If your predominant Ayurveda dosha (body type) is Pitta, then your fiery nature is governed by metabolism, digestion and producing plenty of energy. Pitta-types such as yourself are typically medium in weight and size and may have red or blonde hair, blue or green eyes and/or freckles, beauty marks and moles. Pitta types are generally quite warm and witty; they don’t like being in the hot sun for too long, and often find their hearty appetites demand thorough attention. Pittas have a sharp intellect, a sharp tongue, a generous and outgoing nature, a seriously robust appetite and, when in balance, excellent digestion. Otherwise, when out of balance, they are prone to skin rashes, overheating, irritability, excessive anger, heartburn and other symptoms of indigestion.
Cooling is key for Pitta dosha! Striking a balance between rest and activity, staying out of the direct hot sunlight, taking long walks in nature in the morning light, the moonlight, or after sunset as well as eating plenty of cooling fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated and keeping cool and relaxed all go a long way towards health and well-being for Pitta.
The sharp, hot, intense and oily nature of Pitta dosha may be easily disturbed by eating too many fermented and sour foods like vinegar, yogurt, sauerkraut and sour citrus fruits. These foods can increase the digestive fire (known as “agni”) which can lead to indigestion for Pitta types who thrive on regular meals and snacks based on light, dry, cooling foods with plenty of ghee and fresh, juicy-sweet fruits and green vegetables.
If you’re not sure what your Ayurveda body type is, check out this site where you can take a free quiz to help determine your primary dosha: https://www.oneworldayurveda.com/free-dosha-quiz/
The predominant tastes that help to balance and stabilize Pitta dosha are sweet, bitter and astringent. Here are five breakfast ideas to get you started:
1. Cream of wheat or oatmeal made with jaggery, ghee and sunflower seeds. Add a smoothie with whole milk, bananas, vanilla, a dash of raw sugar and (if you have it on hand) a drop or two of cooling edible rose water.
2. Whole wheat toast with sunflower or almond butter and rose petal jam or peach jam. Add a fruit salad made with sweet apples, pears and grapes. Enjoy with a cup of chai tea made with whole milk.
3. Yellow Split Mung Dal Kitchari cooked with cumin, turmeric and saffron, garnished with a generous amount of ghee, avocado slices, grated unsweetened coconut and chopped fresh cilantro. Enjoy with cup of dandelion tea.
4. Blueberry muffins made with dates, almonds, raw sugar and butter. Serve with mashed tofu cooked in ghee, sunflower or almond oil and seasoned with turmeric, cumin and coriander. Add a cup of mint tea, a small squeeze of lime and a little raw sugar, if desired.
5. Avocado toast made from wheat, barley or rice bread, topped with an egg cooked in ghee and fresh avocado slices. Garnish with cilantro. Enjoy this with an almond date smoothie made with almond milk, dates, sunflower butter and a pinch of cinnamon.
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