Food: Ahara is anything the body takes in to nourish the body and mind and provide it with energy. This includes food, water, breath, emotions, and input from the five senses.

Sattva Foods boost prana and create a sense of calm and clarity in the body and mind, nourishing inside and out. A sattvic diet contains foods that are fresh, vegetarian, well-cooked, whole, organic, and made with care. A Sattvic diet also incorporates the six tastes: Sweet (Madhura); Sour (Amla); Salty (Lavana); Pungent (Katu); Bitter (Tiksna); and Astringent (Kasaya). Together, this contributes to a calm, clear, and steady mind.

Of the Six Tastes, Certain Flavors Benefit Different Doshas and Aggravate Others.

Vata in Balance Favors Sweet, Sour, and Salty Flavors and Should Reduce Bitter, Pungent, and Astringent Flavors.

Pitta in Balance Favors Sweet, Astringent, and Bitter Flavors and Should Reduce Pungent, Sour, and Salty Flavors.

Kapah in Balance Favors Pungent, Astringent, and Bitter Flavors and Should Reduce Sweet, Sour, and Salty Flavors.

All doshas should avoid or minimize the following foods: fried, old, stale, processed, preserved or packaged, frozen or refined, genetically modified, or carbonated, as well as alcohol and caffeine.

Sattva Strong Mindful Eating Practices Include:

• Consuming a light breakfast of grains or fruit, and eating just enough to feel satisfied and full until lunch.
• Sitting down to eat, without distractions of electronics, work, or other distracting obligations.
• Eating the biggest meal of the day at lunchtime.
• Lying on your left side for 5 minutes and then walking 100 steps to aid in digestion.
• Eating a light meal for dinner, at least 2 hours before bed.
• It is encouraged to be mindful that one meal is digested before beginning to eat the next meal and to limit or avoid snacking between meals.
• Avoid eating while stressed, aggravated, grieving, or upset.
• Favoring cooked foods over raw.

Work with Deborah to formulate food and flavor choices that support YOUR dosha.