For centuries, Ayurveda has been one of the most revered and impactful practices in the world of holistic medicine. Its natural approach to wellness emphasizes the interplay between the mind, body, and soul, and how each affects the other. But how does it work when it comes to learning how to lose weight?
To achieve optimal well-being, Ayurveda teaches us to tune into our doshas– the three primary forces that govern our physical and emotional makeup. In the context of weight loss, understanding our doshas can be immensely helpful, revealing insights into our metabolism, food cravings, and the types of exercise that will work best for us.
The Ayurvedic Way
The Ayurvedic approach to weight loss is far from a one-size-fits-all solution, and it requires a deep understanding of your unique body constitution. In this article, we’ll delve into the basics of Ayurveda and its connection to weight loss, exploring how this powerful ancient practice can help you achieve a healthier, fitter you.
By identifying your unique dosha type and addressing any imbalances that may be present, you can leverage Ayurveda’s comprehensive approach to nutrition, lifestyle, and mindful living to kickstart your metabolism and achieve your weight loss goals. Most importantly, you can learn how to maintain your weight through an integrative diet. So if your Kapha is acting out and you are seeking to boost your metabolism and energy levels with vigorous exercise and detox practices, this article will give you some answers to the eternal question: How can I lose weight?
Ayurveda for weight loss – a holistic approach
Ayurveda views excess weight as a symptom of imbalances in an individual’s physical, emotional, and spiritual health. One such imbalance is the digestive fire which might be working properly, but the cellular fire in the tissues is relatively low. This means that excess consumed calories are turned into adipose tissue instead of being burned.
So the first thing to look at is what is causing these imbalances in your body and how to make small adjustments that will lead to sustainable weight loss. Let us start by looking at the most common causes of overweight.
OVERWEIGHT – KAPHA DISORDER
Firstly, being overweight is generally a Kapha imbalance. Why we turn to Kapha, in this case, is also because of its predisposition to being overly comfortable. Oftentimes, this leads to sluggishness and inactivity, two main culprits in weight gain. Whether it is through its surroundings, lifestyle, or diet, Kapha needs to be continuously stimulated to not fall prey to apathetic behavior.
Other causes for weight gain are stress-induced emotional eating, certain endocrine system conditions such as excess production of growth hormone, drinking (alcohol contributes to weight gain, no surprise there), or frequent munching. At the same time, certain medications like contraceptives or steroids can lead to metabolism change, resulting in weight gain.
Looking at the bigger picture, weight gain is a direct result of lifestyle and diet (again, no surprise there). However, knowing the specific factors that apply to your situation makes losing weight as easy as a walk in the park.
FACTORS THAT LEAD TO WEIGHT GAIN
Just like with everything in Ayurveda, a weight loss diet is tailored to the individual. There is no one-size-fits-all recipe for weight loss. Our genetic makeup, our constitution, and our circumstances; all differ from one person to another.
Take a look at this mini-quiz below and notice the ones that apply to you.
- I mostly sit, both at work and at home
- I find myself stress-eating
- I eat in front of the TV
- I do minimal, inconsistent exercise
- I have 4 glasses of alcohol a week or more
- I snack in between meals
- My meals consist mostly of deep-fried and/or processed foods
- I eat out 3-4 times a week
- I eat big portions
- I often speak negatively about myself
- I often take a nap in the daytime
- I don’t get enough sleep
Now that you have identified the factors that apply to you, let’s move on to some specific actionable steps you can take to start your weight loss journey.
Integrative diet for weight loss
Being a holistic science, Ayurveda takes into consideration all physical, emotional, and mental aspects. That means that losing weight, and most importantly, maintaining that weight loss, is not just a matter of diet and exercise but making changes to your rituals and routines.
Ayurveda emphasizes balance and harmony and challenges the modern focus on quick results. Here are key principles from Ayurveda to help you achieve holistic weight loss and be your best self.
Watch your diet
If you are trying to lose weight this should be the first step to take control over. Look critically at your eating habits and try to eliminate greasy, deep-fried food, fast food, and processed foods from your diet. Focus on a Kapha pacifying diet and try to avoid drinking cold drinks and sodas, as these minimize your digestive fire. Drink instead warm water with ginger and herbal teas. Equally important is to be mindful of portion control.
Reduce munching (to a zero)
Ok, so this is a major no-go when you’re trying to lose weight. If the snacking urges do creep up on you, try eating a couple of raisins, or drinking a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of honey and 10 lime drops. This will help curb your cravings. And speaking of curbing cravings, another thing that will help is to eat at regular times.
Exercise is king
What it all comes down to when you are trying to lose weight is to make sure you don’t consume more calories than you burn. Weight gain happens when you eat more than you put out. So naturally, getting adequate exercise is paramount to help you get rid of those extra kilos. Take a daily walk of at least 30 minutes, or go for a swim. Also very beneficial in burning fat are lifting weights exercises. No need to go all gym rat on this, some gentle weight lifting should be enough. Muscle tissue burns calories more quickly than fat, that’s why this is a great way to lose weight fast.
Walking for weight loss
I mentioned before that being overweight is a Kapha issue. And what does Kapha love more than anything if not a good siesta after eating, or even a nap? Resist the urge to lie down after finishing a meal, and try instead to go for a short walk. That way your digestive system stays active and you burn off some of the calories you just consumed.
Learn to love yourself
Losing weight sustainably depends a lot on the relationship you have with yourself. When you think of yourself negatively, you can subconsciously sabotage yourself in everything you do. That creates an unhealthy relationship with food and can turn into emotional eating, which long term will cause an array of issues on both sides of the spectrum. Whatever your reason is to lose weight, you should approach it from a place of self-kindness and self-love.
Mindful eating
Also very important to keep in mind is that any distractions when eating can have a negative effect on how much we eat and how our bodies process the food. When we are not paying attention to our meal we tend to overeat as well as not chew properly. Not properly chewing our food makes it difficult for our digestive system to break down food and can lead to malabsorption. So instead of putting your favourite show on while eating, try to put on some music and really be present while you eat.
Overview
In conclusion, adopting an Ayurvedic approach to weight loss is highly beneficial. Not only does it aim to trim down physically, but it also works towards achieving mental and emotional well-being.
However, it is important to understand that this is not a quick-fix solution. It involves a holistic lifestyle change, which requires discipline, patience, and commitment.
By combining Ayurveda with solid wellness practices, including regular exercise and a healthy diet, the benefits can be truly transformative. So, embrace this ancient remedy and take the first step toward your best self– mind, body, and soul.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.
pictures: eugene chystiakov
