IT IS NOT ONLY ABOUT WHAT YOU EAT, IT IS ALSO ABOUT WHEN YOU EAT
The selection of suitable / healthy meal timings is an important aspect of Ahara niyama in Ayurveda. This has an impact on our ability to digest food as well as our ability to get nutrients from it. In fact, choosing the right time to eat each meal has a similar impact on our health as deciding what to eat. To put it another way, we should devote the same amount of time in deciding when to eat as we do in deciding what to eat.
AYURVEDA’S – 24 HOUR CYCLE
The 24hr cycle is as follows:
2 A.M. – 6 A.M. – and 2 P.M. – 6 P.M. – Vata Time.
6 A.M. – 10 A.M. and 6 P.M. – 10 P.M. – Kapha Time.
10 A.M. – 2 P.M. and 10 P.M. – 2 A.M. – Pitta Time.
What are Doshas in Ayurveda?
In order to keep ourselves in good health and harmony we should follow eating or sleeping patterns according to this 24 hour clock. Lets see how it works:
- Vata Time (2 A.M. – 6 A.M.) – First Cycle
Since Vata is a type of energy that is made up of air and ether and is associated with movement, creativity, and impulse, this time is the best time for waking up as it ensures that we are able to utilize the creativity, enthusiasm and high energy that this part of the day offers us.
Waking up at this hour gives us a lot of energy, mental clarity, and freshness throughout the day. Many experts believe that waking up during this time allows for a “dosha re-balancing”
- Kapha Time (6 A.M. – 10 A.M.) – First Cycle
Kapha is the energy associated with water and earth. Hence it brings with it sluggishness & lethargy. These attributes will intensify if one wakes up during kapha time, which is between 6:00 and 10:00 a.m.. Rather, this is the best time for exercising as it will bring one out of his comfort zone and will keep him energetic throughout the day
- Pitta Time (10 A.M. – 2 P.M.) – First Cycle
Pitta is a form of energy that is related with Digestion, metabolism, absorption, assimilation, and body temperature regulation. Since it is made up of fire and water, it represents the fire or AGNI of the Sun. This AGNI/digestive fire is responsible for digestion, absorption of nutrients etc. At noon, when the Sun reaches its peak, the Agniis maximum Pitta in our bodies also reaches its peak. Hence this time is the best time to eat our largest meal of the day.
People who due to their busy schedules reserve their largest meal for evenings are more prone to diseases as Digestive fire or Agni cools down with setting up off the Sun and the undigested food leads to building up of Ama (toxins in the body).
- Vata Time (2 P.M. – 6 P.M.) – Second Cycle
Though It’s the best time of day to engage in creative endeavors and problem solving. Lots of mental activities can take place during this time. However those with a Vata dominant dosha may experience agitation during this period, hence a balanced environment with tranquility at work space is required to get maximum output from such people.
- Kapha Time (6 P.M. – 10 P.M.) – Second Cycle
after the Sunset, due to Kapha dominance the body’s ability to digest is very sluggish& the AGNI is mandagni (less digestive fire), one should consume the lightest meal of the day for dinner& asap. If we eat in the later part, the lower is our digestive capacity and ability to absorb food will be. This will result into creation of AMA or toxins in the body. Best is to have the dinner by 7.00 p.m. But if we are eating at 9, the body has had 3 hours to accumulate Kapha – so digestive fire needs to be more intense to combat the coldness wetness and heaviness produced by the natural Kapha upsurge in the body.
Also one should consume fresh, light, warm meals with mild flavours. In Kapha period the body’s ability to digest stale meals is impaired. As they are high in “gurutva”(heavy/difficult to digest) as per Ayurveda, and can quickly aggravate Kapha.
- Pitta Time (10 P.M. – 2 A.M.) – Second Cycle
This time is being utilised by the body for repair & maintenance of Pitta Organs such as Liver, Spleen etc but process takes place only when the food has been properly digested. For that eating our last meal of the day between 7.00 to 8.00 p.m. is a must since body needs 3-4 hours for digestion. Also if we eat just a little before the start of second Pitta cycle (10.00 p.m), the Pitta energy will re-stimulate to digest this food rather than maintaining the vital organs, resulting into disturbed sleep& sluggishness in the morning.
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