Maharishi Ayurveda recommends eating special foods during the two weeks when one season is changing into another. Called Ritu Sandhi, this gap between seasons is a delicate time for the digestion, as the doshas are fluctuating and digestive capacity can also waver.
The Ayurvedic diet for between seasons
A light, purifying diet is recommended. Avoid meat, leftovers and processed or junk foods during this time. Eat more hot soups, more hot liquids, and more cooked foods with less oil. Dhal soups, rice, and cooked vegetables are perfect for this cleansing period.
Besides following a purifying diet, you'll also want to pacify Pitta and Vata doshas, since fall is the junction between the Pitta and Vata seasons.
Vaidya Manohar recommends Pitta-Balancing Kheer (Rice Pudding) and Green Detox Smoothie to bring these doshas into balance. These recipes are perfect for fall cleansing.
Fresh fall menus for Vata season
Fall is traditionally a time of abundance, when we harvest a cornucopia of vegetables from our gardens and local farmer's markets. This is a great time to enjoy the fresh flavor of food that's in season and locally grown. Plan your menus around the following seasonal vegetables and fruits.
For soups
- Beets
- Cabbage
- Celery
- Spinach
- Squash
- Broccoli (finely chopped)
For steamed or puréed vegetable side dishes
- Kale
- Mustard greens
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
For steamed and sautéed vegetable side dishes with ghee and spices
- Cauliflower
- Squash
- Broccoli
Seasonings
- Parsley
- Small amounts of sautéed garlic
- Cooked onion
Fall Fruit Snacks
- Cooked apple with raisins
- Sliced ripened pear
- Cooked pear
- Black or red grapes
- Fresh grape juice with pinch of cinnamon
Discover more Ayurvedic foods and recipes.
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