In the Ayurvedic system of health every season has a dosha, or set of elemental qualities, associated with it. The entire point of an Ayurvedic routine is to align ourselves with the dynamic rhythms of the natural world. So in order to keep our inner environment in a state of wellness, we are continuously adjusting to the changes in the outer environment through the food we eat, the exercises we do, the herbs we take, etc.
Remember, Ayurveda is not a medicine of absolutes, rather it is more a set of practical guidelines that invites you to witness the qualities of things and balance those qualities with opposites when needed. This is what makes it so empowering! You can always be part of your own balance and healing!
Autumn is typically Vata season (depending on what country you live in). “Vata season” is whatever time of year most embodies the attributes that characterize vata dosha: dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, mobile, and clear (or empty). Thus, the transition to autumn will be less aggravating to the mind & body if you fill it with warmth, oiliness, deep nourishment, loving relationships, and a sense of stability, routine, and groundedness.
One of the most effective ways to support vata is by establishing a daily routine. Try to do the same things (wake up, exercise, eat meals, go to bed, etc.) at roughly the same times each day.
The following is a list of ideal vata season foods:
Vegetables to Favor
Beets
Carrots
Chilies
Garlic
Okra
Onions
Pumpkins
Squash, Winter
Sweet Potatoes
Grains to Favor
Amaranth
Basmati Rice
Brown Rice
Oats
Quinoa
Wheat
Legumes to Favor
Kidney Beans
Miso
Mung Beans
Toor Dal
Urad Dal
Oils to Favor
Almond Oil
Ghee
Olive Oil
Peanut Oil
Safflower Oil
Sesame Oil
Fruits to Favor
Apples (cooked)
Avocados
Bananas
Dates
Figs
Grapefruit
Grapes
Lemons
Limes
Mangoes
Oranges
Papayas
Prunes (soaked)
Raisins (soaked)
Tangerines
Nuts and Seeds to Favor
All nuts and seeds are supportive of vata season
Dairy to Favor
Butter
Buttermilk
Cheese
Cream
Ghee
Kefir
Milk (not cold)
Sour Cream
Yogurt
Sweeteners
Honey
Jaggary
Maple Syrup
Molasses
Rice Syrup
Sugar (Raw)
Spices to Favor (All Spices Are Good for Vata Season)
Allspice
Anise
Asafoetida (Hing)
Basil
Bay Leaf
Black Pepper
Cardamom
Oregano
Paprika
Parsley
Rosemary
Cinnamon
Clove
Cumin
Dill
Garlic
Ginger
Mustard Seeds
Turmeric
Saffron
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