Balancing the Vata!

In our previous posts, we spoke about how a Vata body type reacts physically and emotionally, when in balance and also when out of balance. As we already know how every Dosha is associated with different seasons… Vata Dosha builds up during the summer and aggravates during the rainy season causing weakened digestion, stress, and other related symptoms.

But there is nothing that a healthy lifestyle comprising of good food with adequate amount of nutrients can’t prevent. Food that keeps the body warm - predominately cooked, sweet, salty and sour, is ideal for the Vata body type.

Here is more on the kind of foods one should eat and avoid, in order to balance the Vata in the body:

Eat:

· Food that is naturally sweet, sour and salty in taste.

· Food that warms the body, and provides adequate energy and soothes the body - fresh and properly cooked meal is a must.

· Sipping warm water and herbal teas throughout the day enhances warmth and hydration and helps the Vatas maintain their body temperature, which is generally cold.

· Warming spices like ginger, black pepper, cinnamon and cumin, but not extremely hot spices like red chilli powder.

· Vegetables like asparagus, beets, carrots, cucumber, garlic, green beans, cooked onions, sweet potatoes, radishes, turnips and leafy greens in moderation.

· Fruits like avocadoes, bananas, berries, figs, lemons, plums, peaches, papaya, grapes and mangoes.

· Poultry and seafood.

· A limited selection of legumes, including moong dal, tofu or soy products including soy milk spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.

· A generous amount of high-quality oils or ghee.

Apart from eating right, the Vata body type has to make sure that the food is warm when eaten, and is eaten in a good environment and not in a hurry, and most importantly, is taken at a regular interval.

Avoid eating:

· Food that is bitter, acidic and pungent.

· Food that is cooling; this is because the Vata body type already has a cold temperature.

· Vegetables like eggplant (brinjal), mushrooms, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, tomatoes etc. They can however be eaten in moderation if cooked well.

· Fruits like apples, cranberries, pears, pomegranates.

· Grains like barley, oats and corn should be avoided.

· Red meat - mutton and beef.

· Spices like turmeric, fenugreek, saffron, red chilli powder and coriander seeds.

· Dry and light food like popcorn, crackers and baked wafers, etc.

· Raw food, especially in the mornings and evenings.

· Canned and processed foods.

· Cold or carbonated drinks.

· Caffeine, nicotine and other stimulants.

· Deep fried foods.

· Hard alcohol.

Overeating or eating very heavy meals should be avoided by the Vatas to maintain balance as it can cause lethargy. So, now you know what one should eat and avoid, in order to keep the Vata in balance.

Following the right diet, with a moderate amount of workout in the form of Yoga or brisk walks can also help the Vata body type maintain their agility and energy throughout.

Now you have clearly understood what excessive amount of Vata can do to the body and mind, and also the right food and lifestyle to maintain the balance. Nex,t we will talk about the Pitta body type when in balance and when out of balance. Stay tuned.