By Kamie Slegers
Supports cooling, calming, and balancing the fire element in body and mind
Favor These Foods (Cooling, Sweet, Bitter, Astringent)
Vegetables (Best lightly cooked)
- Asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage
- Carrots (cooked), green beans, peas
- Leafy greens (kale, chard – lightly steamed)
- Zucchini, cucumber, squash (all types)
- Okra, Brussels sprouts, cilantro
Grains
- Basmati rice
- Barley
- Oats (not instant)
- Quinoa
- Wheat (whole, in moderation)
- Amaranth
Fruits (Ripe, sweet, and non-sour)
- Apples (sweet), pears, mango (ripe)
- Grapes (sweet), melons, watermelon
- Pomegranate, coconut, avocado (moderation)
- Sweet plums, sweet cherries, blueberries (mild)
Legumes
- Mung beans (best), red lentils
- Split peas, tofu, garbanzo beans (in moderation)
Dairy (If well tolerated)
- Ghee, warm milk with cardamom
- Paneer (fresh cheese), unsalted butter
- Homemade yogurt (diluted with water and spices)
Spices (Mild & cooling)
- Coriander, fennel, cumin, mint
- Cardamom, turmeric (small amounts)
- Cinnamon (light use), dill, saffron
Fats & Oils
- Ghee (best for Pitta)
- Coconut oil, sunflower oil
- Olive oil (moderation)
Beverages
- Coconut water
- Aloe vera juice (small amounts)
- Herbal teas: mint, rose, chamomile, fennel, hibiscus
- CCF tea (coriander-cumin-fennel)
Avoid or Minimize (Heating, Sour, Spicy, Fermented)
Spices & Condiments
- Garlic, raw onions, chili peppers
- Mustard, vinegar, pickles, ketchup
- Fermented foods (sauerkraut, miso, kombucha)
Sour & Acidic Foods
- Citrus fruits (lemon, orange, grapefruit)
- Tomatoes, tamarind, sour yogurt
Salty & Processed Foods
- Table salt (favor rock salt in moderation)
- Chips, canned soup, fried snacks
Heating Proteins
- Eggs (especially fried)
- Red meat, seafood (esp. shellfish)
- Aged cheeses
Stimulants
- Coffee, black tea, green tea
- Alcohol, energy drinks, chocolate (excess)
Ayurvedic Tip:
- Eat with mindfulness.
- Favor seasonal, fresh
- Whole foods
- Avoid skipping meals
- Extreme fasting
- Balance activity with rest
- Spend time in nature to reduce internal heat
(Based on Dr. Vasant Lad’s Ayurvedic Guidelines)