Kapha Reducing Foods - #5028

I’ve recently started learning about Ayurveda, and I suspect that I might have a kapha imbalance. I’ve been feeling really sluggish lately, especially in the mornings, and I’ve gained some weight even though I don’t eat a lot. My digestion feels slow, and I tend to feel heavy after meals, which I think might mean I need to focus on kapha reducing foods. One thing I’ve noticed is that I crave sweet and heavy foods, like bread, dairy, and desserts. I read that these might actually aggravate kapha instead of reducing it. Are there specific kapha reducing foods I should focus on instead? I’ve also heard that certain spices like ginger and turmeric are good for kapha, but I don’t know how much to include in my meals. Another issue I’m having is with mucus. My throat often feels clogged, especially when I wake up, and I have a tendency to catch colds easily. Could this also be a sign that I need more kapha reducing foods? I’m not sure if there are any specific fruits, vegetables, or spices that could help with these symptoms. I also want to know if meal timing plays a role in balancing kapha. Should I be eating smaller meals more frequently, or is it better to stick to three main meals? Sometimes I skip breakfast because I don’t feel hungry in the morning, but I wonder if that’s making my kapha worse. How do kapha reducing foods fit into a daily routine for someone with these symptoms? Lastly, I’m curious if there are foods I should completely avoid to reduce kapha. For example, I’ve read conflicting advice about dairy and bananas—some say they’re heavy and worsen kapha, while others say they’re fine in moderation. Is it better to cut them out altogether, or are there ways to balance them with kapha reducing foods? I’d really appreciate any guidance on how to create meals that focus on kapha reducing foods. Are there simple recipes or specific combinations of ingredients that work best? And how long does it typically take to see improvements when you start eating for kapha balance?