Although Ayurveda does not exclude animal products from the diet, a vegetarian diet remains the most appropriate. Vegetable food, dairy products and sweet taste are called in Ayurveda “sattvic diet”, that is, not exciting the mind, having a light nature and a moderate cooling effect. Vegetarian food is rich in a high content of coarse fiber, all nutrients, and also increases the body’s resistance to external influences. 1) Avoid cold food and drinks. 2) To increase Agni (digestive fire), add ginger root, lime and lemon juice, a small amount of fermented food to the diet. 3) All six tastes must be present in every meal – sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent. 4) While eating, do not rush anywhere, enjoy it. Eat mindfully. 5) Eat according to your predominant constitution: Vata, Pitta, Kapha. 6) Live according to the rhythms of nature. In cold weather, when the properties of Vata increase, it is recommended to eat warm, cooked food. Salads and other raw foods are best eaten during the hot season, in the middle of the day when Agni is most active. 7) Consume healthy fats and cold-pressed organic oils (in salads) to balance Vata dosha. 8) Soak and germinate nuts and seeds to increase their digestibility. 9) Consume spices such as coriander, cumin, and fennel to improve digestion and reduce bloating and gas. 10) Practice Pranayama (yogic breathing exercises) to increase the digestive fire.
2022-11-11