Earlier in the year we shared information on Ayurveda – the basics of it, why follow it and even an Ayurveda inspired Mac-n-cheese recipe . But let’s dig a little deeper into the world’s oldest health system and really understand what it means and how we can practice Ayurveda by eating for our specific Ayurveda body type.
Ayurveda is the world’s oldest health system first practiced in the Indian subcontinent over 5,000 years ago. In Sanskrit, Ayurveda means ‘the Science of Life’. It is focused on balancing the mind and body, because both are inextricably connected. The basic premise of Ayurveda is ‘dis-ease’ of the body can be healed by creating balance through diet and eating certain foods during different seasons. Western medicine treats each part of the body separately – whereas Ayurveda draws a connection between your physical and mental state and offers holistic ways to bring each back into balance. Ayurveda is a fascinating alternative to western medicine and our diet.
The cornerstone of Ayurveda is individuality. We are all unique individuals with a different combination of the three doshas (mind-body or energy types): Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The implementation of these ancient practices is determined for each individual based off of a person’s Dosha or energy type. Ayurveda looks to balance the body, mind and consciousness by using opposing elements that in effect create that balance. It is created through making specific food choices that ultimately aid in soothing anxiety, depression, skin sensitivities, and many other health concerns.
Determine Your Ayurvedic Mind-Body Type
There are 3 main Ayurvedic Doshas: Vata, Kapha & Pitta.
Each Dosha/energy type embodies the 5 elements—air, space, fire, water & earth. Most people have a combination of two, however your dominant Dosha is the one to focus on when developing your Ayurvedic diet. Because each Dosha embodies the elements, seasons play a huge role in how you may feel internally and externally. Your dominant Dosha is high (which means that would need to be balanced) based on the season. Once you figure out your dominant Dosha, knowing which season it is associated with can be crucial for keeping your body and mind in balance.
Creating a specific diet for your dominant Dosha is does take some understanding because this will help you create balance using specific herbs, foods and lifestyle changes. Remember they all go together in creating balance according to Ayurveda.
#1 Spring Season a.k.a Kapha
Kapha energy types are heavy, slow, cool, oily, smooth, and stable so think about food that contrasts those qualities. Kapha is ruled by water and earth. In the spring, the air is wet and fresh but can bring forth feelings of loneliness and sometimes depression. A Kapha dominant body type that is out of balance might experience lethargy, heaviness and have difficulty rising in the morning. Kapha qualities are heavy, slow, cool, oily, smooth, and stable so you want to think about food that contrasts those qualities.
Foods to eat for Kapha balancing
If you are Kapha dominant the best foods to consume are those that will invigorate the mind and energize the senses in order to help pull an imbalanced Kapha out of a depressed and lonely state. The key here is to understand that with any dietary or lifestyle change, start with small steps.
- Eat warm verses cold foods because Kapha needs to focus on warming the body by eating warm, whole foods vs foods that have cooling properties. Most spices offer a warming quality and a large majority are good for Kapha balancing.
- Eat dry verses oily foods because Kapha needs foods that help lighten the heaviness that can sometimes be associated with the Kapha energy. Foods like beans, dried fruits and even a glass of wine are considered to be drier. Oily foods that should not be eaten as often include avocados, coconut oil, and dairy in general.
- Eat light and airy foods over heavy foods because foods that are lighter in weight like veggies and fruits are easier on the stomach. Foods that are heavy are things like hard cheeses, puddings, bread, pasta, red meat and such. You can eat these in moderation to balance a Kapha imbalance.
#2 Summer Season a.k.a Pitta
Pitta qualities are hot, sharp, and light, so you want to think about food that contrasts those qualities. Pitta is ruled by fire and water. Summer increases Pitta through its dry and hot energy. A Pitta dominant that is out of balance might experience feelings of aggravation and short-tempered behavior.
Foods to eat for Pitta balancing
If you are a Pitta dominant person there is a tendency towards over-eating and overexerting. Instead make time to relax and meditate while also eating healthy, whole foods to ease some of the aggravation and heat.
- Eat foods that are cool verses warm or hot because Pitta is ruled by summer and heat. Cool is the antithesis for Pitta balancing. Pitta dominant people want to aim to eat foods with cooling properties, avoiding spicy foods and ideally eating raw vegetables or only slightly cooked.
- Eat foods that are dry over oily because foods that continue to help alleviate the heavy and hot qualities of Pitta are dry versus heavy oily food. Such as beans, potatoes, pasta, and raw vegetables. Oily foods should be eaten in moderation include eggs, meats, and hard cheeses.
- Eat grounding and nourishing foods over light foods because foods that ground and nourish help the intense Pitta energy and heat. Foods like barley, wheat, and raw foods offer balance to their lightness. Pitta also should avoid coffee, caffeine, and alcohol because of the over-exerting energy they can create.
#3 Autumn Season a.k.a Vata
Vata energy types are cool, dry, rough and light. So think about foods that balance or contrast those qualities. , so you want to think about food that contrasts those qualities. Vata is ruled by earth and air. Fall can create some uncertainly and anxiety as the air changes from summer to becoming more cool and crisp. Leaves begin to change and earth starts preparing for a season of shift or transition from summer to winter. A Vata dominant that is out of balance might experience anxiety, restlessness and an overactive mind.
Foods to eat for Vata balancing
With any dietary change or implementation, start with small steps. For instance, if you are Vata dominant there may be imbalances of not eating breakfast or eating very little. Consistent eating of small meals that are nutritious and warm throughout the day is a great way to balance Vata and help to calm anxiety.
To balance vata, focus on
- Eat grounding and stabilizing foods that help with digestive issues like cooked grains, root vegetables, nuts and seeds. Avoid heavy over-processed foods or hard to digest food like beans and legumes.
- Eat warm foods like root vegetables instead of a cold, raw salad and soups with lots of warming spices instead of cold meats or sandwiches.
- Eat foods that are moist and oily instead of dry. Good fats like ghee, avocados and olive oil provide needs moisture. Drink plenty of water and stay off sugar heavy soda or caffeinated tea and coffee. Coconuts, cheese, yogurt and squash are also beneficial for balancing Vata.
The subject of Ayurveda and its deep rooted wisdom on the body, mind and health connection has been studied for years. Get educated on the facts and the science and take control of your diet and in turn your health by creating a specific diet and lifestyle all around. Making a shift towards a more Ayurvedic lifestyle will takes time and commitment as it focuses on your own individual body type. But the benefits are far reaching and well worth the effort to truly understand your body in the long run.
0 Comments