When we think of weight loss, the general concept that hits our mind is losing excess fat from our bodies. However, Ayurveda doesn’t agree with this concept. As per Ayurveda, weight loss isn’t just about shedding fat from your body, but its more about activating a slow metabolism by eating the right kind of foods to enable the body to take eliminate the fat on its own. The Ayurvedic approach looks quite promising and is the more natural approach towards losing weight.
Ayurveda and weight loss: Kapha, Vata and Pitta
Ayurveda explains the metabolic and vital activities of a human body with the help of Dosha or Dosh they have. Kapha Dosha, Vata Dosha and Pita Dosha are the three Dosha’s according to Ayurveda that determine the metabolic capacity of an individual. If someone has Kapha Dosha, they will easily gain weight as compared to the others who have Vata Dosha. The ones with Kapha Dosha therefore take a longer time to lose weight as compared to the latter. The ones with Vata Dosha have a better metabolic system and have a slimmer body. Therefore even without regulating their diets much, they can significantly look slim. People with Vata Dosha however should be more careful about eating their meals at around the same time every day to ensure proper digestion. Pita Dosha are the types who are blessed with digestive prowess. Their foods are digested well and have strong metabolism.
People with Vata Dosha should consume more of steamed and boiled foods and avoid the ones that are fried and contain more oil. Drinking warm water and consuming ginger, basic, cumin etc. is advised for them.
The ones with Pitta Dosha should consume more sweet and juicy food to keep their diet in balance. They should eat less meat and more fresh foods.
People with Kapha Dosha body types should take light breakfast and mid-day meal or lunch.
Digestive Fire or Agni plays a great role in determining our body’s metabolic activity. A strong digestive fire means that the food is properly digested and its nutrients are absorbed well. Digestive juices lack in concentration if you drink water before, during or immediately after having your meal leading to the lesser intensity of digestive fire. As a result, digestion and absorption of food takes longer leading to increased weight. For best results, you should drink water 20 minutes before or after your meal.
Ayurveda and weight loss: How meal time causes weight gain
While most of us are eager calculating the calories consumed, little do we pay attention to our meal times. If you want to lose weight naturally, it is important that you eat at regular intervals and prepare a meal schedule that goes along with your lifestyle and daily habits. According to Ayurvda, having your meal on time is one of the key factors to maintaining a healthy metabolism. You shouldn’t skip any of your meals, avoid overeating, eat dinner early, have carbohydrate enriched diet in your breakfast to keep you fueled throughout the day, have a lunch containing a good mix of all necessary items and consume enough protein rich foods. You can also prepare a weekly meal chart so that to keep your tastebuds refreshed.
Ayurveda is definitely the oldest medical practice that man has known and Ayurveda’s methods on staying healthy and losing weight are quite effective as well.