Ayurveda diet: happiness is in the porridge
What should I watch out for with the Ayurveda diet?
The Ayurveda diet is not understood as a classic diet, but as a holistic life concept. Those who want to lose weight in the first place should try other programs such as the ChroniquesDuVasteMonde diet or intermittent fasting.
The Ayurveda diet is based on the theory of three life energies (Dosha) Vata, Pitta and Kapha, Anyone who chooses to do so must first find out which of the three Dosha types he is assigned to. The dosha test can now be done online or in ayurvedic centers.
The following properties are attributed to the different Dosha types:
- Vata: Consists of air and space. It stands for movement, is dry, cold, rough, airy and fast. People with high Vata shares are creative, cheerful and flexible. They have a keen mind, like moving and gaining weight. Cold is uncomfortable. With too much vata: tendency to nervousness, insomnia and poor digestion.
- Pitta: The fire. It's hot, hot, oily and moist. Pitta people have a strong will, a lot of energy and determination. Her physique is often muscular. They have a keen intellect and are ready to take responsibility, but also tend to be too critical, impatient and unfair.
- Kapha:Water and earth. It's cold, heavy, sticky, sweet. Represents stability, stability and fertility. Persons with a lot of Kapha are persistent, amiable and patient. You have a big heart and a lot of self-confidence. In imbalance, they tend to stubbornness and stinginess, are rapidly increasing. Susceptibility to colds and depression.
During the ayurvedic diet, we largely abstain from meat, fish and eggs. On the menu are in the first place salad, vegetables, dairy products, healthy oils and ghee, one of the most important fats of Indian cuisine. Nutritional deficiencies are not to be feared with the Ayurveda diet, because of the high vegetable content one is optimally supplied with fiber and vitamins.
The Ayurveda diet in everyday life test
Breakfast with a difference: Merle Wuttke with her sons Kolja (left) and Fitz
It was a normal day, we were sitting at the breakfast table, and I said to my family, "From tomorrow I change my life." My husband did not answer and continued to feed the baby with raisin bun. I change my life more often, because you lose the interest. But this time I was serious. I needed more energy. Felt leached, stressed, and my diet was a disaster: in the morning latte, at noon toast from the Portuguese and for dinner hectic only bread, then wine gums.
So I announced in silence: "From today we cook ayurvedic, so that makes you feel much better." And I did not know much about this 3,500-year-old Indian science. Only that yoga belongs to somehow and you eat mostly vegetarian. After about a week with a lot of books I finally understood that I first had to find out which of them three Dosha types (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) I belong. Say what constitution my body has. I get help from Kerstin Rosenberg, Managing Director of the European Academy of Ayurveda and specialist in ayurvedic nutrition.
We go through my daily routine, my eating habits and the digestion, if I like to move (yes!) and if I sleep well (no!). In the end it comes out: I am a Pitta type with Vata shares. And they are out of balance, which is why I am nervous and irritable. I am "like a racehorse standing in the pasture"says Mrs. Rosenberg. Instead of trying to compulsively relax, I should rather take care of my dynamic Pitta. I like that. But what does that mean for my diet?
Do not eat before eight o'clock because the agni, the digestive fire, is not working well. No problem, I'm not a big breakfast girl. But that will be hard: Instead of milk coffee I should drink warm water, in the course of the morning ginger water. Otherwise, my breakfast consists of fruit, nuts and dried fruit or a warm cereal porridge. Skepticism is spreading in my stomach. Sounds like work and hunger.
After all, I'm allowed to strike at noon: Salad or raw food, with a main course of vegetables, pulses and occasionally meat, and dessert is also allowed. In the afternoon there is yogic tea and in the evening a vegetarian soup with some bread and spread. But no cheese! I love cheese - especially the nice fat, creamy ones. , ,
On the first Ayurvedic morning, I am busy with pots and pans in the vegetative state, snipping an apple in slow motion and cooking rice flakes. When the porridge with stewed fruit is in front of me, I already have the first sweat break behind me and I'm anything but relaxed. But I am compensated: The breakfast is deliciously sweet, makes you full, but not full.
After a few days I put porridge and fruit in a few minutes, and I can do without coffee. By noon, cooking often ends in stress: the baby wants to eat while cumin, turmeric and ginger burn in the pot. Ms. Rosenberg had said that I should prepare all meals in peace. Quiet? Let's leave that. And if I ever get used to the daily portion of chickpeas, lentils and Co.? Luckily Ayurveda is not dogmatic. It may also be pasta with pesto or pumpkin and cream. The good: After lunch, I am full throughout the day and rarely feel the need to replenish my reserves with chocolate. Even in the afternoon, the sweet tea is enough. But now and then I treat myself to a piece of vegan cake and enjoy every bite. Waiver makes you satisfied.
On the other hand, I often feel like I'm in the kitchen, I'm always busy preparing food, and I'm strapping on the time corset: eating around one, drinking four. And the children? The big guy does find, "the soup smells delicious", but he wants to eat his cheese bread, which I envy him more than once.
The first time a sun-yellow dal curry is on the table, he says, "I know that I do not like that." True, half of it spits out again. Even the Indian almond pudding does not suit him. On the other hand, after just one week, my better sleep convinces me. I sleep deeper and quieter than usual. I also lose a few pounds and my complexion clears up. Not the worst side effects! I am amazed that simple changes in eating habits have such an effect. My nerves are not quite what a friend promised me ("If you do that for a few years, you'll be pure love"), but I feel spiritually strengthened and do not drive out so fast Skin. This is also great for my family. Nevertheless, I have to pick up the complete package "Vedic life" including meditation, yoga and massages for the time when the boys are out of the house. In family life it costs too much self-discipline. But that's the good thing - it's never too late to change your life.
The following literature is very helpful in the implementation of Ayurvedic teaching:
- "The Great Ayurveda Book", Kerstin Rosenberg, 204 pages, 25,90 Euro, GU
- "Yoga Cookbook", Bettina Matthaei, Anna Trökes, 144 pages, 14,90 Euro, GU
- "The Great Ayurvedic Nutrition Book", Hans H. Rhyner, Kerstin Rosenberg, 339 pages, 28.50 euros, AGM-Urania
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