Most of us have heard about body types. Medical experts talk about apple and pear shapes or small, medium, or large frames. While these terms may give some clues about what a specific body type needs in regard to diet and exercise, it may be beneficial to look at a body type system that has been around for over 5000 years. The Ayruveda diet was structured thousands of years ago to help determine the best types of foods for the primary three body types, pitta, vata, and kapha.
The first thing to do in deciding how to approach learning more about your Ayruveda body type and diet is to find out which of the three categories you fall into. In some cases the body type will be dominantly obvious. In others, they will find that they are a combination of two, with a little of the third tossed in for good measure. You can determine your Ayruveda body type by visiting Vaidya4u.com . Simply take the quiz and use the results to chart the course for a more natural, body friendly way of eating.
The pitta body type is the most passionate natured of the three constitutions. People with this body type are passionate, strong willed, and energetic. They also have a high level of determination and initiative. Due to their fiery nature, the Ayruveda diet for them includes a lot of cooling herbs and sweet fruit. They will also benefit from grains like barley, whole wheat, and basmati rice. Vegetables like collards and spinach are suitable for pittas. Pittas may also benefit from a little extra protein in their diets. It will help with fueling their constantly in motion personality.
Imbalances that this body type should avoid are humidity, too much fat and oil in their diet, and an excess of alcohol and caffeine. Travel is also disruptive to the pitta constitution.
The next Ayruveda body type is vata. These people are creative and have a quick and flexible mind. They enjoy being on the go all of the time. Some excellent spices and seasonings for the vata to include in their diet are garlic, mint, and vanilla. Vata should limit their intake of uncooked food, as it isn’t fitting for their constitution. Fruit is an excellent choice for them however. Good options are peaches, fresh figs, and bananas.
Like pitta, people with vata constitution should avoid certain stressors that may imbalance their body type. Cold temperatures, air travel, and loud sounds are unbalancing for vata. They should also limit sugar and alcohol.
The third Ayruveda body type is kapha. People with a kapha body type are calm, grounded, and enjoy strength. They are known for the stamina and endurance. For them light proteins are a must. Food items like beans, chicken, and turkey are good choices. This body type needs a lot of vegetables and eggplant, peas, and beets are all conducive to complimenting kapha.
Kaphas are sensitive to dairy, bread, and cold foods and drinks. They should also be vigilant about getting adequate exercise and challenge in their lives as lack of either one is upsetting to kaphas.
The Ayruveda diet can improve a person’s overall sense of well being. By following the correct Ayruveda diet for your body type, the belief is that your body will produce less waste, aiding in your health and the durability and function of your body. Written by Angela Crout-Mitchell.
