Ayurvedic Nutrition on the Horizon: A Food Combining Chart to Kickstart Your Journey
Are you intrigued by the sister science of yoga – Ayurveda – and its holistic approach to health and wellness? So am I! So much so that, a few years ago, I published a series of podcast episodes focused specifically on various aspects of Ayurveda. That got me so interested in it, that I worked with Ayurveda Health Coach Salila Sukumaran of Ayurgamaya. She gave me an Ayurveda health consultation, which included a suggested grocery list, as well as a general nutrition plan to address some of the issues I was dealing with at the time. (Note: Sweat Fearlessly listeners receive a 15% discount with the code INSTAYUR)
That led me to a new certification I’m currently working on, which is the Ayurvedic Nutrition Certification through My Vinyasa Practice, and I’m excited to share my journey with you.
For me, one of the most interesting principles of Ayurvedic nutrition is food combining. Food combining is the practice of pairing foods that are compatible with each other to optimize digestion and overall health and help you find more balance/sattva. It’s based on your dosha type. To make it easier to remember, I created a handy chart that you can use as a reference. I find it’s really helpful for me when I’m planning my meals.
How to Use the Chart
- Find the food you want to eat on the left side of the chart.
- Check the corresponding boxes across the chart to see which foods it combines well with.
- A checkmark (✓) indicates a compatible food pairing.
- An X indicates a food pairing that is best avoided.
Not every single thing a person can consume is on this list, but these are the main food categories. There are also handy notes at the bottom of the chart about fruits, oils, and milk.
Why Food Combining Matters
Ayurveda asserts that proper food combining promotes optimal digestion, reduces bloating, and improves overall energy levels. By avoiding incompatible food pairings, you can minimize the burden on your digestive system and enhance your overall well-being. According to Ayurveda, food combining can also help you find balance.
What I find most intriguing about food combining is that it forces you to be more mindful of the meal choices you make. It encourages you to note how different flavor profiles and temperatures can impact how your body digests them, and how you feel overall after consuming them.
My 30-Day Ayurvedic Nutrition Challenge
Once I complete my certification, I plan to embark on a 30-day Ayurvedic nutrition “challenge.” I must note that Ayurveda is a lifestyle, and it’s not something you just “do” for 30 days like you might another diet or weight loss challenge. When I say that I’m going to embark on a 30-day challenge, I mean that I’m going to give myself 30 days to try different foods that are encouraged for my dosha, see how I like them and how I feel, and track them for 30 days. Then, I can make tweaks and offer some insight into what did – and potentially what didn’t – work for me.
I’m excited to go deeper into my experience with Ayurvedic nutrition. I’ll be sharing my progress and insights throughout the 30 days, so stay tuned!
Are you interested in learning more about Ayurvedic nutrition?
Let me know in the comments below! I’m happy to answer any questions you may have about food combining, Ayurvedic principles, or my upcoming/ongoing 30-day challenge. I’ll be offering a free dosha test on the site soon, and I’ll be wrapping up my certification very soon.
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