Ayurvedic Diet: Personalized Eating Plans Based on Your Body Type

Probably one the oldest systems of medicine derived from nature and the earth is Ayurveda. Though often accounted to be hoax and a pseudo-scientific process, Ayurveda has its way of working in beneficial ways.

Instead of guessing what food to eat, Ayurveda prescribes a straightforward and simple way to eat healthy, i.e., according to your body type. The benefits of this diet will not only provide physical fitness but also a holistic and mental fitness. According to this practice, majority of the ailments that happen to us are due to the lack of proper food intake. “WE ARE WHAT WE EAT” is the motto of the Ayurveda diet and nutrition plan.

Ayurveda Diet Plan

The three body types according to Ayurveda are: Vata, Pitta, Kapha. Each body type has several characteristics that are unique to each body type. And therefore, we have the three different ayurveda body types diet. In this article, we explain all there of them in brief.

1. The KAPHA Body Type:

This one pertains to those who have the biggest body size in terms of the body frame – wide shoulders and hips and a sturdy frame. This body type is a reserve of stamina and strength.

• People with this body type are slow eaters and have a slow digestion.
• The Kapha “dosha” controls the moist tissues of the body and any disturbance in the Kapha causes the flu, allergies or asthma.
• Cold and wet weather aggravates the Kapha.
• Kapha individuals suffer from frequent sinus congestion, and to combat that they must include garlic or garlic supplements in their diet.
• To boost metabolism one must intake guggul (75-150 grams per day).
• As Kapha body types have sluggish metabolism, they need to follow a regular regime of exercise to keep excess body fat at bay.
• They must eat minimum fats and must have warm beverages.
• Intake of old grains (minimum one year) instead of new grains is advisable.
• Also consume lots of vegetables excluding or consuming the least of tubers.
• For sweeteners use honey instead of sugarcane products.
• Dairy products like lassi, low-fat or skimmed milk are preferable instead of cream, ghee and butter.
• Limit all meat consumption especially red meat and egg.
• Also eat small meals and don’t eat large portions at night.
• Limit the intake of salt.
  

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2. The VATA Body Type:

Vata body type governs the flow and motion inside the body.

• They are prone to dry skin, constipation, insomnia, and discomfort in joints, forgetfulness, and fatigue.
• They are underweight and get agitated easily.
• This body type needs large quantities of food but not more than what the body can digest easily.
• All dairy products pacify the Vata.
• Boiled milk should be consumed warm and never with a full meal.
• All sweeteners are compatible with this body type but in moderate quantities.
• Among grains, rice and wheat are good but consumption of barley, corn, oats, rye, millet must be reduced.
• Fruits are good for this body type too but fruits such as apples, pears, pomegranates, cranberries, and dried fruits should be taken in small quantities.
• Vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, sweet potatoes are good but must be taken cooked not raw.
• Peas, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, zucchini and potatoes in moderate quantities are allowed only when cooked in ghee or oil with less spices.
• It’s better to avoid sprouts and cabbage.
• Reduce all beans except tofu and moong dal.
  

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3. The PITTA Body Type:

 People with Pitta body type have Agni (fire) as a natural elemental character. They are of medium build with greater muscular development than the Vata type.

• They can preserve lots of body heat and have soft skin
• They have thin hair and may develop premature graying, baldness or excessive hair loss.
• Their skin flushes easily and they have a tendency to develop moles and freckles.
• Their skin is prone to acne and rashes and sun burn easily.
• They are advised to eat more cool, sweet and juicy foods and less acidic foods and sour, spicy, salty, oily foods.
• Vegetables like asparagus, bell pepper, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, corn, cucumber, lettuce, mushroom, peas, parsnip, potato, squash, zucchini, are good for this body type and avocado, beets, carrots, chilies, eggplant, olives, onion, pickles, radish, spinach, tomato, turnip should be consumed in lesser quantities.
• Fruits like apples, banana, dates, coconut, grapes, lychee, mango, melons, pomegranateare helpful and apricots, berries, cherries, citrus fruits, cranberries, papaya, peaches, pineapple, plums rhubarb must be eaten in lesser quantities.
• Barley, oats, rice, wheat must be given priority over corn, millet, rye, buckwheat.
• Unsalted butter, ghee, milk, soft cheeses, buttermilk, sweet lassi are better than sour cream, yogurt, hard cheeses, sour buttermilk, ice cream.
• Avoid soft drinks and alcohol and consume more water and fruit juices that will cool the system.

We hope this article helps you identify your perfect diet according to your body type. Do let us know if you tried the same and what results did you see.