Ayurvedic Diet Tips for Weight Loss
When you lose weight with Ayurveda, the weight stays off permanently as long as you’re following a lifestyle in tune with the rhythms of nature.
In Ayurveda, what you eat is very important for losing weight and staying healthy.
Here are the basics of an Ayurvedic diet to help with weight loss:
Basics of an Ayurvedic Diet
Ayurvedic Breakfast
The first meal of the day should be large enough to carry you to lunch without snacking
Ayurvedic Lunch
Make lunch your main meal of the day. Ayurveda follows the rhythms of nature, and just as the sun is highest and hottest at noon, and so too is your digestive fire.
Ayurvedic Supper
Make your evening meal supplemental (supper). Eat this meal before the sun sets, around 6 pm. As the day comes to a close and the sun sets, so too does your internal fire (agni) or metabolism.
Eating a heavy meal after the sun sets will make it nearly impossible for you to make serious progress with your weight loss. When the body cannot digest completely, the result is toxins, fat accumulation, and excess weight.
Do not eat your evening meal later than 7 pm. After your evening meal, you will fast till breakfast.
Eat more whole foods
A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables should primarily be non-GMO, organic, seasonal, cooked, and well-spiced. Organic, because you don’t want pesticides accumulating in your body, and GMOs are just wrong…for you and the environment.
Cooked and warm foods have a different effect on the body than cold food
Warm, cooked food is more easily digested than cold food. Cold food can suppress digestion and takes more internal fire to digest. Warm food is easier to digest.
Avoid all processed, prepackaged, or microwaved food
These food are some of the most unhealthy foods in the world. They are sodium-laden and contain a high concentration of chemicals so they can stay on the shelf longer.
Eat less dairy and gluten
Both dairy and gluten can be difficult to digest, especially if your digestive health is already sluggish.
Try one of these healthy nut alternatives to dairy.
There are many gluten-free alternatives to gluten found in wheat, barley, and rye. Look for gluten-free grains and starches widely available.
Small amounts of lean protein
If you eat meat, take small portions of lean protein.
Stop drinking sodas
They contain 8-10 teaspoons of sugar, and they are horrible for your health.
Reduce alcoholic beverages
Alcohol has a lot of empty calories. A glass of wine can sometimes be beneficial for digestion for some body types, but moderation is key.
Warm lemon water
Start your day by squeezing 2-3 TBS of fresh lemon into a large glass of water for better liver function and improved digestion. Wait 15 minutes before you eat anything else if possible. Vitamin C will balance your body’s pH and help eliminate toxins.
Sip hot/ war water
In Ayurveda, sipping hot or warm water throughout the day is recommended for weight loss. This practice boosts digestion and metabolism. It helps in flushing out toxins from the body. Improved digestion and toxin removal are key for effective weight management.
Always eat in a calm atmosphere
Ayurveda advises eating in a calm atmosphere to promote mindful eating. This can lead to better digestion and prevent overeating, aiding in weight loss.
Importance of Mindful Eating
Mindful eating is a big part of losing weight with Ayurveda. It’s about enjoying the flavors and textures of your food, which helps you keep a healthy appetite and stops you from eating too much.
This means paying attention when you eat, chewing well, and noticing when you’re hungry or full. Being more mindful about how you eat helps you make better food choices that help you reach your goal..
Avoiding distractions such as:
- Emotional distress
- Intense conversation
- Television
- Multitasking during meals
Mindful eating allows for greater appreciation of food. It heightens your sensitivity to hunger and fullness signals.
Chew your food well
Chewing your food well creates more surface area and enhances your digestion. Properly chewed food can also prevent overeating.
Hydration to support your body
How much water you need depends on your age, how much physical work or exercise you do, the weather, your diet, stress levels, your herbal food supplements, and your body type. According to Ayurveda every person has a unique constitution and requires different amounts of water to stay hydrated. More on How to Drink Water According to Ayurveda.
Food Combinations and Timing
Eating the right food combinations and eating at the right time helps digestion and metabolism. This can help you lose weight.
In Ayurveda, certain food combinations support excellent digestion and overall health. Examples of beneficial food combinations include:
- Consuming vegetables, milk, legumes, and yogurt
- Combining legumes and grains cooked with digestive spices
- Enjoying well-cooked beans and lentils with spices like turmeric, black pepper, or ginger
Meal timing is also crucial in Ayurveda, as it helps ensure that your body receives the nutrients it needs at the right time.
Eating when you’re truly hungry and allowing enough time between meals aids your body’s digestion. This boosts overall health.