Leena Mahtani
Ayurveda comes from the ancient Indian language Sanskrit and literally means "Knowledge of Life."
The Ayurvedic approach to life involves listening to and addressing your body's unique needs. It also involves recognizing and balancing your mental and emotional states while deepening your connection with spirit—your essential self.
In Ayurveda, you eat according to your ‘Dosha’: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Vata is composed of the elements of air and ether
Pitta is composed of the elements of fire and water
Kapha is composed of the elements of water and earth
Vata types are generally thin and find it hard to gain weight. Vatas need to get sufficient rest and not overdo things, as they can tire easily.
Pitta types are generally medium sized and well proportioned. They also tend to be intelligent, with a sharp wit.
Kapha types tend to have sturdy, heavy frames. They are prone to gain weight easily. They often tend to have a positive outlook on life.
So, what does this mean, and how does it apply to you?
In Ayurveda, it is believed that each person is governed by one dominant dosha and eating according to your dosha optimises overall health and wellbeing.
Vata
Balances: Sweet fruits, apricots, avocado, bananas, berries, grapes, melons, asparagus, beets, cucumber, garlic, radishes, zucchini.
Aggravates: Dried fruits, apples, cranberries, pears, watermelons, broccoli, cabbage, cauli ower, raw onions.
Pitta
Balances: Sweet fruits, avocado, coconut, figs, mango, prunes, sweet and bitter vegetables, cabbage, cucumber, okra, potatoes.
Aggravates: Sour fruits, berries, bananas, plums, oranges, lemon, pungent vegetables, garlic, onions.
Kapha
Balances: Apples, apricots, berries, cherries, cranberries, mangos, peaches, pungent and bitter vegetables, broccoli, celery, garlic, onion.
Aggravates: Sweet and sour fruits, bananas, coconut, melons, papaya, sweet and juicy vegetables, potatoes, tomatoes.
There are many suggestions in Ayurveda which are easy to incorporate into your routine.
Such as:
- Eating mainly seasonal fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains.
- Eat according to your constitution, or dosha.
- Fast for one day every two weeks.
- Establish a regular eating routine.
- Eliminate or limit caffeinated, carbonated and alcoholic beverages from your life.
- Drink herbal tea, fruit and vegetable juices.