You may think that you have mastered the art of eating healthy. But even if what you eat might be healthy for some individuals, it may actually not match your body type. If this is the case, you may need to change how you eat to avoid certain health conditions. To achieve maximum health, according to practitioners of ayurveda, it is necessary to have a diet that aligns with your dosha body type. The three dosha types are:

• vata

• pitta

• kapha

The dominant dosha for a particular person is who he or she is in his or her healthy and balanced state. If you look at your own physical characteristics and personality, it will not be difficult to determine which of these you fall into.

Vata

Those who are vata have a light build. They also have a personality that is creative. They have dry skin, prefer warm climates, humid climates and are sensitive.

Those who have a vata that is not balanced will feel dehydrated, constipated and suffer from undesired weight loss. The best solution is to eat more ripe fruits, warm milk and soupy grains. The best teas to drink are:

• ginger

• fennel

• chamomile

Kapha

Those who are kapha have a heavy build. They prefer warm, dry climates. They have oily skin and tend to be easy-going.

If you have a tendency to procrastinate, if you are very sleepy and if you are suffering from weight gain, you may need to change your diet to include millet, rye and barley grains, boiled raw vegetables and honey, rather than sugar. The best teas to drink are:

• peppermint

• fenugreek

• ginger

Pitta

Pitta have a medium, muscular build. They tend to be productive and work hard. They prefer colder weather and have fair skin. Common problems Pitta-dominant individuals suffer from are excessive hunger, sweating and heartburn. Having more sweet fruits, a moderate amount of dairy and mild, cooling spices can help with these problems. The best teas for a Pitta are:

• red clover

• spearmint

• liquorice

Though the recommended diets vary from dosha to dosha, there are a few general guidelines. Eat warm, quality meals in the right quantity. If you are having a difficult time eating based on your dosha, it is best to talk with an ayurveda treatment specialist. The list of recommended meals is not exhaustive and there are many other changes to your diet you may need to make to improve your overall health.