What I can do with extra weight

Question

I have extra weight! I try many diets, but nothing help me. I eat salad, fruits, and no sweets, but still my weight is high. I remember when I start my journey, I was so excited. I follow one diet with only juice for two weeks, but after that I feel very weak and hungry. Then I try another diet with low carbs, but I always feel tired and sad. My friends say to me that maybe my body is not ready for lose weight. Can you help me understand why my extra weight not go away? What should I do?

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Creating a personalised Ayurvedic weight loss program involves assessing your metabolism, Agni, dosha involvement , lifestyle, and preferences. Here’s a structured approach: Step 1: Assessment Identify Your Dosha: Understanding your primary dosha (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha) helps tailor your program. Each dosha has different characteristics that influence dietary and lifestyle choices. Assessment of metabolism & Agni will help as the root cause of the disorder is Agni malfunction. Current Weight and Goals: Note your current weight, target weight, and any specific health concerns. Step 2: Diet Plan General Guidelines: Focus on Sattvic Foods: Fresh, whole, and minimally processed foods. Aim for warm, cooked meals to support digestion. Drink warm water only. Sample Daily Meal Plan: Breakfast: Warm oatmeal with fruits (e.g., apples or berries) and nuts. Herbal tea (ginger or peppermint). Mid-Morning Snack: A small handful of almonds or walnuts. Lunch: A large salad with leafy greens, cucumbers, carrots, and a source of protein (chickpeas or lentils) dressed with olive oil and lemon. A side of quinoa or brown rice. Afternoon Snack: Herbal tea (like chamomile) and a small piece of dark chocolate or a fruit. Dinner: Steamed vegetables (like broccoli, carrots, and zucchini) with spices (turmeric, cumin). A portion of lentil soup or dal. Before Bed: A cup of warm milk with a pinch of turmeric or a herbal tea to promote relaxation. Step 3: Herbal Remedies Guggulu: Consider taking guggulu supplements to help with metabolism. Triphala: Take Triphala daily to aid digestion and detoxification. Fenugreek Seeds: Soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds overnight and consume in the morning to help regulate blood sugar and reduce cravings. Step 4: Exercise Plan Daily Activity: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily (walking, jogging, or cycling). Yoga: Incorporate yoga sessions 2-3 times a week, focusing on poses that aid digestion and metabolism, such as: Twists: To stimulate the digestive organs. Sun Salutations: To boost energy and metabolism. Step 5: Lifestyle Changes Routine: Establish a consistent daily routine (Dinacharya) to regulate body rhythms. Sleep: Prioritize 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Stress Management: Engage in meditation or mindfulness practices to reduce stress. Step 6: Monitoring and Adjustments Weekly Check-Ins: Weigh yourself weekly to track progress. Journaling: Keep a food and exercise journal to reflect on what works and what needs adjustment. Step 7: Consultation Ayurvedic Practitioner: Consider working with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized herbal supplements and further guidance. Final Note Personalization is crucial in Ayurveda, so listen to your body and adjust the program as needed. Consistency and a holistic approach will support your weight loss journey effectively.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

It seems that your body may be struggling to lose weight due to an imbalance in Kapha dosha, which governs structure and stability in the body and can lead to weight gain when aggravated. In Ayurveda, extreme diets, like juice fasting and low-carb plans, can disrupt your digestive fire (Agni), making it harder to burn fat efficiently and causing fatigue. To address this, I recommend taking Triphala, an herbal formula that supports digestion and detoxification, and Guggul, which helps break down fat and boost metabolism. You can take 500 mg of Guggul after meals and Triphala powder (1/2 teaspoon) at bedtime with warm water. Additionally, incorporate dry ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper in your meals to stimulate digestion and help reduce excess Kapha. Focus on a balanced diet with warm, light, and freshly cooked meals, avoiding cold, heavy, and oily foods. Engage in daily exercise, such as brisk walking or yoga, to support weight loss and energize your body. Establish regular meal times, avoid snacking, and drink warm water throughout the day to improve metabolism. If weight still doesn’t shift, consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized advice and possible therapies like Udvarthana (herbal powder massage) to stimulate fat loss.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

So, let’s dive into this a bit. The struggle with weight, it can sometimes make you feel you're stuck, right? A significant aspect of Ayurveda is recognizing your unique prakriti, or constitution, which includes the balance of doshas – that’s Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Gaining weight often links to an imbalance mainly in the Kapha dosha. But truth is, over-restrictive diets (like the juice-only one) can mess with this balance, making it worse rather than better.

Now, about your energy levels and mood. When you go low on carbs, it's not uncommon to feel exhausted, as your agni (digestive fire) might not be getting enough fuel to keep burning strong. You ever notice feeling cold or sluggish? That’s a sign that metabolism needs a little boost. Instead of eliminating carbs, consider switching to complex ones (like brown rice or whole grains) that digest slower and sustain you longer.

How about trying digestive herbs to stoke that inner fire? Ginger and Trikatu, you know, they warm up your system, help with digestion. Try drinking warm water throughout the day instead of cold water — helps to keep your digestion smooth. And possibly, add turmeric and cumin to your meals; they’re like secret weapons for metabolism activation.

Routine? That's big too. Sleeping and eating at different times every day can disrupt your body's natural rhythm, so try having meals around the same time daily. Morning exercises – even a brisk walk for 20-30 minutes outside in sunlight – does wonders.

Calories from fresh, seasonal, and warm foods (avoid raw foods if your digestion is weak), helps to pacify Kapha while supporting proper digestion. Start meals with a teaspoon of grated ginger, it's simple but helps awaken digestive juices.

It's less about sudden changes and more about sustainable routines, you know? If the path feels confusing, checking in with an Ayurvedic practitioner in your area could also offer insights based on your unique body type, beyond what we chat here.

Are there other things happening, like stress or sleep issues? These aren't separate from weight - they tie in close. A little patience and some gentle tweaking of daily routines can often turn things around.

What I can do with extra weight - #27

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