Ayurvedic Tips and Dietary Recommendations for Weight Loss

Ayurveda is an ancient wellness practice that restores health through diet, exercise and lifestyle practices. Its fundamental concept is to balance the Tridoshas. Tridoshas are constitutional elements of the body, each governed by specific elements. Vata, the first Dosha, is governed by space and air. Pitta is governed by fire and water, whereas Kapha Dosha is associated with earth and water. Determining the dosha which is dominant in the person is the primary step in Ayurvedic treatment. 

These Tridoshas are of significant concern while undertaking a journey of weight-loss with Ayurveda. Each Dosha has a recommended set of dietary tips that aid in weight-loss. Consuming nutritions according to the dominant Dosha helps the body to strike a balance between Tridoshas and hence boosting overall health with an adequate weight.

What are the Dietary Recommendations for each Dosha?

What to Eat if you are Vata-Dominant?

• Sweet and juicy fruits
• Cooked Vegetables
• Dairy products
• A good amount of nuts and seeds
• Sesame oil and ghee
• Grains and rice

What to Avoid if you are Vata-Dominant?

• Dried and astringent fruits
• Raw and frozen vegetables
• Nightshade vegetables such as tomatoes and eggplants
• Excess amount of sugar

What to Eat if you are Pitta-Dominant?

• Raw vegetables and salads
• Legumes and lentils
• Sweetened dairy products
• Dry cereal

What to Avoid if you are Pitta-Dominant?

• Non-vegetarian options such as meat and seafood
• Nuts and seeds
• Spicy food 
• Coffee and alcohol
• Sour fruits

What to Eat if you are Kapha-Dominant?

• Leafy and green vegetables
• Astringent fruits
• Pungent or bitter vegetables 

What to Avoid if you are Kapha-Dominant?

• Dairy products
• Food with a high level of fat
• Protein-rich food
• Nuts and seeds
• Food procured from animals such as meat

What are Some of the Diet Tips Mentioned in Ayurveda for Weight Loss? 

Eat slowly and quietly

Increase mindfulness and concentration while eating. Avoid talking and other distractions to truly encourage an experience of satisfaction. Let your body absorb all the nourishments, tastes and textures of the food. This practice will help you avoid unnecessary cravings.

Eat heavy meals during the day and lighter meals during the night

The digestive capacity of the body is the highest during the day. Therefore, you must eat a heavy meal during the day. The natural detoxification process occurs during the night. Hence, you must eat light and have an early dinner to allow your body to remove toxins overnight.

Begin your morning with lemon water

Lemon is a natural detoxifying agent with innumerable benefits. It enhances metabolism and aids in the digestive process. Drinking warm lemon water in the morning helps your body lose excess fat.

Practise Yoga and Meditation

A daily exercise routine or yoga is recommended in Ayurveda to boost the process of weight-loss. It increases the rate of metabolic activities, hence aiding in the process. Stress and anxiety have been proven as one of the leading causes of weight gain. Meditation and Pranayamas help alleviate stress and reduce weight.

Eat at regular intervals

The digestive fire inside the body needs to be adequately stimulated. It works efficiently when it is given only one meal to digest at a point of time. Hence, to maintain a healthy metabolism, it is essential to avoid snacking in between meals and to eat at regular intervals. Taking a long gap between meals also hinders the course of metabolic activity.  

Create a healthy sleep cycle

Disturbed sleep can lead to weight gain. Hence, try to take a sound sleep of 6-8 hours. Time your sleep-cycle with the natural circadian rhythms. Wake up early in the morning and sleep early at night to maintain a balance between hormones, especially cortisol, which leads to weight gain. Adequate rest is very important to let the body undergo a natural detoxification process.

Go for a walk after each meal

To stimulate digestion and metabolic activities inside the body, take a short walk after each meal.

Follow Ritucharya

According to Ayurveda, one must eat according to the season and the region one belongs to. This seasonal regimen is called Ritucharya. Not only does it aid in the digestive process but also helps in the effective absorption of nutrients, thereby aiding in the weight-loss process.

Takeaway

Weight-loss can not be accomplished in a short-duration with Ayurveda. Ayurveda is a holistic form of living life. It involves a routine change in the complete lifestyle. The effects of weight-loss are deep, durable and efficient. With just simple dietary changes, based on the Dosha, one may see a significant effect on their health and weight.

This article is reviewed by Dr. Sunanda Ranade