Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an Indian system of healing that dates back 5,000 years. The beauty of the Ayurvedic diet is that it doesn’t focus on abstract dietary factors such as calorie count. Instead it emphasizes at the sensual qualities of food: the five tastes and also the physical properties: dry or oily, heavy or light, hot or cold, soft or hard. This makes ayurvedic nutritional guidelines easy and enjoyable.
People who are anxious or depressed, have to some degree, lost touch with the inner wisdom of their bodies. Paying attention to the taste, quality and sensuality of food helps them reconnect with their inner wisdom. It brings them back into their bodies, and back into the present in a healthy way.
According to ayurveda there are three constitutional types or doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha. Each dosha has its own specific nutritional guidelines:
Vata
Vata has a light, airy, dry quality to it. Those with a vata nature tend to be slim with slightly dry skins. They are usually talkative, creative and flexible, but when out of balance they become easily confused and overwhelmed. Emotionally they are challenged by cool emotions such as worry, fear, and anxiety.
Vata is cold, light, and dry so prepare food that is warm, heavy, moist, oily or creamy
Eat more sweet, sour and salty foods and less astringent, bitter and pungent foods
Follow a regular daily routine: eating, sleeping, work
Pitta
Those with a pitta nature tend to be hot and fiery. They are usually muscular with oily, ruddy and warm skins. Pitta people are focused, competitive, and courageous. They can however become overly intense. Emotionally they are challenged by the heated emotions of anger, resentment and jealousy.
Pitta is hot, light, and wet or oily, favor cooling, heavier and drier foods
Eat more sweet, bitter and astringent foods and less spicy, sour and salty foods
Keep yourself cool, mind and body
Katha
Kapha is a predominance of the water and earth elements. Those with a kapha nature tend to have large, stocky frames and are prone to gaining weight. They are stable, cool and relaxed. Kapha types love comfort but too much can lead to a lack of motivation and feeling of becoming stuck. They are challenged by the heavy emotions of depression and lethargy.
Kapha is cold, heavy, wet, and congesting so eat light, warm and dry foods
Eat more spicy, bitter and astringent foods and less sweet, sour and salty foods
Lively and invigorating music, smells, experiences and company.
