Ayurvedic diet: Ayurvedic Eating Principles

 

Let’s talk about the four basic characteristics of the Ayurvedic diet: Customization, Improving Digestion, Consuming fresh foods, and finally, favoring a plant-based diet.

So what's an Ayurvedic diet? Some people might think it's an Indian diet. Although Ayurveda originates in India, the ayurvedic diet can be adapted anywhere using local ingredients and cuisines. Most of all, the ayurvedic diet is a diet that is in tune with nature. What does that mean? It means that the diet is in synchrony with the seasons, times of day, and the individual.

Let's take a look at first how ayurveda modifies the diet according to the seasons. With the change of seasons, our bodies also change and so does our digestion. We are adapting to the seasons. In the winter, we are trying to stay warm and even gain weight, and store a bit of extra fat to keep us warm. In order to accomplish this, our appetite increases. We crave heavier and oilier foods to keep the body warm and nourished. In the spring it's time to detox. With the arrival of the warm weather, the toxins that accumulated in our body begin to melt and they can make us tired and sluggish. So we need to help the body remove these toxins by eating a light diet and do an easy cleanse. In the spring our digestion is not as strong as in the winter, so we need to eat lighter foods. In the summer, because of the heat, we have to make sure we keep our body cool and avoid heating foods and favor cooling foods.

For example, pungent and sour foods are heating, but sweet and bitter foods are cooling. Rose water, coconut water, and sweet juicy fruits, such as watermelon are great to consume in the summer. So Ayurveda modifies the diet according to the seasons, so that you are in line with nature's patterns around you, which will keep your body and digestion in optimal condition.

Similarly, Ayurveda pays attention to the times of day. For example, in the morning, our digestion is not that strong, so a big heavy breakfast of eggs and bacon is not ideal. But a light breakfast of fruits, a smoothie, or cooked cereal can satisfy your hunger. The same goes for dinner. it’s best to eat a light dinner, so that we can sleep better. Lunch time is the best for your biggest meal, because your digestion is the strongest.

In addition to adjusting your diet to the seasons and times of day, Ayurveda also customizes your diet to your body type. Depending on your build, the strength of your digestion, and your mental patterns, Ayurveda works to balance the individual by recommending foods that will support your unique body type. So customization is one of the main features of an ayurvedic diet. Adapting to the seasons time of day and the individual body type.

The second principle of an ayurvedic diet is the focus on supporting digestion with spices. Spices not only improve the flavor of food, they support our digestion and have many additional health benefits. For example, spices can help reduce acidity, minimize gas, and break down proteins and fats.

The third principle of an ayurvedic diet is the use of fresh and preferably organic ingredients. Ayurvedic cooks like to prepare meals from scratch, and do not like to use processed, canned, or frozen ingredients They also discourage the consumption of leftovers, as these are considered heavy and difficult to digest.

Principle number four. Ayurveda recommends a plant-based diet. It favors legumes, grains, vegetables, fruits, and small amounts of dairy. Meat is not necessary but can be eaten on occasion. Ayurveda considers the effect of food on the mind and consciousness and from this perspective the consumption of meat, fish, and eggs are not as favorable, as they have a negative dulling effect on the mind. So these are the main characteristics of the ayurvedic diet.

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