Today’s fitness and wellness industry is consumed by fast changing diet trends that change from season to season. Whether it is Keto, Intermittent fasting or raw veganism, the modern fads have dominated the wellness industry. But still people worldwide are moving towards the holistic Wellness system of Ayurveda.
This ancient Indian wisdom has preserved its authenticity and healing throughout centuries and generations. It not only offers the art of eating right but the art of eating as a means of medicine to balance energy, body and mind. The Ayurvedic diet secrets focus on not just what one should eat but about how and when should they eat as per their body’s constitution to consume food as not only a means of replenishment but as medicine.
Ayurveda addresses people as per their body’s constitution. So when it would recommend a person’s diet, it is not just based on the regional availability and seasons but on the person’s Dosha imbalances. So that it can create harmony and balance his energies. In this guide we shall be exploring some Ayurveda dietary secrets that promote energy, digestion and weight management.
Understanding the body's constitution
Ayurveda does not believe in a one size fits all concept. It addresses each person as per his unique constitution – Prakriti. This prakriti is defined by three doshas prominently which are Vata, Pitta and the Kapha and how they govern the emotional and physical aspects of the person.
For instance, Vata is made up of the Air and Earth elements and is linked to movement and creativity. When there is imbalance in Vata dosha it affects the eating patterns and leads to constipation and anxiety.
Pitta which is made up of the fire and water elements dominates metabolism and digestion. When there is imbalance with the Pitta dosha it results in anger, inflammation issues and acidity.
The Kapha is made up of the earth and water elements and rules the stability and endurance of the body. Aggravated Kapha can lead to weight gain, water retention and fatigue. So to treat these dosha imbalances Ayurveda recommends customized dietary charts and herbal remedies to bring back balance in the body.
Treating doshas with food as medicine
Ayurveda believes in food to be a means of medicine. People who have aggravated Vata disorders should go for warm food such as soups, properly cooked vegetables, ghee and sweet fruits. Ayurveda recommends avoiding cold foods, carbonated drinks and dry snacks So as to Offer healthy fats to the body.
For pitta aggravated people it is recommended to consume cooling foods coconut and consumption of herbal teas induced with mint and coriander to work on the body heat. It is suggested to avoid spicy and fermented foods that can lead to body heat.
For Kapha Aggravated issues it is suggested to consume light foods preferably grains such as Millet and quinoa along with spices such as Ginger and turmeric to kick start digestion. It is suggested to avoid sugary, deep fried and heavy foods that stress the metabolism. Ayurveda treatment Kerala emphasizes on eating as per the Dosha type to heal the body naturally and gently.
Following the body clock to consume food in a healthy manner
The reason that the ayurvedic diet works wonders is because Ayurveda not only recommends what to eat but also when to eat. It specifically suggests to follow the body’s clock in alignment with the sun so as to fix Body’s natural rhythm, metabolism and digestion.
The Ayurvedic textbooks emphaize upon healing the digestive fire and its direct relation to the sun. Ayurveda recommends one to begin their day with the sun, eat a light and nourishing breakfast to gently awaken the digestion and to have their heaviest meals in the afternoon time when the sun is also at its peak. This is because heavy meals that include proteins, grains, salads etc can be easily consumed by the body in the noon time because of the highest efficiency of digestive fire being in the afternoon time. And keeping the dinner simple around sunset with easily digestible food such as lightly cooked stews and soups so that the body can easily digest it and prepare for a peaceful slumber.
Ayurvedic and mindful eating
Perhaps the best ayurveda diet is eating mindfully and consciously. Today’s modern life is often dominated by stress and this leads to the act of eating as a mechanical act which people do while they are engaged with screen timings or scrolling or even rushing through their meals.
Ayurveda recommends one to consciously and mindfully eat so as to keep their digestion healthy. It is suggested to choose a calm environment, chew the food slowly and thoroughly while engaging all the five senses in eating. It is also recommended to express gratitude before the meals so that it not only sets a positive tone but makes one humble towards how foods reach their plate.
Consuming spices to heal
Spices are an integral part of India diet. It is not only used as condiments, but as a means of healing the body rationally. Spices such as coriander, black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon etc are used in everyday cooking because they have healing properties and they not only aid in digestion but also improve immunity and balance the doshas.
For instance turmeric has been known to reduce inflammation and detoxification. Cumin has been proven to improve digestion, Coriander is good for balancing the pitta dosha because of its cooling effects, Fenugreek has been known to control blood sugar and aid weight management. The consumption of these spices in addition to making the food delicious also help in natural detoxification and removal of toxins.
Conclusion
As people globally are turning towards sustainable eating and treating food not just as a part of their Dinacharya but as a means of conscious replenishment. The time tested wisdom of Ayurveda has gained back its relevance and acceptance with its deeply personalized diet charts that work on balancing the body’s doshas and energies. And, Ayurveda courses Kerala teach one the right way of eating and treating food as a means of true nourishment.
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