In the coming weeks, I am going to explain the process of weight loss and also provide simple guidelines which take the yogic approach to physical wellbeing.
Basic guidelines
Trying to lose weight quickly using incorrect methods or shortcut diets will only lead to weight gain once one stops and goes back to his daily routine. Firstly, let the body become aware that there is extra weight.
To begin with do not change anything drastically. Don’t touch the weighing scale every hour or every day. Body takes time to respond. No haste, be at ease.
Don’t switch to a diet or attempt something that is not natural to the body. There should be no panic in the neurons of the brain; otherwise the body will try to go into stress mode. And stress hormones will only absorb fat. Let the brain relax in the process of weight loss and good health.
Set a target first. Establish a reason or a purpose behind the weight loss which can motivate one along the way. It could be anything – to boost self-confidence, to stay healthy for the family, to feel fit, to look the best version of one-self...
Don’t keep thinking of it all the time. What is required is a change in lifestyle, again slowly not dramatically. We need to use the brain, not drain the brain.
Water: the elixir of life
The first day and the first change one should implement is to drink plenty of water. Eight glasses is the bare minimum of water intake every day, which should increase based on one’s weight. Start drinking 3.5 to 5 litres of water every day to lose weight because water plays an important role in fat burn.
To metabolise 1g of carbohydrate, 3ml of water is required, otherwise they get stored as body fat. When the body is well hydrated and working properly, liver transforms stored body fat into energy. But in case of dehydration, kidneys cannot cleanse properly and the liver has to work twice as hard to assist the kidneys. Thus fat metabolism slows down.
When the digestive system is unable to carry out its processes correctly due to less water intake, the capacity to burn calories is drastically reduced. Then weight loss becomes almost impossible in spite of the exercises you do.
Lack of water in the body causes an increase in appetite. Mild dehydration is often thought to be hunger but instead all the body needs is more water.
Less water intake also leads to accumulation of toxins in the body every day and common digestive issues such as constipation or irregular bowel movement. There is also increased risk of fluid retention as body tries to store as much as it can from the little water that you give it. This also adds to the weight.
Practice of the week
Sarpasana
Sarala Hasta Bhujangasana
Janusirasana
Sharanagath Mudra
Next week: Weight loss – the natural way part 2
— This is an interactive series, in which we bring you practical tips on daily living, inspired by the vision of yoga. Write in to tabloid@gulfnews.com with your questions and doubts regarding enhancing your lifestyle through yoga. For more information, call 800-YOGA (9642) or log on to artisticyoga.com
