Ayurveda emphasizes balance and harmony in all aspects of life, including diet. Here I will show you three easy ways to change your relationship with food.
- Eat according to your Dosha: After taking the quiz identify your primary dosha and eat foods that balance it. For example: If you have Vata dosha, you might focus on warm, moist and grounding foods like soups and stews. By its nature, Vata is often unpredictable, lively, and constantly on the move. Therefore, creating a calm, tidy, and uncluttered eating space, along with mealtimes free from distractions, helps to calm and ground Vata. Practicing mindful eating can be incredibly helpful in this process. This means dedicating your full attention to the nourishment your meal provides. It’s important to avoid eating when you’re feeling anxious, worried, or distracted, as these emotions can disrupt the digestive process. Someone with a Pitta dosha might benefit from cooling, less spicy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables. For Pitta’s there’s often a tendency to rush through meals, bypassing the importance of mindful eating. But true nourishment begins when we slow down and honor the sacred act of eating. Sit in a peaceful space, free from the pressures of work and distractions. Allow yourself the time to fully engage with your meal, not just in body but in spirit. Avoid eating when anger or frustration clouds your mind, as these emotions can hinder digestion. Instead, bring your full presence to each bite, remembering that food is not just fuel, but a way to nourish and balance your entire being. A Kapha dosha might be balanced with light, spicy and dry foods. For those with a Kapha constitution, food can often become a source of emotional comfort: whether it’s to soothe nerves, ease anxiety, or numb feelings of sadness or worry. This tendency can lead to overeating, bingeing, or mindless grazing. Cultivating mindful eating practices is especially crucial in these moments. Be gentle with yourself and recognize the patterns that pull you toward indulgent foods; whether it’s the call of sweets, bread, cheese, or those late-night trips to the kitchen. Acknowledge your emotions without seeking solace in food, and instead, nourish your body with intention, allowing each meal to be a reflection of care and balance.
- Follow and Eating Routine: Ayurveda suggest us eating at regular times each day helps mantain balances and supports digestion. So please try to eat your meals at the same times each day. For example: Have breakfast around 7-8am, lunch (the largest meal) around noon-2pm and a lighter dinner around 6-7pm. This routine helps align your eating habits with your body’s natural rhythms.
- Eat Mindfully and with Gratitude: Ayurveda places importance on the mental and our emotional state during eating, suggesting us that the way we eat can affect how well we digest and benefit from our food. Before eating then, take a moment to express gratitude for your food. Remember to eat in a calm environment, avoiding distractions like TV or phones. Chew your food throughly and savor each bite. This practice not only improves digestion but also foster a more positive and respectful relationship with the food.
