Yoga Weight Loss Plan

Most weight loss plans are fads that offer short-term solutions to a long-term problem. Many people find these plans impossible to stay on for a lengthy period of time. In contrast, yoga offers a positive change in lifestyle, where permanent weight loss and maintenance is a natural result of enjoyable yoga exercise, diet and cooking. By balancing food intake and vigorous yoga exercise, you can naturally achieve your ideal weight.

Yoga Mind-Body Types

Ayurveda (yoga's sister science) is an ancient system of medicine that uses foods to heal and revitalize the body. According to Ayurveda, excess weight indicates a body out of balance. Ayurveda is based on the theory of the three doshas or mind-body types. The three doshas are vata, pitta and kapha, and they each have their own set of physical, mental and emotional characteristics. Although we all possess elements of each dosha, one or more of the doshas will usually dominate. A weight problem usually indicates an imbalance in the kapha mind-body type. Kapha is the heaviest of the three doshas and excess kapha can cause a sluggish metabolism and lethargy.

Eliminate Kapha-Aggravating Foods

A yoga weight loss plan includes eliminating kapha-aggravating foods such as heavy, sweet, salty, oily, and greasy foods. Avoid red meat, wheat, most dairy products except skim or low-fat milk, fats, oils, refined sugar, and pre-packaged, refined foods such as white flour pasta, breads, and sweets.

Add Kapha-Balancing Foods

Instead, enjoy foods that are light and dry, such as cooked whole grains, beans, legumes, skinless white turkey or chicken breast meat, leafy green vegetables, and fresh fruits such as apples, pears, cherries and berries. Add pungent, warming spices to food and drink, because they stimulate the metabolism by lighting the fires of digestion (called agni). Spices such as cumin, fennel, ginger, cayenne, cinnamon and cloves are used to boost the body's metabolism and facilitate efficient calorie burning.

Yoga Exercise

Yoga exercise is also an important part of a yoga weight loss plan. To burn more calories, practice the vigorous flow-styles of yoga, like vinyasa or power yoga, that are more cardio in nature. You can achieve and maintain your healthiest weight and feel great with daily yoga exercise and kapha-balancing foods.

Sources
Gavalas, Elaine. The Yoga Minibook for Weight Loss. Simon & Schuster Fireside. elainegavalas.com .