Fall for Vata-Pitta-Kapha

 

Your constitution will be able to draw on the strengths of all three doshas this fall. Prioritize calming vata season, give secondary attention to eliminating excess a class="glossary-term" data-tooltip="One of the three doshas (functional energies in nature); pitta is predominated by the fire and water elements, and it governs transformation; it is light, sharp (or penetrating), hot, oily, liquid, and spreading." href="https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/learning-ayurveda/glossary-of-ayurvedic-terms/">pitta left over from the summer, and at the same time, try to honor the balancing effect that the season has on kapha.

Foods to Favor

In general, follow a vata-balancing diet, but protect pitta from excess heat and be careful not to aggravate kapha with overly heavy or oily foods.

Tridoshic autumn foods like berries, red grapes, limes, mangoes, soaked prunes, soaked raisins, asparagus, cooked carrots, green beans, leeks, okra, cooked onions, rutabagas, amaranth, basmati rice, quinoa, mung beans, cottage cheese, goat’s milk, freshwater fish, shrimp, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds will be especially favorable.

Acceptable Seasonal Indulgences

This is a good time of year to indulge in red meat (if you eat it) or to satisfy your sweet tooth—in moderation. Sweet breads, puddings, date shakes, and sun balls would all be appropriate sweets to enjoy this fall.

Foods to Minimize

The best way to determine which foods to reduce or avoid is to become aware of your eating habits and of the effect that various foods have on you.

Be on the lookout for signs of excess vata (gas, bloating, constipation, dry skin), excess pitta (acidity, diarrhea, rash, or sour taste), and excess kapha (lethargy, low energy after meals, brain fog), and adjust your diet as needed to avoid these manifestations of imbalance.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Focus on staying warm, grounded, and relaxed, and prioritize some kind of daily routine to stabilize your nervous system throughout the autumn months. At the same time, don’t shy away from celebrating the light and mobile nature of the fall, nor the austere simplicity it ushers in.

You will likely enjoy the autumn season immensely if you rise early, exercise appropriately, practice yoga in a calming and grounded way, and make time for self-reflection daily.

You may also find it helpful to read the vata, pitta, and kapha fall guides for more hints on how to support all three doshas during the fall and then adapt the advice to your needs—pacifying the dosha that needs the most attention at any given time.