Ayurveda, Autumn, and Eating

Ayurveda teaches us to synchronize with the seasons.  We can do this in many ways beginning with aligning our sleep habits with the sun and moon to eating foods that are in season.  Within this life-style, recommendations can vary depending on your Dosha.  This is why having a consultation with our Ayurvedic Doctor, Manas S Kshirsagar,  is a great idea and arms you with invaluable information to begin your journey back to health! 

An article posted recently on Chopra.com teaches us all about eating with the seasons particularly the beautiful fall season we're entering now.  The author, Brittany Wright, even breaks this down into early fall and late fall.  It's an amazing read packed with tons of information and even a 1-day sample menu plan!  Here's an excerpt from her article. 

AUTUMN EATING

Written by Brittany Wright

Ayurveda divides the year into three seasons based on the predominant dosha associated with each. Since the traditional autumn season is divided between two doshas—early autumn is governed by Pitta, and late autumn and winter are governed by Vata—dietary recommendations for this time of year may be confusing.  Luckily, you can eat well during this time by choosing seasonal foods. These foods tend to provide just the antidote you need to balance the transition from the Pitta months of summer to Vata-ruled winter.

Vata: The Dosha of Wind

Vata season, which begins in late fall (usually considered to be any time after late October combines the elements of air and space. The qualities that characterize this time of year are like those of Vata: cold, dry, light, and quick-moving.

Positive qualities of a Vata dosha include:

• Creativity
• High energy
• Enthusiasm
• High degree of tolerance
• Good temper

During fall, everyone is more susceptible to a Vata imbalance—even if your predominant dosha is not Vata. Signs of excess, imbalanced Vata dosha can include:

• Anxiety
• Poor ability to focus or commit
• Insomnia
• Gas and bloating
• Dry skin, hair, and/or nails
• Weight loss

Since Ayurveda recognizes that “like qualities increase other like qualities,” people with primarily Vata dispositions are at greater risk of a Vata excess during the late fall and winter months. You can benefit from adding qualities of Kapha (heavy and oily) as well as Pitta (warm and moist) through the foods and beverages you consume during this season in order to maintain sattva, or a balance, within the body.

WANT TO READ MORE?  CLICK LINK TO FINISH THIS ARTICLE http://www.chopra.com/articles/autumn-eating-ayurvedic-tips-for-fall