• Post category:Ayurveda / Recipes
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Tridosha Lunch Tips

Lunch is the easy part. How we eat, what we eat and with whom we eat are at the heart of digestive problems.

Vata

Vata is dry, cold, light and mobile. We should avoid anything that encompasses these at our precious lunchtimes.

Vata is scattered by lunchtime. They grab the closest thing: crackers, pesto and cinnamon tea, and walk around thinking during lunch. Vatas need warm food if possible. Crackers are very dry; pesto is great with some wholemeal pasta. Vatas benefit from a heavier lunch rather than a big dinner. In my own writing space, Vata definitely dominates… and I always have to plan ahead.

Top tip: Sit while eating, and create a nice environment and atmosphere to enjoy your food in! You won’t regret it. Why would you not?

Pitta

Pitta is hot, oily and sharp. Avoid anything that encompasses these at lunchtime.

Pitta gets Tony the Tiger hungry, fast! They run to get a hidden chocolate bar because the canteen is busy. Everyone is so slow! An hour later, Pitta is super cranky because they need real, supportive food that does not increase their heat.

Try to prep your food well before lunch to avoid the vending machine. Make some rice, veg and a portion of chicken, something that can be heated fast! Avoid fried foods if possible. Avoid cold water and water bottles from the fridge! Yes, we’re looking at you, Evian, and all other sources of coldness. Cold water reduces digestive power. Eat chocolate seldom.

Top tip: Eat with slowing down in mind. Chew your food as much as possible to help your digestion commit to the process. Otherwise, digestive imbalance can start very fast.

Kapha

Kapha is cool, oily, dense and sticky. Avoid anything that encompasses these at lunchtime.

Kaphas might get an egg salad sandwich, tea, an apple and a water to hydrate, just in case. Eggs are hard to digest, and apples are good for Kaphas but a bit drying to your digestion. Kaphas are not as thirsty as other doshas, so don’t worry about how much water you’re drinking. You’re doing great. Kaphas already have plenty of inner hydration: because they are made of water and earth, they hold onto both really well.

Top tip: Reduce salt and instead bring some spicy spices with you to help balance your damp nature: peppers, chillies or chilli powder, or a pinch of cayenne on damp-type food. Sprinkle them on your lunches!

Ensure digestive harmony. Bon appétit!

Here in the journal, I will keep you informed on dosha ideas, not just recipes… because Tridosha is a field of plenty.

Oh! Just so you know, we always digest better with love in our eyes, our ears, our mind and our heart. x

Kelly Marie Mills

I’m Kelly, and I’ve been teaching Hatha yoga since 2004. I trained with Contemporary Yoga in Cork, hold a 500-hour qualification, and studied Ayurveda under Atreya Smith at the European Institute of Vedic Studies. Through classes, Ayurveda treatments and my detox programme, I share yoga as a complete system, for how you move and how you live. Live your medicine.