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Ayurvedic Diet Guidelines for People at Work
Published on 10/10/24
(Updated on 01/31/26)
2,001

Ayurvedic Diet Guidelines for People at Work

Written by
Dr. Ayush Varma
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
I am an Ayurvedic physician with an MD from AIIMS—yeah, the 2008 batch. That time kinda shaped everything for me... learning at that level really forces you to think deeper, not just follow protocol. Now, with 15+ years in this field, I mostly work with chronic stuff—autoimmune issues, gut-related problems, metabolic syndrome... those complex cases where symptoms overlap n patients usually end up confused after years of going in circles. I don’t rush to treat symptoms—I try to dig into what’s actually causing the system to go off-track. I guess that’s where my training really helps, especially when blending classical Ayurveda with updated diagnostics. I did get certified in Panchakarma & Rasayana therapy, which I use quite a lot—especially in cases where tissue-level nourishment or deep detox is needed. Rasayana has this underrated role in post-illness recovery n immune stabilization, which most people miss. I’m pretty active in clinical research too—not a full-time academic or anything, but I’ve contributed to studies on how Ayurveda helps manage diabetes, immunity burnout, stress dysregulation, things like that. It’s been important for me to keep a foot in that evidence-based space—not just because of credibility but because it keeps me from becoming too rigid in practice. I also get invited to speak at wellness events n some integrative health conferences—sharing ideas around patient-centered treatment models or chronic care via Ayurvedic frameworks. I practice full-time at a wellness centre that’s serious about Ayurveda—not just the spa kind—but real, protocol-driven, yet personalised medicine. Most of my patients come to me after trying a lot of other options, which makes trust-building a huge part of what I do every single day.
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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.

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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.

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Questions from users
Can incorporating seasonal foods really make a big difference in my health and energy levels?
Vance
11 days ago
How does hydration impact my Dosha balance and overall health in Ayurveda?
Yara
17 days ago
What seasonal foods should I focus on to align with my Dosha type throughout the year?
Tiffany
23 days ago
What should I do if I notice that certain foods are causing imbalances in my Dosha?
Serenity
38 days ago
What should I do if I feel hungry before my body has fully digested the last meal?
Logan
44 days ago
How can I determine my dosha type to create a personalized diet based on Ayurveda?
William
53 days ago
What are some good examples of foods that include all six tastes in one meal?
Savannah
65 days ago
Dr. Ayush Varma
1 day ago
Ah, including all six tastes in one meal is a classic Ayurvedic way to really feel that balance. A simple meal that includes rice (sweet), lemon (sour), salt (salty), leafy greens like kale or spinach (bitter), ginger (pungent), and lentils or cooked beans (astringent) can do the trick. You can mix and match based on what's available or what's in season. Just play around, and you'll discover what works best for your prakriti! Enjoy experimenting!
How can I determine my Dosha type to adjust my diet accordingly?
Aubrey
72 days ago
Dr. Ayush Varma
4 days ago
Figuring out your dosha can be quite a journey! You might start with an online quiz to get a basic idea, but for a deeper understanding, it's best to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner. They'll consider your physical traits, mental state, and health history to pinpoint your primary dosha - Vata, Pitta, or Kapha.
What are some examples of foods that are good for each Dosha type in Ayurveda?
Brooklyn
77 days ago
Dr. Ayush Varma
11 days ago
Sure, let's dive into it. For Vata types, warm, cooked foods like soups, stews, and root veggies are great, they help ground and warm you. Pitta folks do well with cooling stuff like cucumbers, melons, and leafy greens to pacify that heat. Kapha types can enjoy spices like ginger and turmeric, and lighter foods like beans and greens, which help balance their natural heaviness.
How can I tell which Dosha predominates in my body to choose the right foods?
Paisley
82 days ago
Dr. Ayush Varma
17 days ago
Spotting your predominant dosha can be a bit tricky, but you can definetely start by observing your traits. For example, Vata types are often thin and energetic, Pitta types might have oily skin and be prone to acne, while Kapha types tend to be heavier and have smooth skin. It might be helpful to keep a dosha journal to note down your characteristics same as Ayurvedic principles suggest! Reaching out to a professional for a more precise analysis would be great too!
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