An Ayurvedic Diet Plan For Your Dosha

Ayurveda is based on the concept that every person’s body is based on three doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) and the imbalance in any of these results in diseases. The philosophy of Ayurveda is its emphasis on prevention and living a long and healthy life. 

There are three doshas present within us: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These doshas describe the state of our body. At birth each individual has one dosha which is predominant. When our doshas are all in balance we are healthy, however, when any of the doshas goes out of balance then we develop diseases. An ayurvedic diet according to our bodily constitution helps to maintain a balance of our doshas.

Vata is a cold and dry dosha. To stay balanced vata people should avoid dry, cold and windy climates. Warm food and drinks should be favoured by people who are Vata dominant. For those with Vata imbalance cold food, drinks and raw vegetables should be avoided. Unripe fruits also disturb a person with Vata imbalance. They should also avoid caffeine and sweets.

Favourable Vegetables

Sweet potatoes, radish, cucumber, asparagus, carrots, green beans, onions, beetroot, garlic

Vegetables in Moderation

Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Celery, zucchini, potatoes, leafy greens, eggplant, peas

*Avoid raw vegetables, unripened fruits and dried fruits

Favourable Fruits

Ripe fruits, bananas, berries, grapefruit, mangoes, plums, papaya, coconut, sweet melons

Fruits in Moderation

Pomegranate, Pears, Cranberries

Favourable Grains

Cooked rice, cooked oats

Grains in Moderation

Millet, wheat and barley

Dairy

Milk, butter, yoghurt, cheese

Meat

In small quantity: chicken, seafood, turkey

Favourable Beans

Chickpeas, mung beans, pink lentils, tofu

Beans in Moderation

Kidney beans

Oils

Sesame oil, ghee, olive oil

Nuts

All are favourable in small amounts. Almonds are best.

Herbs

Avoid using spices in large quantities. Saffron and turmeric should be used in moderation.

Pitta people have more fire in them and as a result have better digestion and appetite. Pitta people should try to keep cool at all times and choose cooler times of the day to exercise.

 

Favourable Vegetables

Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, radishes, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, green beans, green (sweet) peppers, leafy green vegetables

Vegetables in Moderation

Aubergine, onion, tomatoes, hot peppers, chillies, and beets.

Favourable Fruits

Bananas, avocados, cherries, coconuts, figs, mangoes, melons, oranges

Fruits in Moderation

Apricot, apples, berries, sour cherries

Favourable Grains

White basmati rice, wheat and barley

Grains in Moderation

Brown rice, millet and rye

Dairy

Butter

Meat

Small amounts of Chicken, shrimp, turkey, and river fish.

Favourable Beans

Chickpeas, mung beans, red lentils, tofu and other soybean products (not fermented).

Beans in Moderation

Black gram, black lentils, and Ar har Dal.

Oils

Olive, soy, sunflower, and grapeseed oil.

Nuts

Coconut, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds.

Herbs

All spices should generally be avoided by Pitta people as they are heating. The following spices can be used in small amounts, cardamom, cumin, fennel, mint, saffran, turmeric, black pepper and cinnamon.

 

Kapha people maintain their balance by eating lightly cooked food and raw fruits and vegetables. They need to stop themselves from eating too much sweet and fatty food and reduce salt to avoid water retention.

 

Favourable Vegetables

Asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, eggplant, garlic, green vegetables, lettuce, mushrooms, okra, onions, peas peppers, potatoes, radishes, spinach, and sprouts.

Vegetables in Moderation

Zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet potatoes

Favourable Fruits

Apples, cherries, pomegranate, prunes, papaya, cranberries, dried fruits are good for Kapha dominant people

Fruits in Moderation

Mangoes, bananas, coconuts, figs

Favourable Grains

Basmati rice, barley, buckwheat

Grains in Moderation

Steamed and hot grains should be avoided 

Dairy

Cows milk, goat milk

Meat

Small amounts of Chicken, turkey, and fish

Favourable Beans

All beans are favourable

Beans in Moderation

Kidney beans and tofu

Oils

Olive, sunflower, and grapeseed oil.

Nuts

Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flax seeds.

Herbs

All spices are good