I was reading Ayurveda for Women and thought the bit on addictions was interesting. 

We become addicted to foods we think we need but usually they are foods that support the way we are already are, which make us more that way, bringing us out of balance.

- So Vata people love sugar which temporarily provides instant stimulation and satisfaction making them even more hyper and scattered.

- Pitta people go for meat, alcohol, salty, sour and spicy foods which make them more intensely driven.

- And Kapha people go for heavy or fatty foods which reinforce their natural slowness and complacency.

I can really relate to this, I’m Vata Kapha.  So when I’m feeling hyper-Vata, I crave chocolate, baked goods and wine.  When I’m feeling my most Kapha in early spring, I’m like a bear coming out of hibernation with one eye half open.  All I want is heavy foods and more baked goods. ;-)

Svoboda says, we use food to affect our consciousness – the problem is our minds convince us we need the kind of food that reinforce who we are.  But since we’re already that way, it’s not really what our bodies need.  We have to try to go in the other direction to keep ourselves in balance. 

So I need heavier foods to ground me when I’m feeling Vata-crazed.  I need lighter foods like tasty bitter green things in early spring to help me feel less bear-like. Tough to do when you’re feeling out-of-wack.  How do you feel strong enough to make better food decisions so that you really *can* get stronger?  I don’t know the answer, I barely understand the question.

I also don’t know alot about Ayurveda, but when I learn something, it seems to be bang-on for me.  Hey, if you’re interested in recipes and info, check out this blog I recently found - Fran’s House of Ayurveda.