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analytical mind. They may feel they 

are always right—and often are. When 

stressed, they tend to experience more 

anger, sadness, grief, blame and shame. 

When out of balance, they may have 

addictive tendencies, problems with 

heart, liver, gall bladder and cancer. 

They have a strong digestive fire and 

can eat a lot while maintaining the 

same weight.  

KAPHA cools and supports the 

body and stores energy in fat, muscle 

and liquid. Kapha people are strong 

and sturdy.  They are squarely built, 

slower to act and decide; yet carry out 

a project to completion.  They keep 

friends forever. They are compas-

sionate and emotionally stable. When 

stressed, they tend to experience 

stuckness or depression. When out of 

balance they may become overweight, 

have excess growths such as cysts or 

tumors, or diabetes.  

If you know which type you are, you 

can create a diet and fitness regimen 

which will restore your original vitality 

and nature. We are each a combination 

of these three; however, you will prob-

ably identify more with one dosha.  

Suggested Diet and Fitness Regi-

mens:

VATA

 

• Slow down. Schedule regular times

for meals and sleep.

• Ginger, oils, and soupy, hot cooked

foods are best. Eat less raw, dry, 

yeasted foods. 

• In the fitness regimen, more aware-

ness of the body’s limitations will 

improve results. Try swimming, 

yoga, tai chi and aerobics, fast 

walking and working up a sweat. 

Heat is good for Vata—steam room, 

hot tub.

PITTA

• Avoid getting too hot. Stay out of the

noon sun; go on full-moon walks to 

cool down. 

• Avoid hot, spicy and sour foods. Eat

foods like carbohydrates, soy milk, 

and vegetables. Avoid red meat.  

• Yoga, walking, and swimming are

the best exercises for Pitta. Drink 

enough water. Medium cycles or 

reps, without pushing.  

KAPHA

• Kapha natures dislike exercise.

They’d rather watch TV or sit in a 

café.  

• Avoid cold, heavy, or sweet foods (ice

cream, tofu or baked potatoes with 

butter). Eat more hot, spicy (ginger), 

easy to digest foods.  Eat every 5-6 

hours. If you are hungry more often 

than this, you may not be Kapha.

• Running, fast walking, aerobic yoga

is good for Kapha. More reps, fewer 

cycles. 

To be fit we need to know our 

nature, our tendencies, and what 

would be an optimum regimen. Then, 

with awareness, we find out what 

works for us! It may not be what we 

think. If it brings results….health, 

energy, stamina, passion…. Ayurveda 

says—that is our proper regimen. 

Cynthia Copple is the Director of Lotus Holistic 

Health Institute, www.lotusayurveda.com