Ayurvedic Weight Loss - Discussion

Wondering how to carry out an Ayurvedic weight loss protocol?

According to Ayurvedic philosophy, weight gain can be traced to a fundamental imbalance. The Charak Samita describes eight types of bodies, and according to the text, the obese body suffers from the greatest number of ailments.

As you know, apart from being a cosmetic issue, excess weight contributes to a wide range of health afflictions including strain on the heart, kidneys, liver and joints. Overweight people become susceptible to coronary heart disease, diabetes, and many other ailments.

However, Ayurveda prescribes techniques and remedies that assist with weight loss. Obesity can often be traced to poor dietary habits, overeating and a sedentary lifestyle. Ayurveda remedies all these factors in turn.

In using Ayurvedic weight loss remedies, specific dietary restrictions are in place based upon one's mind-body constitution, which can be determined by either an Ayurvedic practioner or by self-testing using one of the many evaluations available online or in books. Some general considerations for weight loss are also in place, as part of a daily routine, and focus on controlling eating habits, eating properly, and adopting regular exercise (often prescribed in the form of yoga or similar holistic system).

An Ayurvedic weight loss regime begins in the early morning, when the juice of half a lemon mixed with warm water will stimulate the digestive process and reawaken the system. One can sweeten with a teaspoon of honey if desired. Half a cup of wheat or mung beans with skim milk can be taken at breakfast to curb the appetite before beginning the morning exercise routine.

Later, as part of this Ayurvedic weight loss protocol, a midmorning glass of juice, such as orange, carrot or pineapple, will replenish the system and will feel refreshing. Be sure to select an organic and not artificially sweetened brand. The more natural the juice, the better.

Lunch can be the largest meal of the day, especially if your schedule often causes you to have dinner later than 7 pm in the evening. A larger midday meal will fill you up, so you eat less in the evening.

The lunch should largely consist of vegetables and whole grain breads (such as Indian chapattis). Most people following Ayurvedic diets adopt vegetarian practices, as the Ayurvedic texts describe mostly vegetarian fare, for a variety of cultural and practical reasons. Mix in seeds or nuts for protein and brain food.

The mid afternoon snack of this Ayurvedic weight loss program should again be fluid based - lemon tea, a mild soup, in addition to dried fruits if needed to tide one over until dinner.

Dinner again consists of a large portion of vegetables, a small amount of grains, and fruits consistent with one's dosha. Generally speaking, kapha types tend to be the most prone to weight gain, for a number of reasons, both physical and mental. Kapha types should be especially religious with respect to their exercise routine, which should be more rigorous in nature.

In general, one should follow the following remedies for stimulating weight loss according to Ayurvedic principles:

• Eat an abundance of low calories fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid salt, especially (kapha-types) as water will be retained.
• An excess of milk products should be avoided.
• Kaphas should avoid dairy altogether, except for skim milk in chai tea, goat cheese and the occasional dairy treat. Rather, focus on spicy foods.
• Pungent herbs like mint, parsley, coriander make great toppings, as do the variety of excellent chutneys on the market - low calories and very flavorful.
• Spices such as cinnamon or garam masala work for the same reasons.

According to Ayurveda, treating obesity or attempting Ayurvedic weight loss must be tackled not only on the level of the body, but also the mind and spirit. Practices such as vigorous Sun Salutations (a yogic asana sequence), meditation, and the cultivation of a focused, dedicated mind will return the body to its normal healthy size over time. Ayurveda seeks to instill life-long practices, rather than quick dietary fixes that fail in a number of months.

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