What Is the Ayurvedic Diet? Foods, Doshas, and More

The Ayurvedic diet involves eating foods geared toward your mind-body type (aka dosha).

The Ayurvedic diet is a holistic approach to nutrition that promotes overall well-being and harmony. The diet encourages mind-body balance while considering factors like:

• season
• climate
• mental state
• your unique needs

Here’s everything you need to know!

Ayurveda is one of the oldest traditional medicine systems accepted globally. Ayurvedic nutritional wisdom emphasizes eating foods that work for your unique needs. In doing so, your relationship with food can become more than just getting some nutrients — it can become a sacred, meaningful act.

According to Ayurvedic tradition, eating consciously:

• prevents disease
• improves digestion
• delays the aging process
• regulates the metabolism
• corrects imbalances in the bod
• prevents unnecessary pain/suffering

Ayurveda breaks diets into three fundamental energies: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha is believed to control physiological and psychological functions in the human body, influencing health and well-being.

Everyone has a mix of all three doshas. But generally, one or two doshas are more dominant. Here’s an overview!

Vata

Vata is associated with people with a slim build, delicate frames, cold extremities, and dry skin. They tend to be light sleepers with sensitive digestion, displaying energy that varies in waves.

When out of sync, Vata folks may experience:

• insomnia
• weight loss
• anxiety
• nervousness
• restlessness
• aches and pains
• constipation
• arthritis
• weakness

Pitta

Pitta embodies individuals with a predominant Pitta tendency. They typically have a moderate build, a tendency to gain muscle quickly, and a warm or hot body temperature. They often have rosy, sensitive, or acne-prone skin and a moderate sleep pattern.

When Pitta peeps lack balance, they may experience:

• overheating
• heartburn
• indigestion
• burning sensations
• skin rashes
• ulcers

Kapha

Kapha is associated with people who tend to gain weight more easily, possess a solid frame, and maintain a more relaxed body temperature. They typically have smooth, oily skin and enjoy sound and prolonged periods of sleep.

When Kaphas are out of whack, they may experience:

• lethargy
• weight gain
• excessive sleep
• fluid retention
• allergies
• asthma
• diabetes
• depression

The Ayurvedic diet encourages you to eat foods that align with your natural taste preferences. Here are some examples of what to eat for each type.

Vata

Pitta

Kapha

The Ayurvedic diet may have originated thousands of years ago, but lots of people still implement the ancient wisdom into their day-to-day.

By identifying your dominant dosha or physiological type, you may be able to help correct some imbalances in your body and live better.