/
/
/
Ayurvedic Diet Guidelines for People at Work
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
Published on 10/10/24
(Updated on 06/29/25)
965

Ayurvedic Diet Guidelines for People at Work

Written by
Dr. Ayush Varma
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
Graduating with an MD in Ayurvedic Medicine from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in 2008, he brings over 15 years of expertise in integrative healthcare. Specializing in complex chronic conditions, including autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndromes, and digestive health, he uses a patient-centered approach that focuses on root causes. Certified in Panchakarma Therapy and Rasayana (rejuvenation), he is known for combining traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern diagnostics. Actively involved in research, he has contributed to studies on Ayurveda’s role in managing diabetes, stress, and immunity. A sought-after speaker at wellness conferences, he practices at a reputable Ayurvedic wellness center, dedicated to advancing Ayurveda’s role in holistic health and preventive care.
Preview image

A balanced diet not only acts as a bridge to a productive life but also as a solution for many diseases that otherwise take a grip on our lives. It is essential to understand what foods are good for one’s body and how much should be consumed, etc. in order to receive maximum benefits from it. This is incorporated into  the Ayurveda-based diet which focuses on the food that compliments each Dosha and consumes them in the right quantities.

According to the
Ayurvedic diet, a meal should be allowed to be completely digested and true hunger should be allowed to return before the consumption of another meal. This concept really provides time between each meal that helps with both digestion and usage of the energy received by the breakdown of food. Ayurveda also mentions the kind of foods that need to be consumed in each season and in accordance with one’s Dosha.

What is an Ayurvedic diet?

According to Ayurveda, diet is an important part of maintaining overall health and well-being. The Ayurvedic diet is based on the concept of Doshas, which are three fundamental energies that govern all aspects of life, including physical and mental health. The three Doshas are vata, pitta, and kapha.

Vata is associated with air and space and is said to be light, dry, and mobile. People with a vata predominance are often thin, have dry skin, and are prone to constipation.

Pitta is associated with fire and water and is said to be hot, sharp, and light. People with a pitta predominance are often of average build, have oily skin, and are prone to heartburn and acne.

Kapha is associated with earth and water and is said to be heavy, cold, and oily. People with a kapha predominance are often overweight, have a slow metabolism, and are prone to allergies.

In addition to the Doshas, Ayurveda also considers the five elements (space, air, fire, water, and earth) when creating a personalized diet. The five elements are believed to be the building blocks of all matter, and they are also thought to be present in different proportions in each individual. By understanding their own unique elemental constitution, people can choose foods that are most beneficial for their health.

Ayurvedic guidelines for a balanced  diet

The Ayurvedic diet aims to build a balanced diet that is tailored to each person’s needs and body type and is achieved by following guidelines:

Follow the unique dietary requirements for your Dosha type: Ayurveda teaches that each person has a unique constitution or Dosha type, which determines their physical, mental, and emotional characteristics. Knowing your Dosha type can help you choose foods that are most beneficial for your body type and avoid foods that may cause imbalances or health issues. For example, people with a Vata predominance would benefit from eating foods that are warm, moist, and grounding, such as cooked grains, legumes, and vegetables. People with a Pitta predominance would benefit from eating foods that are cool, light, and refreshing, such as fruits, vegetables, and yoghurt. People with a Kapha predominance would benefit from eating foods that are dry, light, and warm, such as whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

Choose seasonal, locally grown organic/non-GMO fruits, vegetables, and whole grains: This means that you should choose fruits, vegetables, and grains that are in season and grown locally. Eating seasonally and locally can help you get the freshest and most nutritious produce, as well as support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint. Organic and non-GMO options are also recommended to avoid harmful chemicals  and genetically modified organisms.

Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking pure water: Drinking enough water is essential for good health, as it helps to flush out toxins, regulate body temperature, and keep your skin and organs healthy. Pure water is recommended to avoid harmful chemicals and additives that may be present in tap or bottled water.

Before eating again, give your body time to digest the food you consumed: This means that you should wait until you are truly hungry before eating, and allow enough time for your body to digest your previous meal. Eating when you are not hungry or before your previous meal has been digested can lead to poor digestion and other health issues. Also eating when you are hungry leads to the storing of the broken-down components as fats which can lead to weight gain and obesity.

Eat three meals a day and make sure to include all six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent) in every meal: Ayurveda recommends eating three meals a day to maintain a healthy metabolism and avoid overeating. Including all six tastes in every meal can help to balance your Dosha type and provide a variety of nutrients and  flavors. It also makes the diet holistic and makes the food easy to consume.

Avoid processed foods, leftovers, and raw/ cold foods: Processed foods, leftovers, and raw/cold foods are generally harder to digest and may contain harmful additives or bacteria. Ayurvedic diet recommends eating fresh, whole foods that are easy to digest and provide maximum nutrition.

Eat healthy snacks like wholegrain bread with hummus, roasted nuts, salads of boiled eggs with vegetables, and sandwiches with low-fat meats such as chicken or fish: Healthy snacks can help to keep your energy levels up and prevent overeating at mealtimes. Choosing snacks that are high in protein and fiber can help you feel full and satisfied.

By incorporating these techniques into your daily life, you can build a healthy Ayurvedic diet and improve your overall health and well-being.

Ask-Ayurveda is a platform that helps connect patients with experts through

Ayurveda online consultation in order to get proper treatments for their problems. Ask-Ayurveda offers consultations for health and lifestyle-related issues and provides appropriate measures and regimens in order to alleviate the issue. For a detailed consultation, reach out to our experts at Ask-Ayurveda .

This article is checked by the current qualified Dr Sujal Patil and can be considered a reliable source of information for users of the site.

Rate the article
Got any more questions?

Ask Ayurvedic doctor a question and get a consultation online on the problem of your concern in a free or paid mode.

More than 2,000 experienced doctors work and wait for your questions on our site and help users to solve their health problems every day.

Questions from users
What are some good examples of foods for each Dosha type in an Ayurvedic diet?
Lincoln
26 days ago
Dr. Ayush Varma
26 days ago
Sure! For Vata types, opt for warm, moist foods like oatmeal, cooked veggies, and soups. Pitta types do well with cooling foods like cucumbers, melons, and leafy greens. Kapha types benefit from light, spicy, and warming foods like ginger, apples, and beans. Remember, it’s about balancing your unique dosha needs so feel free to tweak based on how your body feels.
What are some examples of foods that are good for someone with a Pitta dosha?
Liam
12 days ago
Dr. Ayush Varma
11 days ago
For a Pitta dosha, you wanna go for cooling and hydrating stuff. Think cucumbers, watermelon, sweet fruits, and leafy greens. Dairy like yogurt or milk helps too—just don't overeat. Avoid super spicy, oily, or salty foods; those can light up Pitta too much. Give it a try and see how you feel!
How can I figure out what foods are best for my body according to my Dosha?
Abigail
7 days ago
Dr. Ayush Varma
6 days ago
To find the best foods for your dosha, start by identifying your primary dosha - vata, pitta, or kapha. Once you know your dosha, you can choose foods that help balance it. Like, vatas benefit from warm, moist, and grounding foods. Pittas do well with cooling foods, while kaphas need light, spicy, warming foods. If you're unsure about your dosha, you might wanna consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
Can you explain more about the Doshas and how they affect food choices in the Ayurvedic diet?
Luke
2 days ago
Dr. Ayush Varma
1 day ago
Sure! In Ayurveda, doshas are like energy types. There are three: Vata (air & space), Pitta (fire & water), and Kapha (earth & water). They guide what kind of foods you should eat. For example, if you're a Kapha type, you benefit from foods that are dry, light, and warm to balance your natural heaviness. Think lots of veggies, some grains, and spices. Vata types usually need warm, oily, and nourishing foods while Pitta folks do well with cooling and mild foods. It's like eating what's naturally the opposite of your dosha to keep things balanced. Pretty cool, right?
Related articles
Nutrition
Is Beetroot Really Healthy?
Beetroot is recognized in Ayurveda for its ability to balance doshas and enhance overall well-being.
588
Nutrition
Which Salt is Best for Your Health?
Salt is essential for bodily functions, but not all salt types offer the same health benefits.
613
Nutrition
Phalkalyan Ghrita Uses – Versatile Benefits of Herbal Ghee
Explore the benefits and uses of Phalkalyan Ghrita. Learn how this potent Ayurvedic formulation supports health, wellness, and healing through traditional wisdom.
1,920
Nutrition
Why Curd Rice Might Just Be the Ayurvedic Secret You Didn’t Know You Needed
If you’ve ever lived in South India — or even just had a friend who swears by their grandmother’s kitchen remedies — you’ve probably heard of curd rice. It’s that humble, creamy, comfort-in-a-bowl dish: cooked rice mixed with yogurt, sometimes with mustar
205
Nutrition
What Is Cajun Spice? Meaning, Blend, and Culinary Uses
What is cajun spice? Learn the meaning, origin, ingredients, and uses of cajun spice mix. Discover how this bold seasoning blend is made and where it’s used
57
Nutrition
Discovering the Ayurvedic Diet
The Ayurvedic Diet is a traditional Indian nutritional practice that aligns eating habits with one's dosha to promote health and balance.
602
Nutrition
How Much Curd Per Day? An Ayurvedic Guide to Eating Dahi the Right Way
Curd is everywhere. From South Indian meals to North Indian thalis, from grandma's lunch to Instagram smoothies — dahi is that one thing almost everyone thinks is healthy. But the real question isn't whether curd is good or bad. It's: how much curd per da
218
Nutrition
Top Foods for Brain Health in Ayurveda
Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to enhance brain health, focusing on natural practices and foods to support cognitive function and mental clarity.
602
Nutrition
Phala Ghrita for Reproductive Health – Ayurvedic Tonic for Optimal Gynecological Wellness
Discover Phala Ghrita, a traditional Ayurvedic tonic enriched with potent herbs to nurture the reproductive system, promote hormonal balance, and enhance gynecological health for overall vitality.
2,173
Nutrition
Vidaryadi Ghritam – Traditional Ayurvedic Medicated Ghee for Holistic Wellness
Discover Vidaryadi Ghritam, a time-honored Ayurvedic medicated ghee formulation designed to rejuvenate tissues, balance doshas, and support nerve and digestive health naturally.
2,107

Related questions on the topic