VATA PACIFYING FOOD
These guidelines can be used for Vata mind-body constitutions, to maintain dosha balance, and to restore balance if necessary, regardless of the basic constitution. Vata influences the movement of thoughts, feelings, prana flows, nerve impulses, and fluids in the body. A strictly Vata pacifying diet is rarely used. It is only for debilitated patients or conditions where gaining weight is critically needed. A milder Vata diet can be used by many where there is colder, drier climate and when the season is fall or winter. If your basic constitution is mixed (vata-pitta or vata-kapha), include portions for the second influential dosha. Vata dosha is aggravated and increased during autumn and early winter. During these seasons all mind-body types can include some of the above foods and decrease others. Mental and emotional peace and constructive lifestyle routines are important to restoring and maintaining balance.
| Favour | Avoid |
| Warm food, moderately heavy textures, soothing and satisfying foods, warm milk, cream, butter, warm soups, stews, hot cereals, fresh baked bread Since vata is a cold dry dosha, warm, nourishing foods such as these are good for stabilizing vata. | cold foods such as cold salads, raw vegetables and greens |
| Salt, sour, and sweet tastes; | iced drinks |
| Breakfast is highly recommended. Use hot cereals such as cream of rice or wheat or any other breakfast that is warm, milky, and sweet. | |
| Take a hot or herbal tea with snacks in the late afternoon. Avoid drinks with high caffeine as vata gets disturbed by it. | |
| Warm milk is good. You can add a little sugar or honey to it if you prefer. Avoid eating lollies as it disturbs vata. | |
| Use spicy foods such as spicy Mexican or Indian foods that are cooked in oil | |
| Prefer salted nuts that are heavy and oily as opposed to dry salty snacks. Raw nuts and nut butters. | |
| All sweet fruits are Ok for vata. Avoid unripe fruits as they are astringent | |
| Take warm or hot water instead of ice water and drinks. | dry foods and bitter tastes. |
| Spices: cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, ginger, cloves in moderation. |
