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