Diet according to dosha

Vata dosha 

Those who are Vata dominant, are normally thin and wiry. But that does not mean weight gain is never a problem. Sometimes Vata types are thin all their lives and then suddenly put on weight because their metabolism changes. Vatas are susceptible to mental stress because they tend to overuse their minds thinking, worrying, planning, problem-solving. When under stress they also tend to forget to eat regularly, thus disturbing their digestion, and creating ama. This often leads to weight gain.

ROUTINE
-Important to keep a regular routine. 
-Get to bed before 10 pm. 
-Eat meals at the same times each day. 
-Avoid mental stress.
-Practice relaxation exercises.
-Daily abhyanga (oil massage).
-Meditate twice daily.

EXERCISE
-Don’t overdo exercise
-Recommended: yoga, walking, dancing, 
 Pilates.

DIET
-Avoid hot or spicy foods.
-Avoid ice cold foods.
-Avoid too-heavy foods.
-Avoid too-light or too-dry foods.
-Avoid leftovers, and processed foods.
-Eat warm, cooked foods.
-Choose organic, and fresh foods.
-Cook with light, nourishing oils such as ghee 
  and olive oil.
 

THE VATA DIET

FAVOR

QUALITIES	Heavy, warm, cooked
TASTES	Sweet, sour, salty
QUANTITIES	Larger portions okay
DAIRY	All dairy okay, look for dairy alternatives when possible
SWEETENERS	All okay in moderation
OILS	All okay
GRAINS	Rice, wheat, cooked oats Barley, corn, millet, rye
FRUITS	Sweet, sour and juicy fruits: avocado, banana, berry, cherry, grape, mango, melon, orange, peaches, plum, pineapple
VEGETABLES	Most vegetables in moderation when cooked, especially: Asparagus, beet, carrot, green beans, okra, sweet potato
SPICES	Sweet, heating spices are best, other spices in moderation
NUTS/SEEDS	All okay, almonds especially good
BEANS	Garbanzos, red lentils, mung beans, tofu
MEATS	Vegetarian diet is recommended. Otherwise: Chicken, turkey, seafood if you must eat meat.

REDUCE/AVOID

QUALITIES	Light, cold, dry, raw
TASTES	Bitter, pungent, astringent
FRUITS	Light, dry fruits: uncooked apple, cranberry, dried fruits, pears, pomegranate
VEGETABLES	Uncooked vegetables, cabbage, sprouts
SPICES	Large quantities of bitter, pungent or astringent spices: chili, coriander, fenugreek, parsley, saffron, turmeric
BEANS	All other beans except those listed
MEATS	Red meat