In Ayurveda, diet is adapted according to the doshas-Vata, Pitta, and Kapha-to maintain the balance of body and mind. Although it's generally recommended to avoid eating between meals, it can be beneficial to eat a light mid-morning snack, especially if it's suited to your Ayurvedic constitution.
These snacks, prepared with ayurvedic herbs, ghee (clarified butter) or Indian spices, can support your agni (digestive fire) while appeasing your hunger. Find out in this article what you can snack on according to your dosha, while enjoying the benefits of adapted Ayurvedic recipes.
The Vata dosha snack
Ayurvedic nutrition for Vata
People with a Vata constitution, often characterized by a light, cold nature, should seek out foods with sweet, salty and acidic flavors. However, they should avoid bitter flavors and raw or dry foods, which can upset their already delicate digestion. For a balanced snack, Vata people can opt for warm, cooked foods, such as fruits like pineapple, apricots or dates, which provide a natural sweetness and are easy to digest.
Recommended recipe : Rice and spice drink
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 pitted dates
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
- Honey or maple syrup (optional)
Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Serve warm for a comforting snack that supports Vata balance.
The Pitta dosha snack
Pitta nutrition according to Ayurveda
Pitta people, with their intense digestive fire, need to turn to refreshing, soothing foods. Mild, bitter and slightly sweet flavors are ideal for calming excess internal heat. Vegetables such as carrots, asparagus and sweet potatoes are excellent, especially when roasted with turmeric. Sweet fruits such as mango and ripe pineapple are also good choices. On the other hand, people with a Pitta constitution will avoid pungent Indian spices, but may choose milder ones such as kari or curcuma longa.
Recommended recipe: Coconut bites
Our recipe for Pitta is particularly tasty. To make it, combine the following ingredients :
- 1 half-cup walnuts
- 1 half cup almonds
- 1 half-cup almond butter
- 4 pitted dates
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups shredded coconut
- salt
- raw carob (optional)
In a blender, start by coarsely grinding the walnuts, then add the dates, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla, carob powder and salt, blending each time. Blend until smooth. Complete the mixture with the almonds, crushing them just enough to keep them crunchy. Using your hands, shape the dough into balls and roll them in the shredded coconut. Store in an airtight container in the fridge until firm, then enjoy !
The Kapha dosha snack
Ayurvedic foods for Kapha people
Kapha-type people, often prone to heavy, sluggish digestion, should prefer light, dry, spicy foods to stimulate their metabolism. Grilled or steamed vegetables, such as kale, and low-sugar fruits like cherries, currants and apples are ideal for them. Adding spices like Pippali and Ayurvedic blends like Trikatu can also help boost their digestion.
Recommended recipe : kale chips
This recipe is very easy to make and requires very few ingredients. All you need is :
- 2 bunches kale
- 4 or 5 tablespoons olive oil
- juice of one lemon
- 1 pinch Pippali pepper
- salt
Separate the cabbage leaves, wash, quarter and place in a salad bowl. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, Pippali pepper and salt and mix well. Lay the cabbage leaves flat on a baking tray. Dry in the oven on the lowest setting for 20-30 minutes. Check regularly to make sure they don't burn.
Adapting your snacks to your dosha helps maintain energy and digestive balance throughout the day. By using Ayurvedic dietary principles and incorporating Ayurvedic herbs, ghee and Indian spices into your snacks, you can not only appease your hunger, but also strengthen your agni and promote optimal digestion. Whether you're Vata, Pitta, or Kapha, Ayurveda offers solutions to meet the unique needs of your constitution.
