How can I lose weight healthily and effectively? Many ask themselves this question, and yet the answer looks a little different for everyone. From an Ayurvedic point of view, losing weight is type-related and works best with a personalised holistic cure. But what does type-related weight loss actually mean, and what is involved in such an Ayurvedic cure? You can find out all about it here!
Why Ayurveda helps with weight loss
Diets often fail because they lump everyone together without taking into account the individual needs of body and mind. Ayurveda instead distinguishes between three constitutional types, the doshas: Kapha, Pitta and Vata. Each of these three types has a different metabolism and different physical characteristics. Especially when losing weight, it is crucial that you pay attention to these differences.
First of all, it is important that you know which dosha type you are. Ayurveda helps you to adjust your diet to the natural needs of your type in order to reach your comfortable weight. As soon as you take this into account, it will be much easier for you to lose weight. But what does a type-appropriate diet look like?
Reducing weight with Ayurveda nutrition: the type test
For each dosha type, the digestive fire, called Agni, works a little differently. What one type tolerates well can quickly lead to digestive problems or obesity in another. Therefore, Ayurveda avoids generalising diet plans and instead focuses on type-appropriate nutrition. If you already know your dosha type, here are a few concrete tips that you can apply immediately!
The right diet for the Kapha type
As a Kapha type, you are particularly prone to obesity and must take care to reduce your Kapha dosha. This means that you should avoid heavy, fatty and cold food. Even if it is difficult: Say no to sweet and fried foods and avoid dairy products and animal proteins as much as possible.
Light, dry or heating food is good for you and gets your metabolism going. This includes low-fat foods like apples or pears, salads, green leafy vegetables, mushrooms and broccoli. Barley, corn, rye and poultry are also beneficial and not too heavy. You should prepare your dishes with aromatic herbs and spices such as ginger or coriander. The general rule for Kapha types is: it's better to eat smaller portions!
Lose weight with the Pitta diet
Pitta types are hot-tempered and should focus their diet on curbing their fiery type.
If you are a Pitta type, it is best to eliminate everything that heats up too much from your diet. In concrete terms, this means that you should avoid coffee, salt, oil and strong or hot spices.
Instead, reach for mild and bitter flavours and cool, refreshing foods.
Try green leafy vegetables, cucumbers, peppers or courgettes. Likewise, foods made from barley, oats, rice, cottage cheese and tofu are good for Pitta types.
With fruits like apples, mangoes, pomegranates or pineapples and refreshing drinks, you can eat to your heart's content!
Ayurvedic nutrition for the Vata type
To lose weight as a Vata type, you need to calm your cool, dry Vata dosha. You should stay away from cold foods such as salads and raw vegetables. Iced drinks also increase your Vata dosha and are not good for you.
Warm and oily cere al and vegetable dishes and stews are particularly beneficial instead. Rice, pasta or warm milk are just as beneficial for Vata types. Try steamed vegetables such as asparagus, beetroot and carrots, or sweet fruits and berries. Spices such as cinnamon, aniseed, basil and ginger give your food a special pep.
Of course, these are not all the tricks of the Ayurvedic diet that you can use to reduce your weight! Regardless of your dosha type, there are also a few general things that Ayurveda says you can consider in your diet.
Lose weight with Ayurveda: The best diet tips
To ignite Agni, your digestive fire, and lose weight, here are ten Ayurvedic recommendations that apply to all types:
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- Have three regular meals.
- Avoid snacks between meals.
- Eat only a light breakfast.
- Plan lunch as the main meal, as this is when Agni burns the most.
- Don't eat anything heavy after 6pm.
- Allow at least six hours between meals.
- Always consume lukewarm and never ice-cold drinks.
- It is best to drink boiled hot water and season it with a little ginger.
- Heating spices such as chilli, ginger, mustard and cinnamon stimulate the digestive fire.
- Avoid large portions and eat only two handfuls if possible.
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However, the right diet is only one factor that is part of losing weight. To effectively reduce your weight, it is best to treat yourself to a complete Ayurveda cure. You will achieve good results and feel good all around.
With an Ayurveda cure to a feel-good weight
A holistic Ayurveda cure not only includes a diet that is appropriate for the type of person, but also an effective exercise plan and supporting Ayurvedic treatments. Here you can see what this means in detail.
Ayurvedic fasting cure: a brief guide
An Ayurvedic fasting cure can remove burdensome metabolic waste products from the body and have a rejuvenating effect. However, Ayurvedic fast ing is only a gentle partial fast so as not to weaken the digestive fire.
So just reduce your meals and go for a light diet. Note, however, that you should avoid physical exertion during a fasting cure so that your body is strengthened for the cleansing process.
Lose weight through exercise: But how?
Regular exercise is essential to achieve real success in losing weight. Ayurveda therefore recommends 15-20 minutes of light exercise daily.
Yoga, cycling, swimming or brisk walking are particularly suitable for this.
But be careful not to overdo it with the sport. From an Ayurvedic point of view, healthy exercise should not be too strenuous , so that you can still talk easily and only sweat slightly.
Reduce weight with Ayurvedic massages
An Ayurveda cure also includes stimulating massages and cleansing treatments.
The massages tighten the tissue and support your body in its purification work. This allows the body to burn off deposited waste products and reduce fatty tissue.
The treatments use heating powders of ground grains, herbal mixtures and medicinal oils to stimulate the metabolism and relax the body.
Relaxation is also important for successful weight loss: Stress always gets in the way of a feel-good weight.
Ayurvedic herbs for weight loss: Triphala
In addition to your type-appropriate diet, you can also use dietary supplements to lose weight. A popular Ayurvedic supplement is the herbal preparation Triphala. It supports the body in ridding itself of waste products and toxins.
Due to its cleansing and vitalising effect, the herbal mixture prevents digestive disorders and makes you feel healthier. You can take Triphala every evening with a little honey and warm water.
If you want to do something good for your body and lose a little weight, you should always pay attention to your personal dosha type. A holistic Ayurveda cure helps you to adapt your diet to your needs. The additional treatments and massages not only support you in losing weight, but also increase your well-being factor. Only one recommendation remains: Treat yourself to a few days off with an Ayurveda cure - your body will thank you for it!
