Curd can indeed be a beneficial part of your diet if you’re looking to gain weight, especially muscle mass. From an Ayurvedic perspective, curd, or dahi, is considered nourishing and cooling. It is particularly recommended for increasing kapha dosha, which is responsible for bodily growth and stability, making it a valuable food in weight gain regimes.
Curd is a rich source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. It also contains probiotics that support digestion, ensuring your body effectively absorbs the nutrients from the foods you eat. This could be why you find curd helps with feeling fuller and resisting cravings for less healthy options. Still, balance and moderation are key. Too much curd, especially if consumed inappropriately (like late at night or in cold weather), can lead to imbalance in kapha, resulting in excessive mucus or heaviness.
To integrate curd into your diet for muscle gain, try adding it to your lunch. It’s best paired with some meals - like rice or chapati - to balance its heaviness. You could also mix it with fruits or honey in the morning for a more refreshing start to the day. Also, consider adding warming spices like ginger or pepper to aid digestion.
Since you mentioned having trouble with high-protein snacks, focusing on a whole food sources like curd, which is easier on the stomach, might be a more suitable choice. Importantly, keep a varied diet that includes other proteins like legumes, nuts, and seeds, while ensuring you drink ample water for digestion.
Remember, success with weight gain also heavily depends on maintaining a regular, intense workout routine to complement your dietary intake. Curds’ high protein and fat content should go well with your exercise needs, aiding in muscle recovery and bulking.
Always observe how your body reacts to dietary changes, as Ayurveda underscores personalized approaches based on individual constitution and digestion capacity. If ever in doubt, consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner for a custom-tailored plan would be advisable.
