Ayurvedic Zone Diet: The Ancient Way to Health Rejuvenation & Weight Control

Stress, it seems to be something we all have in common these days. Each day, we physically and emotionally push ourselves to the limit. Then, we eat additive filled foods, breathe in stagnant air, and work in unhealthy perhaps even toxic environments. Then, we wonder why we get run down or sick. At some point, we realize that something has to be done. We start to exercise and look to losing a few extra pounds. Talk about stress, trying to wade through the hundreds of diets on the market to find the right one is quite a challenge. Every diet claims success but what works for one person may not work for other. Ayurveda is an ancient method that divides people into three types: vata, pitta, and kapha. People with vata characteristics tend to be ectomorphic (delicate, thin, restless, cold hands, etc). On the other extreme is the endomorphic kapha with a large frame, slower, more peaceful person. In between is pitta, mesomorphic with an average frame, moderate weight, and good appetite. Individual typing is defined through comparison of various characteristics and then used to determine the proper nutrition for optimum health.

Traditional Ayurveda teachings are very valuable, and can help you learn a lot about your food choices. However, it really never went into the caloric ratios a certain body type needs to consume to find balance.I'm a vata-pitta, but primarily a vata. I was following a high carbohydrate, low fat diet, which I read in this book was definitely the wrong thing for a vata to be doing. I needed more fat. 40% of my calories as a matter of fact. I'd tried everything else, so I gave the 40/40/20 ratio a shot. All I can say is, "WOW". Upping my fat intake way the key to finding balance through diet. Not to say everyone should eat 40% of their calories from fat. Only the vata type. The Pitta (or fire) type should eat 50% or more from carbs, 30% protein, and 20% or less from fat. If I would have read this book 2 years ago, I would have missed out on a lot of unnecessary trial and error. Excellent book!

Dr. Thompson presents an ancient wisdom in an easy to read fashion. His presentation of the material is both insightful, well organized and entertaining. Which is quite a feat given the subject matter he has taken on here! The book includes a concise description of the background needed to understand the premises, a set of questions which gives the reader instant insight into his/her own typology, and suggestions for how to improve the quality of their lives based on that typology. I enjoyed reading the book and look forward to applying its principles in my new quality life!