The Ayurvedic diet is not a diet in the traditional sense. Its aim is not weight loss, and there are no specific nutritional plans to follow. Instead, it focuses on healthy, unprocessed foods; overall wellness; and eating for one’s individual health needs.
According to Ayurveda, illness occurs when a person’s energies are imbalanced, and diet is important for balancing these energies. Ayurvedic practitioners believe that each person has a unique combination of energies, called doshas.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to dietary recommendations for balancing Vata and Pitta doshas, offering insights into understanding your unique Ayurvedic constitution and making informed food choices to promote overall well-being.
Understanding Ayurvedic Doshas
Ayurvedic medicine emphasizes the role of five elements: air, fire, water, space, and earth. These elements make up Ayurveda’s three energies, or doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
- Vata: This is a combination of space and air. People with the Vata dosha are creative and active, but tire easily. The nature of the Vata dosha is cool, dry, rough, and light. They are responsible for movement, nerve impulses, respiration, circulation, digestion, and creativity.
- Pitta: This is a combination of fire and water. People of this type are intelligent and temperamental, with a big appetite and healthy digestion. Pitta dosha is defined by heat, unctuous quality, lightness and sharpness. Pitta represents the fire and water elements that regulate metabolism, body temperature, hunger, intelligence, and hormonal function.
- Kapha: This is a combination of earth and water. People of this type tend to have immense stamina and high intelligence. The earth and water elements combine to form Kapha dosha-representing qualities like heaviness, slowness, stability, softness, density, and cold. The dosha is responsible for body fluids, structures, and solidity in physiology.
Ayurveda categorizes individuals into three doshas-Vata, Pitta, and Kapha-each with unique traits and dietary needs. The Ayurvedic diet emphasizes eating the right food for a person’s dosha. In addition to diet, Ayurveda also says a person should take other steps to balance their dosha. For example, people with Pitta dosha should avoid activities that increase the element of fire.
Read also: Ayurvedic Diet for Vata
The Vata-Pitta Constitution
A Vata-Pitta constitution indicates a dual-dosha dominance, combining the qualities of Vata (air and ether) and Pitta (fire and water). Mixed constitutional types have characteristics of both constituent dosha types.
When both Vata and Pitta doshas are present in a person in approximately equal strength, we speak of a Vata-Pitta Ayurveda type. Depending on whether Vata or Pitta is somewhat more pronounced, the Ayurveda type is referred to as either Vata-Pitta or Pitta-Vata.
Characteristics of Pitta-Vata Types
Pitta-Vata is a mixed dosha type. Mixed constitutional types have characteristics of both constituent dosha types.
- Balanced: Pitta-Vata types are able to digest foods well. They tend to favor light, easy to digest food and do well on a diet of small meals regularly. They are highly creative and highly motivated. They are creative, flexible and able to achieve great success.
- Unbalanced: Pitta-Vata types crave acidic, fermented and pungent foods can aggravate their Pitta symptoms. They can become angry, aggressive or melancholic and depressed. They become angry, aggressive or melancholic. They are no longer productive and can exhibit delinquent behavior.
The Dosha combination makes Vata-Pitta people very creative and constantly full of new ideas. However, they also tend to be a bit extreme. The Vata-Pitta or Pitta-Vata types are permanently under pressure and define themselves in large part by very strong (internal) tension. The rugged and mobile quality of Vata can stir up the hot and mobile quality of Pitta even more.
Balancing Pitta-Vata Dosha
It is important for Vata-Pitta types need to follow the Vata Diet Plan from Fall (Autumn) to the end of Winter and the Pitta Diet Plan from Spring to end of Summer.
Read also: Vata Dosha Diet
For the Vata-Pitta-Ayurveda type, above all it is important to regulate the Agni (digestive fire); Agni is normally too low or too high. Regular exercise with moderate intensity, yoga, and quiet meditation promote balance. Substances such as Aloe Vera in combination with Plumbago Zeylanica are good for balancing the Agni. Vata-Pitta types should utilize the diet tips for both Doshas. The basic rule is that the somewhat more pronounced Dosha should take precedence.
General Dietary Guidelines for Vata-Pitta Types
Following an Ayurvedic diet based on your dosha may provide numerous benefits for some individuals. Understanding your doshic balance may be a powerful tool for achieving balance in all areas of life. By tailoring your Ayurvedic diet to support your constitution, you can support digestion, maintain energy, and potentially cultivate long-term wellness.
A Pitta Vata diet can be a bit confusing. If you’re a Vata Pitta type, how do you cater to both doshas? 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? Don’t worry.
If you have found that you reside with a predominance of both Vata and Pitta. . . or you are a Vata type with a Pitta imbalance. . . Take a small, simple, healthy snack in between meals (e.g.
If both of your doshas are balanced, you need to follow certain guidelines. These guidelines will keep the two doshas in a desired state of equilibrium. The Pitta in your Prakriti, having a ‘hot’ property will prompt you for cold food. Vata, however, demands warm and freshly cooked food.
Read also: Balancing Vata Through Diet
General Recommendations
- Eat fresh, slightly warm, bland, or mildly spiced food: To accommodate the Vata properties, it ought to be easily digestible, cooked with some fat, and not raw.
- Eat small quantities of food at regular intervals: Instead of big meals in one go. Sit and eat in a calm place and eat slowly. Chew the food properly.
- Liquids: Should be taken an hour before or an hour after meals so as not to dilute the digestive juices.
- Meal Size: Lunch should be the largest meal of the day and breakfast and dinner should be lighter.
- Nuts: Should be pre-soaked in water for 8-10 hrs.
- Fats: Fats like sunflower, olive oil, coconut oil, and ghee are recommended. Ghee is best for Pitta and Vata as it is pacifying for both. You can have between 4-8 teaspoons per day as needed.
- Dairy: Dairy is recommended to keep Vata under balance. If you do not want to take milk then alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk can be taken. Avoid sour yogurt and sour buttermilk.
- Tastes: Sour and salty tastes pacify Vata however they aggravate Pitta. Bitter and astringent tastes (as in salads) pacify Pitta but aggravate Vata. Sweet taste does not necessarily mean sugar and sugary food. Foods like barley, wheat, brown rice, and zucchini all have a sweet taste.
- Teas: Use of Pitta pacifying teas like jasmine, rose petals and lavender is highly recommended and can replace regular tea or coffee. In fact, taking too much tea and coffee aggravates both Pitta and Vata.
- Grains: Grains like wheat, rice, barley, oats, wild rice, amaranth, and quinoa are good for the Ayurvedic diet for Pitta body type.
- Meats: Most animal meats and seafood are ‘hot’ on the property and may aggravate Pitta in excess. Turkey and goat’s meat, however, are good. So intake of animal proteins should be moderated.
- Fruits: Fruits that are raw and with a too-sour taste should be avoided. Sweet fruits such as bananas, coconuts, apples, figs, grapefruits, grapes, mangos, melons, oranges, papayas, peaches, pineapples, plums, berries, cherries, apricots, and avocados. Sweet fruits like: apples, avocados, coconuts, figs, melons, oranges, pears, plums, pomegranates, and mangos.
- Vegetables: All vegetables are good for the Pitta Vata diet. Too fibrous vegetables like artichoke, broccoli, and leafy greens are Vata aggravating and should be taken in small amounts and less frequently. Sweet or bitter vegetables such as cabbage, cucumber, potatoes, zucchini, cress, mushrooms, asparagus, lettuce, cauliflower, green beans, and peas.
- Spices: Spices that are not too hot are beneficial. They include cumin, fennel, dill, basil, mint, turmeric, coriander, cardamom, and garlic.
- Alcohol: Alcohol should be avoided as far as possible.
- Water: Have at least 3-4 pints of water every day.
Daily Routine
- Try to rise early in the morning, before sunrise.
- Drink 500ml of warm water on rising.
- Do I-Yoga Sun Salutation, ideally 12 rounds of the sequence every morning.
- Meditate for 5 to 10 minutes after yoga.
- Take a warm shower or bath
- Eat a small Breakfast. Your ideal breakfast is Ayurvedic Oatmeal.
- Eat Lunch as close to midday as possible Lunch can include some raw food at Lunch.
- Eat a Dinner between 6-7pm. Dinner should include mainly cooked food
- Do I-Yoga Moon Salutation every evening. Complexing 6 rounds of the sequence at your own pace.
- Massage the bottoms of you feet with oil every evening, put cotton socks on (to protect the sheets).
- Try to get to bed by 10pm. It is important that you maintain a regular routine.
Importance of Quality and Timing
- Quality of Food: Because you have such a refined digestive system, the quality of food that you eat should be made a priority: organic, local, and seasonal.
- Meal Frequency: You need to have at least three meals a day or up to 6 small ones. You do need to eat at regular intervals. Breakfast, lunch and dinner should be about the same portion size. Portion size will vary from person to person, depending on age, sex and profession. Find the portion that works for your body. The right portion means that you will not need to snack between meals
- Eating Environment: Always eat in a calm and relaxed environment. Take time to lay your table and enjoy your meal. Avoid the tendency to rush through meals.
Food Plans for Vata and Pitta
It is important for Vata-Pitta types need to follow the Vata Diet Plan from Fall (Autumn) to the end of Winter and the Pitta Diet Plan from Spring to end of Summer. This Pitta Vata pacifying food chart shares the best foods for you by the food group.
Vata gets aggravated with astringent, pungent, and bitter tastes. If both Doshas are aggravated then a sweet taste has to be used to pacify them. Any food that is rich in carbohydrates is good for your Prakriti. They will pacify Vata and Pitta and make you feel grounded. Oat, whole wheat, basmati rice, quinoa, and amaranth are carbohydrate options you can choose from. Keep breakfast and dinner light and have dinner by 8 pm.
Vata Food Plan (Early Autumn to Early Spring)
These guidelines should be followed from early autumn to early spring to balance Pitta- Vata mind-body constitutions and increase energy levels. It also support the immune system,
- Best Vegetables (cooked): Asparagus, beets, carrots, cucumber, garlic, green beans, onions, sweet potatoes, radishes, and turnips.
- Vegetables to Reduce: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, eggplant, leafy green vegetables, mushrooms, peas, peppers, potatoes, sprouts, tomatoes, zucchini Avoid raw vegetables, in general.
- Best Fruits (well-ripened): Bananas, apricots, avocados, berries, cherries, coconut, fresh figs, grapefruit, lemons, grapes, mangoes, sweet melons, sour oranges, papaya, pineapple, peaches, plums, stewed fruits.
- Fruits to Reduce: Cranberries, pears, pomegranates. Avoid dried fruits, in general and all unripe fruit.
- Best Grains: Oats (as cooked oatmeal porridge only, no granola), cooked rice.
- Grains to Reduce: Wheat, barley, buckwheat, corn, dry oats, millet.
- Dairy: All Dairy is acceptable.
- Best Meat: Chicken, seafood, turkey, in small quantity.
- Meat to Reduce: Red meat.
- Best Beans: Chickpeas, mung beans, Pink lentils, Tofu (small amounts).
- Beans to Reduce: Kidney beans, black beans, etc.
- Best Oils: Sesame oil, Ghee and olive oil are especially good.
- Sweeteners: All natural sweeteners may be used in moderation.
- Nuts and Seeds: All nuts may be eaten in small amounts if not allergic. Almonds are best.
- Herbs & Spices: Avoid using spices in large quantities. Reduce all bitter and astringent herbs such as coriander seed, fenugreek, parsley & thyme. Saffron and turmeric should be used in moderation. Have fresh ginger tea daily morning or evening.
Pitta Food Plan (Early Spring to Late Summer)
These guidelines should be used from early spring to late summer to balance Pitta- Vata mind-body constitutions and increase energy levels plus physical wellbeing.
- Best Vegetables: Sweet and bitter vegetables, like asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, radishes, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, green beans, green (sweet) peppers, leafy green vegetables, lettuce, mushrooms, okra, parsley, peas, potatoes, sprouts, squash, sweet potatoes, zucchini, carrot, and spinach.
- Vegetables in Moderation: Eggplant, onion, tomatoes, hot peppers, chilies, and beets.
- Best Fruits: Bananas, avocados, cherries, coconuts, figs, mangoes, melons, oranges, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, and raisins.
- Fruits to Reduce: Apricot, apples, berries, sour cherries, grapefruit, raw papaya, dark grapes, peaches, persimmon, and pineapples. Note: Fruits should be sweet and ripe; avoid fruits that come to market sour or unripe. Also avoid green grapes, oranges, pineapple, and plum unless they are sweet and ripe.
- Favorable Grains: Barley, oats, wheat, and white rice (preferably basmati).
- Grains to Reduce: Brown rice, corn, millet, and rye.
- Best Dairy: Butter, egg whites, ghee (clarified butter), milk, and fruit sorbets (not sour). Eggs are fine. Butter (unsalted), ghee, goat milk, cow milk, pans, and cheese.
- Dairy to Reduce: Cheese, sour yogurt, sour buttermilk, egg yolk, sour cream, and ice cream.
- Best Meats: Chicken, turkey and river fish ( in small amounts).
- Meats to Reduce: Red meat and seafood in general
- Best Legumes: Chickpeas, mung beans, red lentils, tofu and other soybean products (not fermented).
- Legumes to Reduce: Black gram, black lentils, and Arhar Dal.
- Best Oils: Olive, soy, sunflower, and grapeseed oil.
- Oils to Reduce: Almond, corn, safflower, sesame, and coconut oil.
- Best Nuts & Seeds: Coconut, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds. Have no more then 30g of nuts and seeds daily.
- Best Sweeteners: All are acceptable except honey and molasses.
- Herbs and Spices: In general Pittas should avoid spice as they are too heating. However the following spice are OK for Pittas in small amounts: Cardamom, cilantro (green coriander), cinnamon, coriander seed, dill, fennel, mint, saffron, turmeric, cumin, and black pepper.
Sample Daily Meal Plan
This Pitta Vata pacifying food chart shares the best foods for you by the food group.
- Start your day: Start your day with one tablespoon of honey dissolved in a glass of room-temperature water.
- Breakfast: Breakfast can be a glass of milk or milk alternative with any of the above-mentioned cereals. You can start your day with a few almonds and raisins which have been soaked in water overnight. This can be followed by herbal tea like coriander. To make coriander tea, boil one teaspoon of coarsely ground coriander seeds in water and reduce to half. For carbohydrates, you may have any of the above-mentioned cereals or tubers like sweet potato.
- Lunch: Turkey, moong beans, and yellow lentils along with vegetables and salads are good choices. Kichadi is a convenient and easy-to-prepare meal that you may try for lunch. Beans and lentils may prove gassy for a Vata-dominant person. Enjoy them with appropriate spices like cumin seeds, coriander, garlic, and a dash of lemon juice.
- Salads: Salads being raw should only be eaten during 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.
- Dinner: Dinner can be cereal, bean or lentil dishes along with vegetables or vegetable soups. For supper, boil a cup of milk and serve warm, sweetened with a few raisins. A teaspoon of almond oil or ghee may be mixed into it.
- Snacks: Take a hot or herbal tea with snacks in the late afternoon.
Raw foods tend to aggravate Vata and overly spiced salads can inflame Pitta.
Additional Ayurvedic Principles for Health
Some other Ayurvedic principles that help improve digestion and lead a healthier lifestyle include:
- Avoid snacking: Avoid snacking which can can interrupt your digestive cycle. Ayurveda also recommends avoiding overeating.
- Do not overeat: The stomach shouldn’t be completely full after a meal. Eat as much as you can hold within your palms formed into a cup. This is the amount of food that your body can digest, and assimilate without drawing a lot of energy from other physiological functions and channeling it into digestion.
- Freshly cooked foods: To increase Ojas or vitality, eat foods that are freshly cooked and high in prana. Avoid leftovers when possible.
- Include all six tastes: Include all the six tastes in your meals. Each taste serves a specific function.
- Rest and rejuvenation: Enjoy deep rest and rejuvenation with Ayurveda treatments that support relaxation, clearing, and restoration on all levels.
Skincare for Pitta-Vata Types
Pitta-Vata skin is beautiful, but can be prone to eczema (dryness) and inflammation. A good skincare routine & regular treatments with a skin professional is recommended.
- Regular treatments: Have regular treatments that stimulate the lymphatic system and metabolism like the Marma V or Marma P Abhanga Massage. Have a regular facial to keep your skin looking healthy. A monthly Rasayana Rejuvenating Facial is recommended for you and a Dermal Renewal Treatment at least twice a year to maintain the youthful glow and tone of your skin.
- Daily Skincare Routine: A simple but daily skincare routine suitable for Pitta-Vata skin.
- Buttermilk Cleanser - use this daily - morning and evening to balance and heal kapha skin.
- Rejuvenating Face Cream - use this daily - morning and evening after cleansing face to hydrate skin.
- Rejuvenating Eye Cream - use this daily - morning and evening around the eye area.
- Rejuvenating Face Mask - use this weekly - to detox skin and keep it healthy and glowing.
- Rasayana Rejuvenating Serum - for those who feel the need for anti-aging therapy. Add a few drops of this serum to your Active Face Hydrate Gel and massage onto face and neck.
Benefits and Considerations
Some benefits of Ayurvedic eating include:
- It encourages a person to think about what they eat, carefully weigh their needs, and make food decisions based on those needs.
- It may offer similar benefits to other healthy, nutrient-dense diets.
- It is not a restrictive diet. The focus is not on reducing calories or losing weight, but instead on attaining good overall health.
- It may help reduce obesity.
- A person may use Ayurvedic eating as part of their spiritual or cultural practices. The diet may be personally meaningful, incentivizing a person to stick with it.