By: Marty S.
Simply put, fad diets are bad news. You may have seen some of these on your social media accounts or heard of a few from a close friend. These fad diets may try to convince you to eat a certain type of food or stop eating that food completely if you want to lose weight. However, if you’re not careful, these fad diets may be depriving your body of nutrients it needs to sustain itself. Over time, these fad diets may not work at all and may actually cause weight gain; they could also lead to thinning hair, hair fall, and dull, lackluster skin.
Rather than succumb to those unnecessary fad diets, you can follow an Ayurvedic diet that has been time-tested for thousands of years. It’s quite simple: you eat according to your “dosha”, which relates to your body type. Understanding your dosha can not only help you balance your diet, but it can also help you balance your lifestyle and get glowing, youthful skin. Today, you will learn what the three doshas are and how you can build an Ayurvedic diet for yourself. We will go over a general outline of this topic, but if anything we discuss interests you, we highly recommend speaking to an Ayurvedic practitioner to get even more information.
1. Vata
The “vata” dosha in Ayurveda corresponds to the air and ether elements in our natural world. Physically, those with a vata dosha tend to have a slender frame, struggle with dry, rough skin, and prefer warm, humid places over cold, dry ones. Mentally, Vatas tend to be creative, enthusiastic, and lively. However, if there is an imbalance of vata, you may start to experience anxiety and constipation.
To balance a vata dosha, your diet should consist of sweet, salty, and sour foods, and all of your meals should be warm, cooked, and heavy. The same is true for your beverages; Vatas should favor warm drinks over cold ones. A vata dosha needs their meals to provide a lot of nourishment and heat to their body in order to counteract the inherent dryness and coldness that comes with this dosha profile. For example, cooked rice, cooked vegetables, and ripe fruit are very favorable to Vatas; it is also encouraged to add a healthy amount of oils and mild spices to your meals when you cook them. In contrast, Vatas should try to avoid foods that are bitter, cold, dry, spicy, and astringent.
In addition, Vatas benefit the most when sticking to a routine. Therefore, you should strive to eat 3 small, warm meals throughout the day and stick to that schedule when you can; you may also choose to have a few snacks during the afternoon.
Related: ROOP Ayurvedic glow enhancing serum for skin prone to dark spots & hyperpigmentation.
2. Pitta
The “pitta” dosha in Ayurveda corresponds to the fire and water elements in our natural world. Physically, those with a pitta dosha tend to have a medium build and acne-prone skin. Mentally, Pittas tend to have a “fiery” personality and are competitive, aggressive, and energetic. However, if there is an imbalance of pitta, you may start to become more short-tempered and develop heartburn, indigestion, and/or irritated skin.
To balance a pitta dosha, your diet should consist of sweet, bitter, and astringent foods, and all of your meals should be cooling (but not cold) rather than warm or hot. The same is true for your beverages; Pittas should favor cold and lukewarm drinks over hot ones. A pitta dosha needs their meals to pacify the body and mind in order to prevent overheating and exhaustion. For example, sweet, ripe fruit (coconuts and bananas) and bitter vegetables (Brussels sprouts and cauliflower) are very favorable to Pittas. In contrast, Pittas should try to avoid foods that are hot, spicy, sour, salty, oily, and fermented.
In addition, Pittas have a tendency to skip meals so it is important to eat 3 meals a day, at regular intervals.
3. Kapha
The “kapha” dosha in Ayurveda corresponds to the earth and water elements in our natural world. Physically, those with a kapha dosha tend to have a larger build and soft, smooth skin, Mentally, Kaphas are calm and relaxed. However, if there is an imbalance of kapha, you may start to become stubborn, lazy, and more prone to weight gain.
To balance a kapha dosha, your diet should consist of bitter, astringent, spicy, and dry foods. A Kapha dosha also needs to ensure that their meals are warm and light in order to stimulate the body and mind, promote digestion, and prevent overeating. The same is true for your beverages; Kaphas should favor warm drinks over cold ones. For example, dried fruits and bitter vegetables (Brussels sprouts and cauliflower) are very favorable to Kaphas; it is also encouraged to add a healthy amount of spices to your meals when you cook them. In contrast, Kaphas should try to avoid foods that are oily, fatty, sweet, salty, sour, and cold.
In addition, it is recommended that Kaphas eat 3 regular meals a day, but skipping breakfast is completely fine. Regardless, lunch should be your biggest meal of the day, and dinner should be a light meal.
Related: 3 Ayurvedic Foods to Eat for flawless, glowing, ageless skin at all ages.
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2 comments
I am a big fan of apsara products and find it really leaves my skin looking young and feeling so soft glowing.
I have dry skin . What is the home remedies for glowing skin to get fair and remove tan . How often we can apply the home remidies.