Ayurveda imparts the knowledge of leading life in the right way in order to keep ourselves naturally healthy. As a traditional system of medicine that advocates living in line with nature, it talks about a lifestyle that is in line with the environment and weather conditions, including different types of daily diet tips and recipes. In Ayurveda, ‘Ritucharya’ (‘Ritu’ meaning ‘season’, and ‘Charya’ meaning ‘regimen’) is an important practice, which is based upon lifestyles and diet routines in line with the physical as well as mental changes as per seasonal differences.
Let’s have a look at Ayurveda diet tips to follow during rains :
Say NO to fermented foods
One of the major basics in Ayurveda is the tridosha balance. As per Ayurveda, Vata is aggravated, Pitta accumulated, and Kapha is under control during rains. Extra clouds will lead to fermentation of undigested food into sour components increasing acidity. So, it is recommended to avoid fermented foods to minimize fermentation.
Follow a light diet
Since the digestive system slows during rains, following a light diet will avoid gas and bloating. As per Ayurveda, light foods can avoid indigestion, which can also lead to stomach infections.
Prefer less spicy food
According to Ayurveda, there will be a slight increase in pitta when it rains. This can cause a higher body temperature, bloating, gastritis, and stomach ulcers. Spicy food can result in gastritis and cause these health issues due to an increased pitta. So, avoiding them is a good practice when it rains.
Say NO to leafy vegetables
We all know that leafy vegetables are rich in nutrients. Since leaves are prone to worms and germs, it is better to avoid them during the rains. Our body’s natural immunity will be low during rains, and consuming contaminated leafy vegetables can make us easily prone to infections.
Avoid oily and non-vegetarian foods
During rains, it will be difficult to digest oily and non-vegetarian foods due to a lowered digestive power. The non-vegetarian diet will increase the chance of stomach infections. So, it is better to avoid non-vegetarian delicacies when the body’s natural immunity and digestive power will be low.
Prefer steamed and finely-cooked food to the maximum
During rains, the digestive system will be a little weak. So, Ayurveda advises steamed and finely-cooked food when it rains.
Now, let’s list out some ideal recipes to follow during rains :
Ginger Tea
- Mix an equal amount of drinking water and milk as per servings. Boil this after adding crushed ginger in it.
- When a nice aroma of ginger starts to come, add tea-powder as you like.
- Then, strain this tea into cups. Add sugar as you like.
- Remember to have your ginger tea hot and not in an empty stomach.
Being an appetizer and acidity-regulator, ginger will help in keeping you fit during rains. And, who doesn’t like to have hot ginger-tea when it is raining outside!
Pressure Cooked Vegetables
- Cut some carrots, and potatoes as cubes.
- Season little oil in a pressure cooker with cumin. Put the cut carrots and potatoes in it. Add salt to taste and a pinch of turmeric powder. Saute for 4-5 minutes.
- After that, add one bowl of frozen green peas. Adjust salt if required.
- Again, add a pinch of black pepper powder and saute for some more time till the raw smell of the masala is gone.
- Pressure cook on medium flame till one whistle comes. Open after a while, and mix well.
- Remember not to exceed the amount of pepper, salt, and oil.
Enjoy it hot with chapatis, dosas, or similar type of any home-cooked bread.
Mixed Vegetable Soup
- Take 1.5 cups of finely chopped vegetables, including cabbage, beans, and carrots.
- Add 4 cups of water to this cut vegetables, add salt to taste and pressure cook the mix till one whistle. Keep the cooked vegetables aside.
- Saute 3 or 4 finely chopped garlic cloves in 2 teaspoons of oil and when the raw smell is gone, add one finely chopped onion to it.
- Saute all these together for two more minutes and then add the pressure cooked vegetables in it.
- Add ¾ cup of diluted rice-flour liquid to it. Stir well, adjust salt and boil. On getting finely boiled, switch off the flame and add little black pepper.
- Close with a lid and leave it for 2-3 minutes. Then, stir again to blend it well.
This soup will surely boost our digestion, immunity, and help to keep ourselves warm. Serve it hot, preferably before dinner to get the best results.
Steamed Plantains
Regionally known as ‘pazham puzhungiyath’, steamed plantain is a very popular dish in Kerala.
- Take some ripened plantains, cut both the ends, and wash using running water.
- Cook them in a steamer or steam them in a pressure cooker without putting the nut for 8 to 10 minutes in low to medium flame.
- Switch off the flame and put aside to lower the temperature.
- Have it hot as a breakfast or dinner.
Rich in fibre, plantains can increase digestion, prevent constipation, and can fill the stomach. Being a powerhouse with various minerals like Potassium, it is considered to be a super-nutrient food.
All these four recipes are very simple and easy to make with readily available ingredients at home. Follow us for more updates regarding Ayurvedic Ritucharya and health.