According to Ayurvedic teachings, doshas are energies that permeate both the mind and body. In any given person, a particular dosha may be more prominent than others, defining much of their physical, mental and spiritual qualities.
For instance, the Vata dosha corresponds to such qualities as coldness, dryness, and lightness. Vata types are often thin and agile. Emotionally, they are open to new experiences. They also tend to possess high levels of creativity.
Of course, when energy levels are not properly balanced, there can be consequences. Excess Vata may lead to fear, anxiety, being scatterbrained, struggling with insomnia, having an inconsistent appetite, and more.
Are you a Vata type? If so, you need to keep your energy levels in check by eating the right foods. With a Vata dosha food list, you can be certain you’re only eating that which supports your wellness, while avoiding that which disrupts energy levels. These tips will help:
Favor Sweet, Sour, & Salty Tastes
Vata dosha types with a sweet tooth are in luck. Of course, you need to make sure you’re eating the right sweets, like fruits and yogurt. Bananas, apples, grapes, and peaches are all great options to consider.
Sour foods also help to balance Vata dosha energy levels. One of the best ways to add more sourness to your diet is to enhance meals by adding an extra sour ingredient, as sour foods can be difficult to eat on their own. For instance, you might add a little bit of vinegar to one of your favorite foods, or squeeze some lemon juice into a glass of water before drinking it.
Vata types should also consume more salty foods. Just make sure you’re not overdoing it. Too much salt is always a bad thing. Getting proper amounts, however, can guard against the digestive issues associated with excess Vata. Additionally, when adding salt to food, stick with sea salt, which is more beneficial than most table salts.
What Vata Types Should Avoid
Just as there are foods which support energy balance in Vata types, there are also foods you should avoid if you’re a Vata type. In particular, it’s important to limit bitter, astringent, and pungent foods.
Bitter foods to avoid include many greens, some melons, eggplant, and dark chocolate. To reduce pungent foods in your diet, try not to add too many spices to meals, and avoid intense flavors found in chilies, raw onions, and any other foods with hot flavors. Astringent foods to limit in your diet include legumes, cranberries, broccoli, and lettuce.
Along with your Vata dosha food list, you should also develop a Vata dosha eating plan. Vata types benefit from routine and eating three meals at the same time each day. They also tend to enjoy eating in peaceful, calming environments.
Remember these points if you’re a Vata dosha type. While there are many, many benefits to Vata dosha energy, imbalances will always cause problems. Eating the right foods (and sticking to a routine schedule) will help you avoid them.
Reviewed by Dr. Jayant Lokhande, MD (Botanical Drugs), MBA (Biotechnology)
