SIMPLE AYURVEDIC DIETARY TIPS TO KEEP YOUR WEIGHT IN CHECK

Many people suffer from weight gain issues at some point in their life, and seek various remedies to help reduce and maintain an ideal weight. In Ayurveda, a person’s physical, emotional and mental well-being is based on the proper balance of vital energies (doshas). An undesirable gain or loss in weight can be attributed to an imbalance of doshas; with the right Ayurvedic treatment, our doshas can be properly balanced and our weight will naturally come into balance. This is the basis of how Ayurvedic treatment can help us achieve our healthy natural weight.

Weight gain normally arises with unregulated food intake, impaired digestion and metabolism and a lack of energy consumption. People who are obese or overweight usually have a sedentary lifestyle and suffer from poor digestion and metabolism. Ayurveda places emphasis on how to adapt with nature to ensure a healthy lifestyle using diet, sleep and exercise (yoga). In Ayurveda, the process of eating is not just limited to the ingestion of food, but to the whole experience instead.

The simple rule in Ayurveda is to just follow nature and eat what it offers. Eat with the seasons – high proteins and fats in winter, fat burning foods in spring, cool fruits and vegetables in summer and a mix of foods in autumn. Our body naturally craves what it needs, so you should eat things that are available locally. Another important thing to remember is not to give up ‘bad’ food completely, instead just consume in moderation.

The timing of meals is crucial – you should eat three substantial meals a day without in-between snacks. This will help the body make blood sugar levels last from one meal to the next. Contrary to common belief that breakfast should be the most important meal of the day, the biggest meal should always be in the middle of the day. By this time, the liver will be able to digest your food intake most efficiently. The last meal for the day should be light and early, so your body will get used to burning fat towards the evening.

Enjoying meals is also very important in Ayurveda. When eating in a relaxed setting, our mind and body are more connected; this makes our digestive process more effective. Improper digestion leads to the build-up of toxins and impurities which leads to weight gain.

Weight loss using Ayurveda is part of a holistic plan that involves knowing your body type, how different food and routines affect your body, mind and emotions, and balancing your body with nature.