The diet for your dosha body type
Have you ever wondered why some people are hyperactive while others are lethargic? Why some people do not put on weight despite eating more while others can't? Ayurveda answers all of these questions with the three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha that it classifies human body types into. The doshas are described as biological energies found throughout the human body and mind. According to dietician Sheryl Salis, "Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are each essential to our physiology and has a very specific set of functional roles to play in the body. When the doshas are out of balance, it can lead to adverse health effects." The balance of the doshas is a dynamic process that is affected by seasonal changes, lifestyle and diet. According to Ayurveda, we are made up of the five elements and individual consciousness. These five elements called maha bhutas are Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space and the combination of these elements give rise to the three doshas. In each person, there is a dominant dosha. Before we get into the guidelines of eating as per your dosha, here are is a deeper understanding of what really constitutes them and what kind of a dosha you belong to.
Characteristics of Vata Dosha
- Thin, light build
- Naturally creative mind
- Sensitive
- Skip meals and keep irregular habits
- Insomnia
- Love excitement and constant change
- Prefer warm, humid climates
- Walk quickly
- Dry skin
- Lively and enthusiastic
Characteristics of Pitta Dosha
- Medium, muscular build
- Productive, hard-working
- Abundant energy
- Strong appetite
- Perfect digestion
- Prefer cold climates
- Fair skin
- Good decision makers
Characteristics of Kapha Dosha
- Heavy build
- Excellent stamina
- Fluid retention
- Seek emotional comfort from eating
- Stable, methodical
- Easy-going, calm
- Prefer warm, dry climates
- Oily skin
Best foods for Vata Dosha
- Consume more warm or hot fluids like soups or stews
- Consume more foods like avocado, coconut, olives, buttermilk, cheese, eggs, whole milk, wheat, nuts, seeds, berries, melons, summer squash, zucchini, yogurt
- Fruits like green grapes, oranges and pineapple in small quantities
- Eat vegetables but they should be well-cooked, garnished with ghee or coconut oil
Foods to avoid for Vata Dosha
Raw apples, watermelon, frozen or cold foods, dry fruits like popcorn, beans, crackers, grains like barley, buckwheat, couscous and millet, raw or dried vegetables, potatoes, barley, corn, chickpeas, split peas, yogurt, lamb, turkey, red wine, and chocolate. Limit your intake of stimulants like caffeine and nicotine.
Best foods for Pitta Dosha
- Vegetables like asparagus, cucumbers, celery, okra, lettuce, green beans sweet potatoes, leafy greens, pumpkins, broccoli, cauliflower and zucchini.
- Grains like wheat, white rice, barley and oats also helps to balance pitta.
- Meats like turkey, chicken should be consumed in moderation.
- Consume fruits like grapes, mango, pomegranate, pineapple, oranges, melon, cherries, coconut, avocado and plums.
- Use soothing spices in cooking like coriander, cardamom, saffron and fennel seeds.
Foods to avoid for Pitta Dosha
Apricots, avocado, pungent or sour vegetables like onion, tomatoes, hot peppers, carrots, beets, eggplant or raw leeks, soy sauce, salted butter, eggs, seafood, sour cream, beef, dark chicken, chili pepper, red or sweet wine, and chocolate. Warming spices like ginger, cumin, black pepper, fenugreek, chilli pepper, cayenne and cloves should be avoided completely.
Best foods for Kapha dosha
- Vegetables like asparagus, cucumbers, celery, okra, lettuce, green beans sweet potatoes, leafy greens, pumpkins, broccoli, cauliflower and zucchini.
- Grains like wheat, white rice, barley and oats also helps to balance pitta.
- Meats like turkey, chicken should be consumed in moderation.
- Consume fruits like grapes, mango, pomegranate, pineapple, oranges, melon, cherries, coconut, avocado and plums.
- Use soothing spices in cooking like coriander, cardamom, saffron and fennel seeds.
Foods to avoid for Kapha Dosha
Sweet or sour fruits like oranges, bananas, avocados, pineapples, peaches, melons, dates, grapefruit or figs, sweet or juicy vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber or zucchini. Eating oats, pasta, pancakes, rice, wheat, kidney beans, soft or hard cheese, fish, ketchup, alcohol, and chocolate.