The ever popular trail mix is a favourite snack world wide. Generally in Ayurveda, snacking isn't promoted, with fruit being the best option if your hunger requires it. However, a well constructed trail mix can be the nourishment you need during a busy day, a time of feeling depleted or needing some extra energy for recovery and healing. Additionally to a snack, you can also add a sprinkle of trail mix over your morning porridge or even a warm salad. Below, I have outlined optimum trail mix ingredients for each dosha, allowing you to choose the best combination/ratio that suits your constitution and health needs. Be mindful when consuming your custom mix for any dosha, a handful is more than enough. The ingredients are predominately sweet and nourishing, so it is best to choose quality over quantity when it comes to your portion size.
TRAIL MIX FOR VATA
Almonds
Brazil nuts
Cashews
Chestnuts
Coconut
Macadamias
Pecans
Peanuts
Pistachios
Sesame seeds
Walnuts
Raisins
Sultanas
Dates
Sunflower seeds
Pepitas
Hazelnuts
Pine nuts
Prunes
TIPS FOR VATA BODY TYPES
Often, Vata body types don't assimilate dried fruits and nuts well, due to the sensitive nature of their digestive system. In this instance, I recommend adding the Vata trail mix to a nourishing meal, for example porridge, to aid the process of digestion. Alternatively, especially if you are a Vata type that suffers with constipation, I would recommend soaking and activating your trail mix first. For more information on how to do this, click here.
TRAIL MIX FOR PITTA
Coconut
Pepitas
Sunflower seeds
Almonds (activated and peeled)
Dates
Raisins
Cranberries
Dried pear
Dried sweet apricot
Dried sweet peach
Dried mango
Dried apple
Dried sweet apple
TIPS FOR PITTA BODY TYPES
Nuts and seeds are oily and heating, so most of them - including the favourites like cashews and macadamia, are not ideal for balancing the Pitta dosha. The above suggestions are seeds and nuts less likely to aggravate. For optimum Pitta balance, I recommend having small quantities of nuts and seeds, with a larger ratio of sweet, dried fruits as listed.
TRAIL MIX FOR KAPHA
Sunflower seeds
Pepitas
Almonds (soaked and peeled)
Dried figs
Dried peas
Cranberries
Prunes
Raisins
Dried mango
Dried peaches
Dried pears
TIPS FOR KAPHA BODY TYPES
Many nuts and seeds are simply too oily and heavy for Kapha body types to digest well. Trail mix should be taken in very small quantities and only occasionally for the Kapha dosha to remain in balance. However, to further support pacifying Kapha, I would encourage a "spiced" trail mix by adding some dried peas, spiced chickpeas combined with raisins, sunflower seeds and pepitas. Delicious!
DISCLAIMER
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the science of Ayurveda. If you have an acute or chronic health concern, please consult your chosen trained health care professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner, contact The Sattva Centre directly - info@thesattvacentre.com
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