The Ayurvedic Table

Guidelines for an Ayurvedic Diet, plus Dosha Do's and Don'ts

Figure out your dominant dosha from this quiz, then pick up your munching orders- suggestions, really, below.

Your Dosha: Vata

Personality traits: Physically active, busy, hustling

Effects on appetite: Person often forgets to eat

Benefits when balanced: Creative, spiritual, abstract thinker

Problems when out of balance: Weight loss, insomnia, brittle nails and dry skin, gas

Foods that can balance Doshas: Chicken, seafood, rice, oats, sweet potatoes, bananas, avocados, cream, unsalted butter, honey, oranges, lemons, sea salt

Foods that can imbalance Doshas: Potatoes, beans, cabbage, sprouts, cold or carbonated drinks, crackers, barley, pears, apples

Your Dosha: Pitta

Personality Traits: Quick thinker with a sharp tongue, ambitious

Effects on appetite: Never misses a meal

Benefits when balanced: Intelligent, focused, works tirelessly

Problems when out of balance: Too hot, ulcers, skin irritations

Foods that can balance Doshas: Turkey, chickpeas, rice, wheat, coconut, okra, broccoli, zucchini, cauliflower, mangoes, pears, green leafy vegetables (e.g., spinach)

Foods the can imbalance Doshas: Red meat, fried foods, brown rice, tomatoes, vinegar, yogurt, sour cream, garlic, hot peppers, papaya, BBQ sauce

Your Dosha: Kapha

Personality Traits: Calm and rarely irritated

Effects on appetite: Easily gains weight, even without overeating

Benefits when balanced: Strong, trustworthy, loving

Problems when out of balance: Obesity, lethargy, congestion, avoids exercise

Foods that can balance Doshas: Leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, eggplant, buckwheat, lentils, apples, papaya, pomegranates, spices (especially ginger and black pepper)

Foods that can imbalance Doshas: Seafood, meat, cheese, wheat, tomatoes, sugar, maple syrup, oranges, coconut, potatoes, bananas, ice cream, yogurt


Dosha Do's, Dosha Dont's

Eat foods that balance your dosha, according to taste; don't worry about carbs and protein.

Lunch should be your largest meal.

Sip warm water, plain or with lemon, with your meals; cold water shuts down your digestion.

Avoid canned and other processed foods as much as possible.

Limit your coffee and tea intake.

Raw foods should be only a small part of your diet.

Poultry and fish are fine; try to minimize red meat.

Limit alcohol, sodas, and sports drinks.

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