The medicinal philosophy of Ayurveda has its roots deep in the Indian subcontinent. It revolves around the theory that human beings are all made of different types of energies, and the balance between these energies results in our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 

Food plays a crucial role in the world of Ayurveda. Cooking and eating the kind of food for your dosha helps keep your mind, body, and soul in harmony. In this food guide, we will help you embrace the world of Ayurveda and food.

What is Ayurvedic Food?

Ayurvedic cooking and eating have been around since time immemorial. According to Ayurveda, the universe is made up of five elements – Vayu (air), Akash (space), Jala (water), Prithvi (earth), and Teja (Fire). These elements combine to form the 3 doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each of these doshas regulates different functions in our body. 

According to Ayurveda, it is believed that in every human being, there is one dosha that is prominent the most. However, one can always eat different kinds of dosha foods to feed the other two doshas so that the body remains balanced. 

Ayurvedic Tridoshic Diet

Knowing your dosha does come with its benefits, however, it is not always possible to stick to a dosha-appropriate diet. Oftentimes, you may be of one dosha type, but instead, have another dosha that is out of balance. Alternatively, sometimes you may have to balance all three doshas at the same time. All this can get quite complex and overwhelming and therefore the best solution is to stick to a tridoshic diet. 

The ayurvedic tridoshic diet adheres to universal dietary guidelines, improves overall health, and is suitable for all three doshas.

Tridoshic Diet Guidelines

1. Do’s

• Include a minimum of 30 different plant foods (spices too) in your diet every week. This ensures that you are getting a variety of nutrients, and promotes a rich, healthy and diverse microbiome.  
• Remember to chew every bite thoroughly.
• Spice up your foods with tridoshic spices such as fresh ginger, coriander, cardamom, cumin, turmeric, etc.
• Eat whole foods, foods rich in lean proteins and fibers, and fresh and home-cooked foods.
• Eat organic, local, and seasonal fruits and vegetables.

2. Don’t’s

• Avoid snacking between meals.
• Avoid processed foods, and foods with preservatives, additives, trans fats, and dyes.
• Avoid eating leftovers, stale, and cold foods.
• Avoid raw, cold foods in winter, and spicy, hot foods in summer.
• Avoid sleeping after meals.

Ayurvedic Tridoshic Recipes

1. Chama Kanji

Step 1 -Clean and wash 1/2 cup of Chama millet.

Step 2 -Boil 4 cups of water and add the washed Chama. Cook until the Chama is soft (for about 20-30 minutes).

Step 3 -Add salt as per taste and serve hot.

2. Carrot Rice

Step 1 -Heat 1/2 tbsp of oil in a kadhai and add 1/2 tsp ginger and garlic. Stir for a minute. 

Step 2 -Add 1/2 cup of carrot and saute for a few minutes.

Step 3 -Add 2 cups of cooked rice, 2 tsps of coriander leaves, and a pinch of garam masala powder and stir well. Then remove from the flame.

Step 4 -Serve hot with chutney or curry.

3. Wheat Porridge

Step 1 -Wash and clean 1 cup of wheat.

Step 2 -Cook the wheat in 1/2 litre of water until soft.

Step 3 -To this add a few pieces of cashew nuts, raisins, and 4 tsp palm sugar. Boil this mixture for a minute.

Step 4 -Heat 1/4 cup of coconut milk or cow milk and keep the flame on a simmer. Stir carefully to not curdle the milk.

Step 5 -Remove from flame once cooked and serve hot.

These are some of our tridoshic recipes. To know and explore more check out the Ayurvedic Recipes that we serve at our Communal Table. Here at Mekosha Ayurveda Spasuites Retreat we also offer you a course on Becoming an Ayurveda Chef so that you can take the recipes home and continue living your best life. 

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