coaching?

Without Yoga and my academic education in nutrition, I honestly don’t think I would be where I am today, guiding others on their journeys.

Yoga is my anchor and my constant source of inspiration. It grounds me, keeps me calm, and helps me navigate the ups and downs of this beautiful world. Through Yoga, I’ve learned to re-connect with myself and to trust my inner voice, which is not always easy, as there are so many distractions from outside. This is incredibly important for my personal life and also gives me the ability to support others.

My education in nutrition has provided me with the knowledge to guide people toward making choices that truly nourish their bodies and minds. Together, these disciplines have taught me the importance of a holistic approach to well-being, one that integrates physical, mental, and spiritual health.

When I teach and coach, I draw from this deep well of personal experience. My approach is not just about imparting knowledge, but also about helping others to find their anchors—whether through Yoga, nutrition, or a combination of both—so that the changes they are looking for are long-term and can be sustained.

Yoga is my anchor and my constant source of inspiration. It grounds me, keeps me calm, and helps me navigate the ups and downs of this beautiful world.

What are some key nutritional practices or foods you recommend to support an active Yoga practice and promote overall wellness?

When supporting an active Yoga practice and promoting overall health, the most important advice I can offer is to listen to your body and what it tells you. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition, and what works for one person may not work for another. The key is to be honest with yourself and tune into the signals your body is giving you.

The most important thing is to pay attention to how different foods make you feel and notice how your body responds to what you consume. If you feel energized and balanced, you’re likely on the right track. If not, it might be worth adjusting your diet and experimenting with different foods until you find what nourishes you. Ultimately, the goal is to find a way of eating that aligns with your body’s unique needs and supports your practice in the best way possible.

What are your recommendations for creating a daily routine that integrates both Yoga practice and balanced nutrition?

When creating a daily routine that integrates Yoga practice and balanced nutrition, the most important thing is to enjoy the process. If you’re only trying to incorporate these practices because everyone else is doing it or because you feel like you have to be healthy, it will be much harder to stick with it.

Start by finding Yoga practices that bring you joy. There are many options— asana, pranayama, or various meditation techniques—so explore them with curiosity and a sense of playfulness. And remember, it’s okay to change things up. Yoga and nutrition aren’t stagnant; they evolve and can be adapted to meet your changing needs. If a particular practice or food no longer resonates with you, allow yourself to explore new ones.

The same approach applies to nutrition. You should enjoy what you eat. Choose foods that taste good and make you feel good. Eating should be a pleasurable experience, not something you force yourself to do out of obligation.

Sometimes, just taking the pressure off by removing the mindset that Yoga and “healthy” eating are things you have to do can be a game changer. Instead, approach it all with curiosity, like an adventure, and see what works best for you in the moment. When you find joy in your practices and your meals, you’re much more likely to stick with them and create a sustainable, healthy lifestyle.

Looking ahead, what are your goals for your practice? Are there any new techniques or areas of research you’re excited to explore and incorporate into your work?

Looking ahead, I don’t have any specific goals for my practice. I embrace opportunities to step out of my comfort zone and love exploring new techniques or revisiting practices I haven’t engaged with in a while, adapting them to fit my current life situation. At the moment for example my practice is very slow-paced including a lot of Yin Yoga and calming breathing techniques. I feel the need to connect with the receiving, female energy as there is a lot of change happening externally.

Since my husband Sandeep and I will be spending most of next year in Germany for his language course, I’m planning to undertake a naturopath training there. I’ve always been fascinated by naturopathy and now feels like the right time to dive deeper into this field. I’m very excited to learn more about European natural medicine and the use of local herbs in healing, many of which have unfortunately been forgotten. This training will provide me with another valuable source of knowledge allowing me to better support both my health and the health of others.

// Katharina Austermann Instagram | Anandam Yoga School Website | Anandam Yoga School Instagram