Introduction

An ayurvedic diet is one that is based on the principles of Ayurvedic medicine, which promotes maintaining balance. Based on your life force or dosha you are encouraged to follow meal plans that support your dominant dosha. This boosts wellbeing and other benefits such as weight loss and mental wellness. For some people the doshas are perfectly balanced and they share the characteristics of all three dosha. Such individuals should follow an ayurveda Vata Pitta Kapha Tridoshic diet.

Boosting your health and wellbeing through Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient form of medicine that is a life science because it goes beyond being a mere system to treat illnesses. It offers wisdom regarding our bodies with treatments designed to help us maintain a vibrant and healthy life while reaching our full potentials.

How important is food and diet according to ayurvedic principles?

Nutrition is one of the basic principles of ayurveda, because a nourishing diet helps establish balance between the Vata Pitta and Kapha dosha. This in turn helps create the very necessary balance between our minds, bodies and spirits for wellbeing. An ayurvedic diet is based on each person’s individual needs based on the constitutional type to ignite the digestive fire. Another goal of an ayurvedic diet is to provide optimal nutrition to strengthen the immune response.

What is meant by a Tridoshic diet?

Some Tridoshic people enjoy all the benefits of a balanced constitution while other triple doshic people tend towards imbalance quicker. These people have to be very disciplined in their healthy habits to maintain their balance.

A Tridoshic diet is a diet suitable for all three doshas meaning that it is universally balanced and suitable for all whatever the age, health status and weight of the individual.

Ayurvedic Doshas

The three doshas that form our life forces are:

Vata – The subtle energy of movement

Pitta – This is the energy of the metabolism and digestion

Kapha – The body’s structure is formed by this energy

Why is it important to balance these doshas?

Not everyone has the unique constitution of tridosha. Most of us normally have one of the three doshas in dominance. It is important not to let this dosha get too out of control as it then causes change to the whole physiology of your body. Changes which will make you feel out of balance or out of sorts within yourself.

How do you follow a Tridoshic diet?

Below are some general guidelines to following a tridosha diet and how to make it part of your daily routine. However, as ayurveda always stresses, we are all unique beings and as such you should follow what is best for you based on what makes you feel healthy.

Best times to consume meals?

It is best to finish eating completely by 7pm. Make lunch your heaviest meal with dinner being your lightest. 

Types of food to include in your diet

Opt for seasonal vegetables and fruits, based on whether it is spring and summer or fall and early winter. Include legumes, grains into your diet. Add a variety of colours to your diet to ensure you are getting a great variety of nutrients. 

Prepare dishes at home using herbal oils such as sesame oil and loads of herbs and spices, again those appropriate for the season. Not only do these add mouth watering flavours but they also help with your gut health. 

Aim to always include diverse tastes to satisfy the six main tastes of sweet, bitter, sour, salty, pungent and astringent to pacify Vata Pitta Kapha dosha through the variety. As it satisfies all your taste requirements you will not crave unhealthy food later on.

Eating habits such as these should be part of your daily routine and ayurvedic lifestyle habits you adopt.

By creating an atmosphere of serenity in the area you cook by keeping it tidy and peaceful you will find meal preparations easier to handle and less stressful to do. Once you start enjoying meal prepping you are on your way to enjoying healthy eating.

Conclusion

A Tridoshic diet is all about including foods that will help you maintain your dosha balance, gain optimal nutrition to strengthen your immune and nervous systems to maintain good health and wellness.