You’ve recently come across “Ayurveda” recently, but don’t actually know what it is. As we’re going to tackle diet, you might think that this is just another clean eating trend. According to a study, clean eating may impact dietary behavior.
It has significantly greater levels of dietary restraint and held more positive views about clean eating in general. Indian philosophy tells us that holistic healing is based on the belief that health depends on a balance of mind, body, and spirit. However, a belief, all revolved around healthy living and self-love. It reminds us that we are self-healing beings, which regains back health by healing foods, a balanced lifestyle, and inner peace.
Being in tune with your dosha.
Eating healthy is one topic you can read on Ayurveda. Previously, we talked about the three (3) doshas. If you haven’t read it: check it out here. When doshas are balanced, optimal health is achieved.
Eating specific foods that feed your doshas will nourish your body and promote balance to it. Of course, we need to avoid the foods that make them imbalanced. According to a study regarding the basic doctrine principles of Ayurveda, any imbalance between the three doshas are a state of illness or disease, it is believed, that a perfect balance between the natural elements and the Tridoshas of the human body should be maintained for a healthy state of living by following the principles of divine wisdom.
Here’s an example: Pitta is made up of the fire element. Someone with that dosha should avoid foods that would fuel that fire (say, a spicy enchilada) since this would throw the elements out of balance. Here’s a thorough list and guide to a diet in line with your dosha, check out The Ayurvedic Institute’s guide and see the list of foods to eat and avoid. Disclaimer: Ayurveda is an ancient program, which means there may be some variation from one source to another.
What dosha am I?
The best way? have an appointment with an Ayurvedic Doctor. They will also suggest which foods to eat, and achieve the optimal balance we all wanted.
Vata
Vatas are energetic and creative. They are light sleepers and most of them have thin frames. Do you always complain about cold hands and feet? You are a Vata. This dosha will suffer from weakness when it is out of balance.
Pitta
Pittas are smart and ambitious. Deep sleepers only for a period of time. They have athletic body types and are usually warm. Pittas can suffer from skin rash, indigestion, and heartburn when they are out of balance.
Kapha
Kaphas are calm and thoughtful. They have solid body frames and tend to enjoy routines. When this dosha is out of balance, it can become overweight or depressing.
If you wanted to know more about your dosha, take a look at my blog here.
What To Eat
Vata
- Fruits and vegetables that are sweet include cooked apples, bananas, berries, mangoes, peaches, pineapples, fresh dates, and figs.
- Vegetables that have been cooked consist of asparagus, beets, carrots, sweet potatoes, onions, radishes, and green beans.
- Butter, cheese, and milk are acceptable forms of dairy.
There are nuts and seeds and poultry and seafood. The nuts and seeds are fair game. All of them, including basil, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, garlic, ginger, oregano, and thyme.
Pitta
- Fruits and vegetables that are fully ripe include bananas, cherries, coconuts, oranges, melons, pineapples, plums, and raisins.
- Sweet and sour greens like asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, green beans, leafy greens, mushrooms, peas, potatoes, squash, and sweet potatoes.
- Grains like oats, wheat, and white rice. Black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils, and mung beans are included.
- Butter, cheese, and milk.
- Chicken, freshwater fish, rabbit, shrimp, and turkey.
- Almonds and coconut are soaked and peeled.
- Basil, cinnamon, ginger, mint, saffron, and turmeric.
Kapha
- There are apples, apricots, berries, figs, prunes, and raisins that are exact for Kaphas.
- Asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, eggplant, garlic, leafy greens, mushrooms, onions, peas, peppers, potatoes, and radishes.
- Grains include corn, millet, oats, and rye.
- Black beans, chickpeas, lentils, and white beans are acceptable.
- Goat’s milk and soy milk.
- Chicken, fish, rabbit, shrimp, and turkey.
- Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds.
- Black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, paprika, saffron, and turmeric are included.
What To Avoid Eating
Vata
- Dates, figs, raisins, and prunes are some of the dried fruits to avoid.
- Cooked broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, potatoes, and tomatoes. Frozen or raw is a no-no.
- Barley, buckwheat, corn, millet, quinoa, rye, and wheat. Beans and chickpeas and yogurt.
- Meat section? No lamb, pork, rabbit, and venison
Pitta
- Most sour fruits include grapes, lemons, and berries.
- Tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chili peppers.
- Corn, millet, rice.
- Soy, salted butter, cheese, sour cream, and yogurt.
- Beef, lamb, duck, fish, and pork are included.
- There are nuts and seeds. Almonds with skin, cashews, chia seeds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachios, sesame seeds, and walnuts.
- Herbs like bay leaf, cayenne, garlic, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, and salt are in this picture.
Kapha
- Fruits and vegetables include bananas, coconuts, dates, grapefruit, kiwi, oranges, pineapple, plums, and watermelon.
- Cucumber, olives, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and zucchini.
- Rice, oats, and wheat are included.
- Tofu, soybeans, and miso.
- Soy milk, butter, cheese, and yogurt.
- There is beef, duck, fish, lamb, pork, and turkey.
Just a fun fact, according to PubMed, diets based on the Ayurvedic constitution may prove useful in promoting weight loss.
When To Eat
- Of course the first meal of the day is breakfast! Everyday, even weekends, ok? Eat before 8:00 AM. Eat breakfast always.
- Between noon and 12:30 PM is your lunchtime. It should never be eaten after 2 PM.
- Before 7 PM for dinner time and should be the lightest meal of the day. We all know that digestion slows down in this time.
Keep your mealtimes regular! In a spirit of joy and anticipation, it is recommended that fresh foods are prepared in a slow and relaxed manner. In this way, your salivary glands and other digestive juices flow.
Personally, I love preparing a meal with some music in the background. Try wind chimes! Also think of lighting a candle, or having some centerpieces llike flowers or fresh fruits. Boost the mood.
Things To Remember
Remember to chew your food. Be mindful about what you eat or you’ll bite your tongue off. Know how does it taste and allow your digestive system to do its thing. Be mindful about the food getting cold!
You should eat until you feel full. When you walk away from the table, you should not have any pain in your abdomen, your breathing should be comfortable. Your mind should feel content. You’re the only one who knows when.
Beware of bad food combinations. Did you know that pizza is a bad combo? There are certain foods that should not be together! Per Ayurvedic principles, here are the foods that should not be a tandem:
- milk and vegetables
- egg and meat
- chicken and honey
- lemon and tomato
- raw fruit and cooked food (cancel the pizza order now)
These bad combinations can cause a lot of strain on your body.
Water! Water! Water! You know you need to drink eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated, but because you are usually busy, you forget and often go for long stretches without drinking anything at all and then gulp a giant glass in two minutes flat.
Why does this relate to skincare?
When we already know what doshas are out of balance, it signals us to make a lifestyle that helps our mind and body to re-balance. Simple actions like adjusting your skincare practices, diet, or exercise will do.
Remember, what you eat will reflect on the outside. When other methods have not worked, it is not a risk to try. Every cell in the body is affected by dosha diet guidelines, whether it’s sugar balance, hormonal balance, weight loss, immune strengthening, or improving digestion.