20 Foods You Shouldn't Eat In Ayurveda

In today’s fast-paced world, where convenience often takes precedence over health, pausing and reflecting on the daily choices we make when it comes to our diet is important.

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition, Ayurveda encourages all of us to be mindful of the foods we consume to maintain balance and harmony within our bodies. Sometimes, that means eating less of the foods we like because they can aggravate our dosha. other times, it means setting clear boundaries and completely avoiding items that we know can be very harmful, physically and emotionally, offer zero nutritional value, and have a poisonous effect. In this blog, I deep dive into the 20 foods you shouldn’t eat, so you can make more conscious dietary choices.

A Deeper Dive: Unmasking the Culprits:

In our self-exploration and healing journeys, we eventually uncover hidden truths behind the foods we've enjoyed in the past, first shedding light on the effects on our health and vitality and then making the decision to remove them from our life.

Ayurveda, with its time-tested principles, provides a lens through which we can understand the deeper impact of these foods, empowering us to take decisions that resonate with our body type. The more we disconnect from our Ayurvedic or 'true essence' and our body, the more we will be dominated by these chemical laden, processed foods, quick fixes, and fad diets, which eventually sow the seeds of imbalance and disharmony.

In contrast, as we evolve, we recognise that our bodies are sacred vessels, deserving of sustenance that aligns with our dosha that's desperately in need of Prana.

We also understand that food is not merely fuel but a powerful medicine or neutral nourishment with the power to cultivate vibrant health and ignite a transformative internal shift. Now, this is the list of foods you might want to consider eliminating and replacing with healthier options. With the wisdom of Ayurveda as our compass, let’s unveil the 20 foods that Ayurveda suggests we should avoid.

20 FOODS YOU SHOULDN'T EAT

1. Processed Foods:

Ayurveda emphasises the importance of consuming fresh, whole foods that nurture our bodies and minds. Processed foods, laden with artificial preservatives, flavours, and additives, often lack vital nutrients and these disrupt the body’s natural processes. Steering clear of heavily processed snacks, packaged meals, and sugary treats can help restore vitality and promote a more balanced approach to eating.

2. Carbonated Drinks:

Fizzy and carbonated beverages might provide momentary refreshment, but Ayurveda cautions against their long-term consumption. These drinks are high in added sugars and artificial sweeteners, which can lead to digestive imbalances, weight gain, and an increased risk of chronic illnesses. They are also obviously, full of air and this can deeply disturb Vata dosha. Opting for herbal teas, fresh, homemade juices, or infused warm water is a healthier choice that nurtures your body without compromising your well-being.

3. Canned Foods:

One of the foods you shouldn’t eat is canned foods. While they can be convenient and have an extended shelf life, Ayurveda highlights potential risks associated with their consumption.

Firstly, their lack of vital Prana (or lifeforce) and they can be categorized as dead foods. Moreover, the canning process typically involves additives, excessive sodium, and the use of chemical coatings inside the cans. Instead, Ayurvedic principles encourage opting for fresh, locally sourced ingredients to benefit from the natural goodness of unprocessed foods. Take canned tomatoes, sure they are convenient, but fresh tomatoes can be even tastier, I always have a stack on hand to quickly chop up to add to curried and chickpea dishes for that rich taste.

4. Artificial Sweeteners:

Many of us turn to artificial sweeteners as a 'guilt-free' alternative to sugar. However, Ayurveda advises against their usage due to their synthetic and chemical nature and potential adverse effects on the body. These sweeteners can disrupt the delicate balance of our taste buds and our hormones. They may also have long-term consequences. For instance, they can alter our taste preferences, making naturally sweet foods (like fruits and vegetables) seem less appealing. And they also perpetuate a desire for intense sweetness, leading to increased cravings for sugary foods. Embracing natural sweeteners like raw honey, jaggery, maple or rice bran syrup or dates can naturally sweeten your recipes while balancing your dosha.

5. Fast Food:

Fast food has become a ubiquitous part of modern Australian life, but Ayurveda raises red flags everywhere when it comes to its impact on our health. Laden with unhealthy fats, refined carbohydrates, and excessive sodium, these quick bites often lack essential nutrients and it's proven to increase weight gain, obesity, digestive issues, and an increased risk of chronic diseases. Prioritising home-cooked meals, prepared with fresh ingredients allows you to take charge of your health and savour the benefits of mindful eating.

6. Deep-Fried Foods:

While the occasional indulgence in deep-fried delicacies can be enjoyable, Ayurveda advises moderation here.

Deep-frying foods at high temperatures can trigger Pitta and Kapha doshas, contribute to the formation of harmful substances in the body, and negatively impact our digestive system. Opting for healthier cooking methods like steaming, baking, or sautéing helps preserve the nutritional integrity of the fresh ingredients and their prana energy while enhancing their flavours.

7. Artificial Food Colouring:

Vibrant and enticing, artificial food colouring has found its way into numerous processed products. But, Ayurvedic teachings suggest avoiding these synthetic colorants, which can have adverse effects on sensitive individuals, especially children. Some consequences include allergic reactions, hyperactivity and behavioural issues, and sensory overload.

Plus, they totally lack nutritional value and are potentially carcinogenic. Utilising natural alternatives like fruits, vegetables and spices adds color to your plate while nourishing your body with vital nutrients and antioxidants.

8. Artificial Flavour Enhancers:

Artificial flavour enhancers, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), can deceive our taste buds while wreaking havoc on our health. When we take an Ayurvedic approach, instinctively, we steer clear of these synthetic additives. They can cause adverse reactions, like headaches, digestive disturbances, and allergic responses, it's no wonder really that autoimmune diseases are on the rise in this country. Embracing natural flavours like herbs, spices, and aromatics allows us to relish the true essence of our food without compromising our health.

9. Microwave Popcorn:

Microwave popcorn, a popular snack choice, is one of the foods you shouldn’t eat since it harbours hidden health risks.

For example, the bags or boxes used to hold commercial popcorn often contain perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which can migrate into the popcorn during heating, causing reduced immune function and increased susceptibility to infections and diseases. A much better option is choosing air-popped popcorn or preparing homemade alternatives for Pitta or Kapha dosha, using organic corn kernels that ensure a healthier and more satisfying snacking experience... and while I'm on it, try to avoid the sugary, creamy and salty toppings that go with it.

10. Protein Powders:

While popular among fitness enthusiasts and buffed young things hitting the gym, protein powders are typically ultra-processed products that can contain potentially harmful effects on our health. Some of them contain additives, crazy amounts of caffeine, L Carnitine, artificial sweeteners, and unknown thickeners that can disrupt digestion especially younger digestive systems. These additives cause bloating, gas, and discomfort in some individuals. Many protein powders are derived from common allergens such as dairy, soy, or gluten. Individuals with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients may experience adverse reactions like skin rashes, hives, or digestive issues. Acne can also get worse when consuming them.

11. Vegan Meats:

Since vegan meats try to mimic the taste and texture of animal-based meats, they have gained popularity among people following plant-based diets. However, these “foods” heavily rely on processed ingredients to create their meat-like texture and flavour, like isolated proteins, additives, and preservatives. Regular consumption of highly processed foods can contribute to health issues such as inflammation, digestive disturbances, and nutrient imbalances. Furthermore, since they bump up flavour to fake the meat taste, and add preservatives and chemicals to keep it attractive in the packet, vegan meats frequently contain high amounts of added sodium. Excessive sodium intake results in increased blood pressure, water retention, and an elevated risk of cardiovascular problems for individuals who are sensitive to sodium or already have hypertension, and they really taste crappy at the end of the day. Make your own veggie patty, then add all those fresh ingredients to an organic, wholemeal bun... job done!

12. Excessive Salt:

While we're on salt, salt is an essential component of our diets. When used in moderation, it can enhance the flavours of our recipes and balance our electrolytes. But Ayurveda warns against excessive salt intake, because it disrupts the delicate balance of our bodily systems and can aggravate all doshas, especially Pitta Dosha. Opting for natural, unprocessed salts like Himalayan pink salt or sea salt flakes (in small quantities only) allows you to savour the flavours, while supporting your body’s overall equilibrium.

13. Trans Fats

Artificial trans fats are one of the foods you shouldn’t eat. They are often found in processed snacks, baked goods, and fried foods and are detrimental to our health. Ayurveda cautions against these unhealthy fats, as they can increase the risk of heart disease, inflammation, autoimmune diseases and other chronic conditions. Opting for natural sources of healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, and seeds promotes cardiovascular well-being and supports overall vitality. Make sure you regularly consume the fats that are best for your individual constitution.

14. High-Fructose Corn Syrup:

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a commonly used sweetener in processed foods and beverages, poses significant health risks. Ayurveda advises against its consumption due to its detrimental effects on metabolic health, weight gain, and insulin resistance. Choosing natural sweeteners like maple syrup, coconut sugar, or raw honey supports stable blood sugar levels and promotes a more balanced approach to sweetness.

15. Refined Grains:

Refined grains, such as white flour, packaged, white parboiled rice, and processed cereals, are on the list of foods you shouldn’t eat, as they have undergone extensive processing, stripping them of their natural fiber, nutrients, and Prana., think the convenient but dodgy 'pre prepared' kinds of rice in packets, they don't even resemble the product they started out with. So instead, Ayurveda urges us to opt for whole grains like REAL quinoa, basmati rice, brown rice, buckwheat, and whole wheat, which, while they may take a little longer to prepare, retain their nutritional integrity and provide sustained energy. Entire grains nourish our bodies and support healthy digestion.

16. Artificial Preservatives:

Artificial preservatives are ubiquitous in processed foods, extending their shelf life but compromising our health in the process. When I started practicing Ayurveda, I felt the urge to read labels more diligently and avoid foods containing preservatives like BHA (butylated hydroxy anisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene). These synthetic antioxidants have been linked to various health problems, like oxidative stress, cellular damage, an increased risk of chronic diseases, and hormonal disruption like POCS. Choosing fresh, organic foods and preparing meals from scratch, empowers us to nourish our bodies with pure and wholesome ingredients.

17. Hydrogenated Oils:

Hydrogenated oils, commonly found in margarine, shortening, and many processed foods, are artificially altered fats that harm our cardiovascular system and contribute to chronic inflammation. Ayurveda advises against their consumption, highlighting the importance of embracing healthier alternatives. Examples include olive oil, coconut oil, and ghee, which heal and nourish our bodies.

18. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs):

Genetically modified organisms (GMO's) have become a subject of concern in the realm of nutrition. It is essential to avoid consuming genetically modified crops and their derivatives as much as we can, due to potential risks to our health and the environment. Opting for organic and non-GMO foods safeguards us against the uncertainties associated with genetically engineered crops. This small change can allow us to honour our bodies and support sustainable agricultural practices.

19. Store Bought Fruit Juices:

Despite their appealing packaging and claims of nutritional value, store-bought fruit juices are one of the foods you shouldn’t eat. For instance, their 'no added sugar policy' - which really means added sugar to bring an inferior product back to the original natural sweetness of the fruit, which makes it actually excessive sugar content, can lead to weight gain, an increased risk of diabetes, tooth decay, and many metabolic issues.

They also lack the natural dietary fibre which is found in the actual piece of fruit, which is crucial for proper digestion, promotion of satiety, and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

Without the presence of fibre, fruit juices lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar, causing energy crashes and cravings. In addition, processing and pasteurisation of fruit juices can result in a loss of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

20. Chocolate - White and Milk:

I know, I know, Chocolate... Really? Milky Bar (white chocolate) used to be my favourite treat when I was a child, I can still remember the song they sang in the ad campaign! But now I know, not all chocolate is created equal, so I’ve decided to stay away from it because it lacks the beneficial properties associated with cacao.

Milk chocolate is less nutritious and contains more milk and dairy fat than dark chocolate. While white chocolate is the worst in terms of health benefits. It is loaded with sugar, a 85g bar of choccy has 50 grams of sugar (that’s over 12 tablespoons!). This clearly increases the chances of tooth decay, cavities and obesity, it can also lead to blocked srotas (channels in the body that move energy from the dhatus) and this is a one-way ticket to disease in the body. Moreover, these are calorie-dense foods, a crucial factor that can hinder our weight management goals. If you must have choccy, make it one or 2 small pieces of organic, dark chocolate!

Ayurveda reminds us of the significance of an organic, whole foods-based, unprocessed diet, emphasising the vibrant colours, flavours and nourishing qualities it can offer. It encourages us to opt for fresh, locally sourced ingredients that align with our body type, promoting optimal digestion, balanced energy levels, and overall well-being and health.

So there you have it, the 20 foods you shouldn’t eat, but to make your Ayurvedic lifestyle sustainable, create a clear action plan to gradually eliminate them, instead of going cold turkey , you may find it necessary to work with me to help you stick to your goals. If you would like to investigate where food trips you up every time, please call 0413101582 to book a consultation appointment. We can sit down and go through your trigger foods and see if we can get you back in control.

Namaste, and Good Health

Anji