The Ayurveda Experience Blog
A big part of weight control is learning how to control food cravings. Whether you have sugar cravings or salt cravings, all kinds of food cravings signify an imbalance of doshas.
We have these cravings when we want to eat the unhealthiest, tastiest of foods, and that’s when we often overeat and, consequently, gain weight.
These cravings could also be because of an imbalance in your doshas. When we discover the imbalance, we can work on that, reducing the cravings and feeling better all around.
Control Cravings: Comfort Foods
The craving for comfort foods indicates a Vata imbalance.
Comfort foods are sweet, creamy and carbohydrate-heavy. Sugar or carbohydrate cravings like these really are a signal that our body wants something warm, nurturing, calming and grounding to balance out an excess of Vata. Likewise, healthy ways of pacifying an aggravated Vata include the following techniques.
- Drink basil and red mango tea.
- Use aromatherapy (vanilla, orange).
- Hug a friend.
- Listen to your favorite music.
If you’d like to learn more about Ayurveda and nutrition, check out Todd Caldecott’s course below.
Control Cravings: Salty Foods
The craving for salty foods indicates a Pitta imbalance.
We crave salty foods like chips, pretzels, and nuts when we feel frustrated, angry, excited or annoyed. Therefore, to pacify the excess Pitta, try the following.
- Drink basil sweet rose tea.
- Use aromatherapy (sandalwood, mint).
- Walk in the moonlight.
- Look at a particularly beautiful piece of art.
Control Cravings: Stimulants
The craving for caffeine, or chocolate, indicates a Kapha imbalance.
Kaphas need something stimulating to overcome feelings of lethargy or depression. So instead of downing coffee, cola or candy bars, implement some Kapha pacifying techniques to control such cravings.
- Drink basil lemon ginger tea.
- Use aromatherapy (spicy scents like rosemary and clove).
- Dance around to some lively music.
DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this document may be viewed as the diagnosis or treatment of any medical disease whatsoever. The contents of this document are the opinions of the author based on his learning and experience.
This document is meant only for educational purposes. The Ayurveda Experience is not liable or responsible for the suggestions made herein.
Please consult your primary care physician before implementing any change in your diet or lifestyle.
Where can I find the items you recommended. I was looking for Basil Red Mango tea online but I found Basil (not a plain Basil all mixed) and Red Mango tea but not what you recommended. Can you send me a link
Hello, When I wasn’t on insulin I was able to lose weight. I am also taking medication for hypothyroid and my results are in normal range, I’m also very insulin resistant. The latest diet I’ve tried is the ketogenic, initially last 5 pounds but no more. I am very knowledgeable about nutrition and I can discipline myself to eat healthy, however, the weight does not go down regardless how I eat and also exercise. It’s been so very frustrating, I have over 100lb. to lose. Is the Ayurveda way of eating be any different for me?????
Hi Irma,
Thanks so much for writing in and good for you for initiating these changes in your lifestyle! Yes, Ayurveda can certainly help with weight loss and there are a variety of techniques within Ayurveda that could assist you. The best thing to do is to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner for specific recommendations for your body type and unique needs. He or she will not only address diet, but lifestyle techniques and supplements you could use to support your weight loss goal. I wish you the very best of luck! Keep at it and take good care.
Kind regards,
Jennifer
I gather from the insulin comment that you are diabetic. I suggest watching “What the Health” on Netflix. It saved my life.
Yes! “What the health” is a amazing documentary. I highly recommend it as well!