05 Must Do's in Ayurvedic Meal Planning – Choose Health

A large portion of today's food consists of genetically modified or synthetic ingredients. While, many of the pesticides and chemicals, used to grow food are linked to a number of genetic health issues. Ayurveda believes that genetically modified or processed food is no longer 'intelligent'. Ayurveda believes our bodies have a direct link to nature, and nature in turn nurtures and protects our spiritual and physical being. Thus, our bodies can process naturally intelligent food, which consists of organically grown fruits and vegetables, as well as, fresh grains. Visitors to Sri Lanka's south-west coast, famous for Ayurveda, will find Beruwala restaurants offer one a choice of fresh ingredients and ocean fresh seafood to savour; this is especially true at Ayurveda health resorts the likes of Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara.

There are new diets floating around the market all the time, fads which promise the ultimate weight loss programme or elixir to good health. However, as everyone knows fads come and fads go; Ayurveda, on the other hand, has been around for over 2000 years. It's a tried and tested method of holistic healing which recognises your unique physical attributes, offering a tailor-made approach with personal diet plans to fit in with your dosha.

Fruits and vegetables are not only packed full of nutritional goodness but also offer the perfect cleanse to your system. There are vegetables and fruits which can be perfectly paired with your kapha, vata and pitta doshas, choose from amongst seasonal fruits and veggies, which do not have to be consumed as separate dishes; instead they can be added to a dish or paired with other ingredients, for instance, you can try stews, soups, and desserts like stewed apples etc. Check online for a range of recipes.

Apart from the marvellous flavours and aromas, spices render your meals with; they are lauded in the world of Ayurveda for their therapeutic values. Spices can help your digestion, rev up your metabolism and boost your immunity. Ayurveda believes that every meal must contain the right balance of salty, bitter, sweet, astringent, sour and pungent. Depending on your dosha, you can increase each of the above qualities associated with spices. Or simply try one of the readymade Churnas available online; these are specific for vata, kapha and pitta dosha.

In Ayurveda ama refers to the build-up of toxins in the digestive system. Improper digestion is blamed for this, according to Ayurveda guidelines. Ama in term is identified as being the root cause of many ailments. Improper digestion is caused by various factors, such as, eating late into the evening, eating heavy meats and raw vegetables, not enough hydration and stress. Follow the Ayurvedic guidelines on eating a healthy diet and you will see a marked improvement in your physique and mentality.