Vata is generally the thinnest of the 3 mind-body types in Ayurveda, the science that began in India 5,000 years ago. Meaning “science of life,” Ayurveda provides guidelines on nutrition and treat disease. Vata represent air and space element. Dryness and movement is manifested throughout a Vata: talkative, in motion and typically having dry skin, hair and nails. Vata people tend to keep irregular habits: eating heartily one day when hungry and then forgetting to eat a few days later, engrossed in a project at work or at home. Vatas can be underweight and have a difficult time gaining weight.
Instructions
1. Begin by keeping a food diary for 7 to 10 days and record all the food and liquids you consume, at what time and if you were able to fully digest what you ate. Also record your feelings. This will quickly show you patterns: skipping breakfast? Eating very late at night? No lunch, again? Constipated after that dry pizza?
2. Shop for Vata-pacifying foods that are sweet, sour and salty. Think soupy, moist, fresh. Baked apples trump fresh; cooked vegetables trump raw salads; soups trump baked, dry casseroles.Eat baked sweet potatoes instead of French fries or potato chips, too.
3. Gain weight slowly. Vatas have a varying appetite. Strive to eat at least 3 meals a day and 2 to 3 small snacks between them. Do not force yourself to eat if you are not hungry. You might opt to have soup or a small bowl of yogurt and oatmeal instead. Or half a sandwich and fruit.
4. Gradually build up your appetite. Make fresh gingerroot tea by grating ½ to 1 tablespoon of gingerroot and pouring 1 to 2 cups of boiling water over it. Steep and drink. Gingerroot is a digestive and heating: appropriate for Vatas who often complain of no appetite and cold hands and feet.
5. Eat dairy, gravy, sauces and dressings. Organic yogurt with fruit and oatmeal. Pancakes with warm applesauce. Meatloaf with gravy and mashed potatoes. Tossed salad with honey-mustard-olive oil dressing is better than raw greens with only lemon juice. Watch the salt, however: a little goes a long way. Steam vegetables and add butter and sour cream.
6. Snack between your meals. This might mean almond milk and 2 moist, chewy cookies made without refined sugar. Or boil sweet potatoes and lather with maple syrup and yogurt. Half a tuna, egg salad or scrambled tofu sandwich and soy milk is appropriate.
7. Do not overeat. You may gain about a half a pound a week and then check in. As you are building a stronger appetite, make sure you are digesting all of your food thoroughly. Once you have reached your desired weight goal, trim back on the dairy and sauces and breads.
8. Keep track of your meals. It is easy for Vatas to skip meals: stay on track. Vatas generally have a high metabolism so they lose weight easily. Fine tune your eating as needed. Be realistic and if you still find you cannot gain weight, see your physician or a nutritionist.
Tags: sweet potatoes, your meals