What To Eat for my Dosha at a BBQ
Finally, we are opening up, and it’s a delightful time for those mindful of their dosha in Ayurveda. This past weekend, I was amazed at how many people were out and about, embracing the safer environment for social gatherings. Whether it’s sitting at pavement cafes, attending graduation parties, or simply meeting friends, we’re now able to indulge in these pleasures once more. Amidst this, I relished the opportunity to sit in an outdoor cafe, listen to music, and engage in one of my favorite activities – people watching, all while considering how these settings align with Ayurvedic principles, particularly the balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas.
We are also approaching the season of outdoor parties and barbecues. What is a person to do who is following their Ayurveda plan? I am often reminded of these challenges by my clients and here is what I tell them.
Real-life has pizza parties, birthday parties, weddings, and graduations – eating is pleasurable and we should thoroughly enjoy it. However, it is easy to be confused, not so in Ayurveda.
So, let’s see what Vata, Pitta, and Kapha decide to do at this barbeque. Let’s join the party.
FIRST – LET’S TAKE A LOOK AND SEE WHAT IS ON THE TABLE:
- A big bowl of salad with leafy kale and spinach as the base, chickpeas, cooked, and then chilled broccoli, carrots, and green beans.
- A large plate of grilled veggies including mushrooms, tomatoes, zucchini, green beans, cooked broccoli, sugar snap peas, and carrots.
- A large, warm loaf of crusty bread and roasted garlic butter on the side for smearing on the bread.
- There is grilled chicken that has been marinated in olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- The veggie burgers have olive oil brushed on them and are topped with fresh mozzarella cheese, basil from the garden, and garden-fresh tomatoes.
- There are hamburgers and hot dogs sizzling on the grill.
- Whole wheat rolls are warmed and lightly toasted for the burgers.
- Baked beans simmering in a crockpot.
- Fresh-grilled corn on the cob.
- There are lots of condiments including olive oil, chili flakes, sunflower seeds, ranch dressing, and balsamic vinaigrette dressing, as well as ketchup and mustard.
HOW WILL EACH DOSHA BUILD THEIR PLATE?
Kapha, knowing they need a lighter fare, would pile half their plate with salad and add some balsamic vinaigrette. They would take a veggie burger, ditch the mozzarella and add a sprinkle of hot pepper flakes. They like the idea of the beans, then realize that these beans are loaded with sugar – so take a piece of corn instead. They prefer their corn naked, so don’t add sugar or garlic butter. They would take one piece of bread and although they may longingly look at another slice, they know that too much bread makes them feel heavy and sluggish.
Pitta would pile 1/3 of their plate with salad and dressing. Because Pittas have a good appetite, they will probably have a veggie burger and a piece of chicken. They would stay away from anything a little spicy, so ditch the mustard and garlic and although they may take a second look at the tomatoes– they know that it may give them heartburn later. They go for the corn and some baked beans relishing the sweet taste.
Vata would skip the salad altogether and gravitate towards the grilled veggies knowing that raw veggies will make them bloated later. They will make a beeline for the warm bread adding lots of olive oil and garlic butter. They will probably pick at a piece of chicken, put it down – forget where they put it, start all over with a veggie burger, and pick at that too because they filled up with bread.
AT THE END OF THE DAY:
Everyone had a good time at the barbecue. Kapha felt joyful, light, clear-headed, and happy because of the veggies and not too much heaviness from the burger or bread. Pitta was content, full of humor and wit because the bitter greens in the salad helped their mind stay clear and emotions cool. They didn’t get heartburn from an overly spicy meal with garlic. Vata was hugging everyone and telling stories with their hands flinging in the air – and for once they did not feel bloated! Instead, they were grounded and satisfied from their grilled veggies, bread – with extra olive oil – and chicken.
By knowing themselves and by making the right choices, these three left the summer barbecue feeling happy and satisfied. None of them will have digestive problems later that night. They will all wake up the next morning feeling happy, clear, and full of vitality.
In health,
The key is knowing yourself and then you will find you can customize your plate no matter where you are. Let me know if you are finding eating out a challenge and tell me what you do to manage it? Set up a complimentary consultation to learn how to eat (in any situation!) for your body type.
