That’s what we do in the west, right? We analyze, categorize, synthesize, and essentially complicate things. Upon learning a little bit about Ayurveda, right away we focus so much on wanting to know exactly what our main dosha is and how we can meticulously avoid eating foods which may aggravate that dosha. So much so that we become scared out of eating at all and maybe even become put off by Ayurveda. Here’s a few things you need to know when considering an Ayurvedic diet: You WILL need to learn how to cook. There’s no getting around this one. Sorry. In the Ayurvedic scriptures a few foods are listed that are safe for ALL doshas to take EVERY day. They are: yellow and green mung beans, rice, millet, wheat, milk, greens, ghee, honey, barley, turmeric, ginger, cumin. These should constitute the staples of your Ayurvedic diet. Learn how to prepare these foods and rotate them so you don’t get bored. As for vegetables, stick to what is in season and locally available. The energetics of foods are altered when they are refrigerated and shipped in a dark truck driven across the country anyway. So, in winter time, when you think those blueberries are going to give you that super nutritious boost…you might want to wait until August when they are available locally. Fruits should only be taken alone, with no other foods, especially milk or other animal products. Fact is, most of us don’t have the digestive capacity to absorb acidic, sour substances like fruits when mixed with other foods. As for timing, the more time in between meals (without snacking!) allowing for digestion to happen, the better. This may vary depending on the strength of your digestive fire. 4-6 hours is a general guideline. Also, the less food taken after the sun has set, and your digestive fire settles down for the night, the better. While there are plenty of other dietary tips to eating an Ayurvedic diet, this should get you started. Some of these guidelines may seem contradictory to your current dietary habits. Remember that these are time tested principles based on the oldest system of health still practiced today. This is not a fad “lose your belly fat in one weekend” diet from the latest edition of Shape magazine (no offense, we love Shape magazine). Health and longevity start with proper diet and lifestyle choices. So do yourself a favor. For the most part (without being too extreme, because Ayurveda also frowns upon that) eat to live instead of living to eat.