Ayurvedic diets consist of a variety of healthful meals that are quick to digest, packed with nutrients, and able to enhance gut health. Holistic foods are absorbed differently, thanks to the utilisation of traditional Ayurvedic techniques [6].
Since we require different dietary sources at various times of the year, the Ayurvedic diet always adjusts to the season. It’s necessary to consume a diet that balances whichever dosha is peaking due to the season, regardless of what a person’s dosha is. Vata and pitta are thought to peak in the summer, late winter and early spring, and late winter and early winter, respectively.
What is an Ayurvedic Diet?
Based on their body type, each person needs a distinct kind of diet. According to Ayurvedic diet recommendations, a person with a high Vata constitution or Vata imbalances may focus on wet meals to combat the effects of dryness in the body. But a Kapha-dominant person can balance the weight of Kapha with light, drier, and simple-to-digest foods. Aligning with the season and time of day can also improve digestion and diet [2].
According to Ayurveda, maintaining and promoting sattva—a clear mental state of truth, contentment, and stability—can be done by eating a Sattvic diet [4].
Ayurvedic Diet Recommendations for a Healthy Eating Plan
Consume as much fresh produce as possible. Cook only as much as you need for the day, or at most, the next day. Old food contains little or no life energy (Prana). Wherever possible, avoid canned, preserved, frozen, or microwaved foods [2].Â
 Take note of how your body feels and how strong your appetite is. Consume only enough light foods to satisfy your hunger. Consume in moderation [2].
If you’re eating a lot of food, merely eat enough to satisfy half your appetite. It is tough to digest heavy foods. Eat only light foods if you are sick [2]
Ayurvedic Diet Benefits
Following an ayurvedic diet plan can have several benefits such as [5]:
- Because it encourages the consumption of whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes, the Ayurvedic diet may help guard against chronic disease and promote improved health.
- Because the Ayurvedic diet emphasises nutrient-dense whole foods, it may aid in weight loss.
- Aside from the things you eat, mindfulness is an important component of the Ayurvedic diet. Mindful eating may also improve self-control and foster a positive relationship with food.
Food Combinations to Stay Away from on an Ayurvedic Diet
Poor food pairings might immediately reduce digestive fire and produce toxins. Be mindful of your food pairings. Incorporating some ayurvedic herbs and foods into your diet while avoiding particular food combinations is crucial for good eating [2]:
- Milk, fruit, or yoghurt shouldn’t be combined with milk.
- When eating radishes, cherries, tomatoes, potatoes, bananas, melons, pork, fish, eggs, citrus fruits, and bread, stay away from milk.
- Any form of the melon shouldn’t be combined with other dishes.
- Keep fresh fruit away from meals (cooked fruits can be eaten with cooked meals)
- Avoid consuming dairy items containing animal protein, such as milk, eggs, cheese, and cream.
- A meal shouldn’t have both heavy and light items, such as cheese and crackers
