vata season

vata lifestyle tips “like increases like”

vata season is: dry, light, cold,
Slow down or sit. The hardest thing for most vatas to do, is nothing. However, mobile, rough, subtle
creativity and spirit can only peek through when there is stillness. It’s easy for
vatas to zip through each day, only to end up crabby that they “didn’t do anything” find balance by adding: oiliness/
today. Mostly because their consciousness wasn’t linked to what they were wetness, heaviness, warmth, stability,
doing. While they thrive on being able to juggle and mutitask, they often don’t smoothness
complete things and end up wiped out. Practice full concentration on one
thing at a time and sit still long enough to sink in and slow down. Vata is the energy of transformation and
is the over-arching energy during fall and
Say no to most things. When vata only has a few things to think about, their early winter. Vata-type folks will particularly
spirit will soar. They don’t need a laundry list of accomplishments to feel good benefit from the tips outlined in this quick guide.
(even though they want to take them all). Vatas will feel better if they succeed
at just a few things and leave the rest alone. What can you say no to or drop Are you a vata?
from your to-do list of commitments? Take the dosha test to find out:
heymonicab.com/blog/dosha-test
Truly listen. Vatas love to tell stories and be the center of attention. Too much
talking though is vata-aggravating and can be people-aggravating, too! Others
want to share too, so let’s give the courtesy of listening. Really listen. Don’t be in a
rush to get out what you have to say. I know you’re excited, but take a second
vata nutrition
to absorb what your friend is talking about. Listen with your heart or it will feel Fall & winter food should include warm,
(to them) like you are only interested in your own agenda. By listening you’ll dis- saucy/oily, grounding, comfort foods.
cover their amazing stories, scenarios and conundrums that will spark a deeper
connection. YES foods include: Carbs and grains, fats,
sweet fruits and citrus fruits. Including sweet
Full faith, full trust. Doubts, uncertainties, feelings of inadequacy, and worry potatoes, squash, beets, potatoes, rice, pastas,
can fill vata’s mind. Have full faith, full trust in the process, especially during diffi- fresh baked bread. Add the fire element to
culties or when things go wonky because it won’t be difficult forever. Take a BIG every meal by cooking/steaming vegetables
inhale and check in with your spirit. Are you living from your heart each day? and enjoying all foods when they are warm.
Are you surrounded by people who fuel you and love you unconditionally? Are Foods should never be cold or raw because
you moving in the direction you want to go? Listen to the answers. And then vatas cannot digest them well. The flip side,
TRUST the guidance of your SPIRIT. vatas will awesomely digest one-pot meals,
so bring out the rice cooker and get creative!
om-therapies for the 5 senses NO foods include: Raw foods, salads, cold
See. Vata eyes can get dry, so take breaks to close them and be sure to have foods, very dry or fibery foods, icey drinks, ice
eye drops when it’s windy out! cream (sorry), coffee (sorry again).
Hear. High-pitched sounds are no bueno for sensitive vata ears. Neither is talk
radio. Downtempo beats, low slow drums and soothing music is great. Also
protect the ears in the cold, since the ears are one of the seats of vata. tip: oil is vata’s #1 food
Incorporate all your favorite oils including
Touch. Warm oil massages are amazing! Best oils for vata are almond or olive, flax, ghee, coconut, you name it. Oils
seasame (sesame is more heating, might not be awesome for sensitive skin). are great for vata! Feeo good about dipping
Taste. Three meals (not 8 tiny ones!) are best for vata, sometimes a small 4th that baguette into olive oil! Oils will help
meal around 8pm helps them sleep through the night. your tissues stay supple, will make your skin
look amazing and oils will help you poop, too.
Smell. Earthy or sweet scents like patchouli, frankincense, lavender, geranium.
You’re welcome.

put this knowledge into practice!

Using the journal on the next page, commit to practicing new
Connect with HeyMonicaB on Facebook,
diet & lifestyle changes for summer so you can life your best life!
YouTube, or visit heymonicab.com

©2018 heymonicab heymonicab.com

 life practice
List some things you didn’t know about vatas or vata season

Choose 1-2 of those things to work on this week

(as you make them a habit, add 1 more and 1 more...)

Observe: How do you feel since making the changes?

©2018 heymonicab heymonicab.com

 70 BEST FOODS FOR VATA Hint: Use as a shopping list

FRUIT DAIRY OILS

q banana q organic whole milk q olive oil
q oranges q organic butter q coconut oil
q grapefruit q mozzarella q ghee
q limes
q lemon SKIP: yogurt, soy milk, skim milk CONDIMENTS
q mango q sauerkraut
MEATS (in small quantity, high quality) q pickles
q grapes q pork
q pineapple q olives, olive tapenade
q beef q mustard
q coconut q fish
q avocado q ketchup
q eggs q sriracha
q cucumber
q kiwi GRAINS SPICES
o oats q cinnamon/cinnamon stick
NOTE: Apples and pears are best baked. Berries, q french bread
watermelon, cantaloupe and stone fruits, save for q hing
summer. q pasta q cloves
q rice noodles q black pepper
VEGGIES q udon noodles q himalayan salt
q sweet potatoes q ramen noodles q cumin powder/cumin seed
q potatoes q basmati or jasmine rice q fennel seed
q butternut squash q ginger
q zucchini SKIP: brown rice, anything “high fiber”, multi grain
bread, whole wheat pasta.
q green beans SNACKS
q snap peas NUTS & NUT BUTTER q fruit
q peas q raw almonds q Lara bar or Kind bar
q corn q almond butter q dates
q asparagus q cashews q raw nuts (not dry roasted) w/a little salt
q fennel q pistachios q bread roll with nut butter or cheese
q beets q macadamia q warm chai with whole milk
q ginger root (it’s near the veggies at the store) q walnuts q herbal teas: ginger, chamomile, tulsi,
q pine nuts
SKIP or LIMIT: onion, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, SKIP: bubbly water, rice cakes, and crackers
cabbage (unless it’s sauerkraut), brussel sprouts. q sesame seeds

SKIP: peanuts and peanut butter

©2018 heymonicab www.heymonicab.com