Vata Diet, Air-Reducing Diet – What to Eat and What to Avoid if Vata is your Body Type?

VATA DIET

CONSUMABLE

FRUITS: blueberry, apple (cooked), pineapple, banana, lemon, cherry, date (raw or soaked), persimmon, strawberry, fig (raw or soaked), grapefruit, lime, raspberry, mango, orange, peach, papaya, apricot, plum (raw or soaked), grape, coconut, cantaloupe

VEGETABLES: avocado, beetroot, chili, seaweed, Indian mustard, yam, coriander leaves, celery, corn (fresh), summer squash, onion (cooked), okra, parsley, carrot, radish, daikon radish, horseradish, green bean, green pea (fresh), zucchini, spinach, cucumber

GRAINS: Brown rice, wheat, couscous, quinoa, oats (cooked), buckwheat

LEGUMES: Mung beans, tofu

SEEDS

NUTS AND SEEDS: walnut, pine nut, cashew, coconut, almond, sunflower seed, Brazil nut, pecan, pistachio, sesame seed, pumpkin seed

DAIRY PRODUCTS: ghee, homemade cheese, buttermilk, yogurt, goat milk, kefir, rice milk, cheese, milk, sour cream, cream, butter

OILS: almond oil, avocado oil, butter, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, ghee, mustard oil, olive oil, peanut butter, sesame oil

SWEETENERS: fruit sugar, honey, raw cane sugar, maple syrup, molasses, raw sugar

SPICES: basil, bay leaf, black pepper, cardamom, cayenne pepper, clove, cumin, cinnamon, dill, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, horseradish, savory, mint, mustard, nutmeg, paprika, rock salt, rosemary, sage, sea salt, soy sauce, tamarind, turmeric, ginger.

MEATS: fish, chicken, red meats

BEVERAGES: dairy products, herbal teas, ginger and cinnamon teas, sour fruit juices, lemon and lime water

VITAMINS,

VITAMINS AND MINERALS: Vitamins A, D, E, C. Zinc, calcium.

DIETARY ADVICE:

Meals should be frequent, regular, and in small portions. Consuming cooked, warm food is best. Prioritize sweet, sour, and salty flavors. Do not mix too many types of food within one meal. The moderate use of mild spices and salt is permitted. Do not sit down to eat when feeling nervous, anxious, worried, fearful, or troubled by thoughts.

During meals, focus on eating and refrain from habits that stimulate the nervous system, such as reading newspapers or watching TV. Eating in company is beneficial. Drink herbal teas, sour fruit juices, and lemon or lime water.

NOT CONSUMABLE

FRUITS: dried fruits in general, melon, cranberry, raw apple, blueberry, watermelon, pomegranate, pear

VEGETABLES: artichoke, broccoli, bell pepper, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprout, alfalfa sprouts, Swiss chard, asparagus, celery

GRAINS: barley, buckwheat, millet, corn, muesli and dried cereals

LEGUMES: beans, chickpeas, peanuts, yellow peas, soy

DAIRY PRODUCTS: ice cream, soy milk

OILS: rapeseed, corn oil, margarine, safflower, soybean oil

SWEETENERS: refined (white) sugar

By adhering to the nutritional advice and options gathered here, the delicate balance of the body can be maintained both physically and mentally.

In individuals with a Vata constitution, the two lightest and most mobile elements, ether and air, are dominant. Pungent, astringent, and bitter tastes are all saturated with the air element, thus foods with such flavor profiles increase the already dominant Vata in the body. Instead, prioritize sweet (not confectionery, but naturally sweet-tasting foods), sour, and salty flavors. It is recommended to consume warm foods and use added butter or oil, which alleviate the cold sensation caused by Vata. In addition to warming foods, moist foods, such as cooked grains (brown rice, wheat, buckwheat) or oatmeal, and a bowl of vegetable soup are recommended, as they alleviate the dryness caused by Vata in the body. A glass of warm milk, perhaps with a little honey, is excellent for Vata’s cold and dry sensation.

All calming foods help restore Vata. Use the following nutrients: warm milk, cream, steamed meats, warm oatmeal, freshly baked bread. Vata, as a dosha, is cold in nature, therefore iced drinks and raw vegetables are not recommended in cases of Vata imbalance.

Individuals with a Vata constitution should never skip breakfast, and it should preferably be warm, such as rice pudding or other sweet, creamy, warm food. Avoid caffeinated beverages, which increase Vata due to their bitter base taste. Vata individuals who enjoy exotic cuisine may prefer Indian or Mexican dishes.

Instead of salty, dry snacks, prioritize salty, oily seeds.

All sweet fruits are beneficial for restoring Vata. Avoid unripe fruits, as they have an astringent taste and thus increase Vata.

Further diet information, personalized recommendations, and body type determination are available through an assessment with Ayurvedic expert Ajay Singh. We warmly welcome you!

Source: Dr. David Frawley: Ayurvedic Healing; A Comprehensive Guide