Many of us associate seasons of the year with certain types of foods, even if we know little about the biological rhythms that prompt annual changes in appetite. Humans and other animals typically eat less food in the spring, more fat in the summer, more carbohydrates in the monsoons and more proteins in the winter.
From an ecological view, seasons are considered a source of natural diversity. But interestingly, the most important principle of healthy eating is to keep in harmony with natural cycles and our own inner physiological cycles. A diet that harmonizes with natural cycle will enhance one's flow of energy and harmonize the functional activities of all organs. A diet that is not in harmony with the movements of nature will drain one's energy and bring about diseases.
Ayurveda has defined the correct diet and lifestyle in detail, not only according to the individual body constitution but also according to the relationship between the seasonal changes and the person's constitution. The seasons in India are divided into 6 seasons:
- Early winter (Hemant)
- Late winter (Shishir)
- Spring (Vasant)
- Summer (Grishma)
- Monsoon (Varsha)
- Autumn (Sharad)
The Diet for each of these seasons can be given as below:
Winter Season (Hemant and Shishir)
- Vata constitution: Predominantly, vata people feel very cold in the beginning of this season (Hemant) along with body aches. However, their digestion is good compared to autumn. They should have frequent small meals. They should take plenty of hot soups with carom seeds (ajwain) and asafoetida (hing) to ward off gas problems. Towards the end of the winter, when it rains and is very cold, vata people should eat well all foods as their digestive fire is at the maximum.
- Pitta constitution: These people feel best in the winter season as this is the most comfortable part of the year as far as their health and digestion is concerned. This is because the cold season very naturally balances the hot constitution of the pitta person. The only thing which a pitta person must watch out is overeating as pitta people tend to go overboard with the fried foods etc.
- Kapha constitution: For kapha people, winter is the toughest month because they tend to get problems with their sinuses and also respiratory problem. They must not eat heavy foods and should eat more of hot soups along with a dash of garlic, ginger along with hot spices like cinnamon etc.
Spring Season (Vasant)
- Vata constitution: Vata people tend to have a lot of joint and stomach pains in this season. They should eat well cooked mucoid foods like oat or wheat porridge and also do light exercises.
- Pitta constitution: For Pita people, this is the best season to detoxify and do heavy exercises as the weather is good and conducive for exercises.
- Kapha constitution: For the kapha person, this is the best season to eat very light food and detoxify the body. Things like holy basil (tulsi), ginger, Indian gooseberry (amla) and herbal chutneys are good for this season. One should have light fruit diet along with abhayanga (body massages).
Summer Season (Grishma)
- Vata constitution: They are the most comfortable people in this season and can eat all kinds of foods. They should just increase their water intake as this season is very dehydrating and may result in drying effects on the vata people which may lead to indigestion and constipation.
- Pitta constitution: Pitta people are the ones who are most uncomfortable in this season. They not only experience a marked fall in their energy levels but they also feel thirsty, uncomfortable and less appetite. Pitta people should eat lots of cooling foods like watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, sherbets, salads, sprouts etc. They should avoid too much of non-vegetarian foods in the summer months. They should also avoid spices with a "garam tasir" (hot nature) like ginger, garam masala, clove (laung) etc. They should not exercise in the heat and should prefer early mornings to exercise.
- Kapha constitution: They should eat all foods but should take care to finish their meals early as the late dinners are unhealthy for the kapha people.
Monsoon or Rainy Season (Varsha)
- Vata constitution: Vata people are comfortable in this season and can eat everything including the chaat-papdi, pickles, sweet and sour chutneys etc.
- Pitta constitution: Pitta people feel very healthy and well in this season because the temperature is low because of the rains. In this season, they can eat everything like sweet, sour, salty foods. But they must watch out against foods which are preserved as the digestion can get upset with too many sour pickles, vinegar etc.
- Kapha constitution: Kapha people feel very bloated and lethargic in this season and therefore must watch out against overeating of foods like sweet watery foods such as juices, rice etc.
Autumn Season (Sharad)
- Vata constitution: Vata people should eat regular small meals in this season. They should not skip breakfast.
- Pitta constitution: Bitter and sweet tastes are good for the pitta person. Fluids should be taken in copious amounts to maintain hydration levels.
- Kapha constitution: Kapha person should watch out against taking afternoon naps, overeating and alcohol.
In all seasons, be creative! Let the natural backdrop of spring, summer, fall and winter be your guide. By following these simple instructions for eating foods appropriate to each season, adjusting your diet to your body type, eating at the optimal time of the day, and exercising without triggering a survival response, you will not only lose excess pounds and maintain your ideal weight but you will also be able to generate energy and power in your life.
