Last week, we shared with you a meal-plan for Kapha-Pitta types. (Relate to this dosha type? Head over and read that article, now!)
This week, we’re going to address a complicated, confusing dosha type – the Vata-Pitta type!
Read on to know how you can find that perfectly balanced meal for Vata-Pitta combination dosha. (We have also prepared a meal plan for you! Read on to find out!)
When we speak of a Vata-Pitta Dosha type, we speak of a body constitution where both the Vata and Pitta doshas are present in a person in approximately equal strength.
Hence, taking care of a Vata-Pitta diet can feel a bit confusing! (Not sure what your dosha type is? Take this quiz and find out!)
But you might find it ‘good to know’ information, that the dual prakriti (body type) is the most common form of prakriti!
When one dosha is a hot dosha and is responsible for the warmth in your body and the other that makes you sensitive to excessive cold, it’s natural to wonder- what exactly does my diet need?
Should you eat cold foods or warm foods? Should you have alcohol at all, as it is supposed to be Pitta aggravating? Which oil is best for me?
The most essential action that you can take is to listen to your body!
The dosha which is aggravated or depleted will need your attention.
Pitta dosha symptoms are different than Vata dosha symptoms and Kapha dosha symptoms. So, when a dosha is aggravated, consume foods that have properties opposite to that of the dosha in question.
On the other hand, if your body shows symptoms that point towards the depletion of a dosha, consume foods with the same properties of that particular dosha.
With all that said, here is another question that might have popped up in your mind!
How to maintain a balanced Vata-Pitta Diet?
What if both of your doshas are balanced?
Then, all that you need to do is follow certain Ayurvedic guidelines to keep the equilibrium!
The Pitta in your Prakriti, having a ‘hot’ property will prompt you for cold food. Vata, however, demands warm and freshly cooked food. You need to primarily follow the Pitta Dosha while taking the Vata dosha also into consideration.
Here are 8 Ayurveda approved guidelines that will keep the two doshas in the desired state of equilibrium. These will come in handy when you are choosing a meal plan!
- Eat fresh, slightly warm and mildly spiced food. Include foods with cooling properties like zucchini, rice, and coconut.
- To tend to the Vata properties, the food ought to be easily digestible, cooked with some fat and not raw. Cold beverages tend to derange digestion and aggravate Vata and should be avoided.
- Eat small quantities of food at regular intervals instead of big meals in one go. This is particularly good for those following the Vata-Pitta diet.
- Sit and eat in a calm place and eat slowly. Chew the food properly. Eating while walking, working and talking is likely to cause gas, indigestion, and acidity for Vata-Pitta types.
- Liquids should be taken an hour prior or an hour after meals so as to not dilute the digestive juices. A few sips while eating, though, is acceptable.
- Eat lightly cooked food.
- Lunch should be the largest meal of the day and breakfast and dinner should be lighter. You may take snacks in the form of fruits, seeds, raisins or nuts in between meals.
- Nuts should be pre-soaked in water for 8-10 hrs. Soups and fresh buttermilk (in the daytime) are also good choices.
Do you follow any of the above Ayurvedic guidelines already? Tell us in the comments.
If you would like to learn more about Ayurvedic nutrition and how different foods affect the doshas, check out this Ayurvedic course on Holistic Nutrition by Todd Caldecott.
Here is what Ayurveda says about the Vata-Pitta pacifying foods!
(Save it for when you plan your next meal!)
Tastes To Avoid
Sour and salty tastes pacify Vata however they aggravate Pitta.
Whereas Bitter and astringent tastes (as in salads) pacify Pitta but aggravate Vata.
It might be harder to avoid the aggravation in both these doshas at once.
What can be done in such situations?
So, if both the constituent doshas are aggravated then a sweet taste must be used to pacify them.
That does not mean that all you must eat is sweets (even though that sounds delightful!)
Foods like barley, wheat, brown rice, and zucchini all have a sweet taste. In other situations, specific tastes as per the condition of the constituent doshas are to be used.
To make things seamlessly easy for you, we have prepared a food chart for your future reference. It will be immensely helpful for your new food plan!
Now that we have the knowledge of the foods that should be consumed by a Vata-Pitta dosha constituent, let us learn about how to properly plan the meals for the entire day.
If you have any doubts regarding these plans, feel free to ask us in the comments!
What is the Suggested Meal Plan According to Ayurveda for an Entire Day?
Breakfast
Honey is used in a number of recipes and rituals because of its extremely potent nature. So why not start the day with the sweet punch of nature?!
- Start your day with one tablespoon of honey dissolved in a glass of room-temperature water. Honey water is particularly beneficial for Vata-Pitta types that have gained weight over the years, a deviation from the typical characteristics of Vata-Pitta dosha. You can even lose a few pounds with this ritual, coupled with regular exercise!
You can add 10 almonds and 10 raisins, soaked overnight, to your breakfast.
You can add a piece of fruit like an apple and some herbal tea too.
- Another option can be a glass of milk or milk alternative with any of the above-mentioned additions. Another piece of fruit with herbal tea or fresh buttermilk at mid-morning is an ideal snack.
If you would like to learn more about Ayurvedic nutrition and how different foods affect the doshas, check out this Ayurvedic course on Holistic Nutrition by Todd Caldecott.
Lunch
Lunch can be a mix of cereals, suitable vegetables, and suitable animal proteins.
- Turkey, moong beans, and yellow lentils along with vegetables and salads are good choices.
- Salads being raw, should only be eaten in the daytime and in the summer season. They should be dressed in fresh cream, olive oil or a little butter.
- Vinegar-based dressings should be avoided. Fresh lime juice may be used if you do not have acute acidity.
- Favor cooked vegetables over raw vegetables at all times.
- If you take a late afternoon snack, you may have herbal tea again with steamed sprouted moong or two egg whites with buttered whole-wheat toast.
Dinner
- Dinner can be cereal, bean or lentil dish along with vegetables or vegetable soups.
- Lean meat is also a good choice for the Vata-Pitta diet.
- You could also have a cup of warm milk or coconut milk with raw sugar.
Please consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before following the above-mentioned dietary guidelines for Vata-Pitta dosha type.
Cultivating a healthy eating habit is one of the primes that is essential for maintaining a healthy body weight, glowing and young-looking skin, healthy mind space and a good, healthy life at large.
It is no secret that a time tested, and proven method will definitely work and Ayurveda is one such wisdom. It has been in existence for more than 5000 years now, and nothing can be a more reliable and credible testament than that of time!
An ideal Ayurvedic diet has the potential to help with so many modern and urban woes related to lifestyle, including overall health. And following these Ayurvedic guidelines and developing an ayurvedic eating habit can bring about a great deal of change in your overall well-being.
What does your daily diet plan look like? What is that one eating practice that made a visible difference to your lifestyle? Share with us in the comments below.