Seasons are a natural time of change, from the weather to our wardrobes. For WellSet instructor and Ayurveda practitioner Nimisha Gandhi, they also require pause and deep self-care to remain grounded, healthy and protect ourselves from illnesses. "The fall season marks the transition from a hot Pitta season (fire and water) to a windy and dry Vata season (air + ether)," says Gandhi. "Vata energy is highly mobile, creative, dry, introspective, and sensitive. To counterbalance, we need to bring harmony between our external and internal worlds."
According to Gandhi, common signs of seasonal imbalance include anxiety and worry, a racing mind, forgetfulness, feeling ungrounded, dry or rough skin, earaches, and digestive upset or constipation—any combination of which can lead to feelings of burnout, exhaustion, and even depression. Balancing the the Vata dosha with supportive diet choices can help restore alignment.
"Common signs of seasonal imbalance include anxiety, a racing mind, forgetfulness, feeling ungrounded, dry skin, earaches, digestive upset or constipation." –Nimisha Gandhi, WellSet Instructor & Ayurvedic practitioner
The principles of Ayurvedic nutrition encourage eating seasonally, locally, and organically; incorporating all six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent) and fasting between meals—aka "rest & digest". For Vata season, Gandhi suggests nourishing yourself with warming foods, incorporating spices like ginger, turmeric, cumin, cardamom, and salt which are Vata-pacifying and can feel extra comforting during this time. Round out you daily meals with root vegetables, squashes and pumpkins, apples and pears, and anti-inflammatory grains.
For more inspiration, follow her sample menu below along with a warming tea recipe to keep you balanced throughout the day!
Nimisha Gandhi's Ayurvedic Meal Plan for Fall
Breakfast
Warm water + lemon
Amaranth porridge cooked with ghee, ginger, cardamom
Toppings: dates, cashews, sunflower seeds, honey
Lunch
Warm water
Seasonal vegetables cooked in a variety of spices
Protein source well cooked and in a variety of spices
Fermented or probiotic-rich food source
White rice cooked traditionally topped with ghee/coconut oil
Dinner
Warm water
Soup made with vegetable/bone broth, lentils, and spices.
Whole grains
RECIPE: Ayurvedic Vata Tea
Sip this herbal tea throughout the day to maintain healthy agni (digestive fire), reduce bloating and inflammation, and help to dispel ama (toxins) in the body.
Ingredients
1/2 tsp Coriander
1/2 tsp Cumin
1/2 tsp Fennel
Directions: Simmer all ingredients in boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and enjoy.