autumn - VATA SEASON (first phase)
heartier, more comforting foods start to arrive and temperatures cool.
WHAT
AYURVEDA RECOMMENDS
n Ayurveda, the autumn season is characterized by qualities such as dryness, coolness, lightness, and instability. During this time, Vata dosha tends to become aggravated, leading to symptoms such as dry skin, constipation, anxiety, and insomnia. To balance Vata dosha during the autumn months, Ayurveda recommends incorporating grounding, nourishing, and warming foods into the diet.
Here are some dietary guidelines for the autumn season:
Warm and Nourishing Foods: Favor foods that are warm, moist, and nourishing to counteract the dryness and coolness of autumn. This includes cooked grains (such as rice, oats, and quinoa), cooked vegetables (such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets), soups, stews, and warm beverages.
Healthy Fats: Include healthy fats in the diet to help lubricate and moisturize the body during the dry autumn months. This includes ghee (clarified butter), olive oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds.
Sweet, Sour, and Salty Tastes: Emphasize sweet, sour, and salty tastes in the diet to help pacify Vata dosha. Sweet foods such as root vegetables, grains, and dairy products provide nourishment and grounding, while sour and salty foods help to retain moisture and balance dryness.
Cooked and Moist Foods: Opt for cooked, moist, and easily digestible foods over raw and dry foods, which can aggravate Vata dosha. Steamed vegetables, cooked grains, soups, stews, and casseroles are all good choices for autumn meals.
Herbs and Spices: Incorporate warming herbs and spices into your cooking to help stoke the digestive fire and promote digestion and assimilation of nutrients. This includes ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, turmeric, cumin, and coriander.
Hydration: Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of warm fluids throughout the day, such as herbal teas, warm water with lemon, and broths. Avoid excessive consumption of cold or iced beverages, which can further aggravate Vata dosha.
Regular Meal Times: Stick to regular meal times and avoid skipping meals, as irregular eating habits can exacerbate Vata imbalances. Aim for balanced meals that include a variety of food groups to ensure adequate nutrition and support digestion.
