Those having a vested interest in selling products for weight loss solutions tend to conceal the fact that there is no way of losing weight quickly. Reducing weight is a slow process and that is the way it is meant to be. Remember that you did not put on all the flab in a day and therefore, there is no way that you will lose it immediately. Excess weight cannot be wished away. It requires a concerted effort towards eating right and exercise.

If you are looking for a natural weight loss solution and wish to avoid weight loss medications, you should pay attention to the following.

Water

Water is a natural appetite suppressant and keeps the body hydrated. Dehydration often gives rise to false signs of hunger. Moreover, water acts as a catalyst in the metabolism of stored fat so that the kidneys can process waste easily. If you do not drink water in sufficient quantity, the liver, starts helping the kidney in the elimination process instead of metabolizing fat. This diversion of a dedicated role of the liver stops the natural conversion of fat into energy, leading to accumulation of fat and lethargy. Additionally, drinking ice cold water, results in lowering the body temperature. The body has to work towards raising the body temperature, which results in burning more calories.

Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast should be the most important meal of the day. Burning all the calories that you have consumed during breakfast is easy since you have a long day ahead of you, with specific tasks to perform. Lunch is also relatively early in the day and therefore can be a sizeable meal that you consume. But make sure that in this meal you keep a track of the calories you consume. Breakfast and lunch should be directly dependent upon the level of activity you indulge in at your job.

Fiber, Fats, Proteins and Carbohydrates

Insoluble fiber cannot be digested by the body and simply passes through the body. Fiber not only satiates but also provides the much needed bulk for easy bowel movements. Eat enough of fruits, broccoli, brown rice, beans and nuts to add adequate amounts of fiber to your diet.

Not all fats are bad for health. Good fats contain fatty acids, which actually help in burning fat and in preventing disease. Salmon, mackerel, herrings and sardines are excellent sources of fatty acids.
Similarly carbohydrates are good and bad too. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains give a feeling of fullness and also contain very moderate quantities of carbohydrates.

Proteins rich foods like shrimps, low fat cottage cheese, yoghurt and skimmed milk provide the much needed muscle mass and also help in burning more calories.

While choosing your foods try to stick to organic foods, as much as you can, rather than processed or fast foods. Organic herbs like ginger, garlic and ginseng form a part of herbal weight loss regime that can be effective in reducing weight naturally.

The emphasis should be on eating regularly but in small quantities. In as far as weight loss is concerned fast actually means slow because ‘quick and dirty’ weight loss will rebound.

Different therapies approach obesity based on various perceptions of symptoms and treatment theories. The allopathic approach is to use weight loss medications that inhibit absorption of food and induce satiation to treat obesity. Alternative therapies have a different approach and lay emphasis on natural procedures, herbs and diets for a natural weight loss since it is believed that they maintain vitality as well.

The diagnostic base of Ayurveda, the traditional Indian therapy, are the three aspects of body functioning - vata (wind), kapha (phlegm) and pitta (heat). According to Ayurvedic texts all disease is caused by either one or a combination of any two of the three. A combination of all three indicates an incurable condition.

Ayurveda perceives obesity as a cause of:

• Diet and lifestyle that results in accumulation of fat
• Lack of exercise and inactive lifestyle
• Sleeping in the afternoon
• High calorie intake or consumption of sweetened foods

Fat gets deposited in all living beings. Some amount of fat is necessary since it keeps the body moist, provides insulation from heat, protects bones from shock and stores energy. Excessive fat tends to accumulate mostly on the belly, hips and breasts. Left unattended, it leads to a vicious circle of inactivity. Obesity leads to further inactivity as obese individuals find it difficult to remain active.

Ayurveda has a four pronged treatment module for treating obesity:

• Herbs
• Diet
• Lifestyle
• Yoga

Ayurvedic herbs like Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) Punarnava(Boerhaavia diffusa) form a part of the herbal weight loss approach. These herbs improve the metabolic rate and help in faster burning of calories. An Ayurvedic physician may prescribe weight loss medications made from purely natural products and prepared according to the specific instructions mentioned in the ancient texts.

Ayurvedic diet for reducing weight takes into consideration the level of activity of the patient and then correlates it with basic nutritional requirements. The emphasis is on a balanced diet that includes food items from each of the groups, namely, milk, meat, fruit, vegetables and cereals. Avoid curds and prefer buttermilk instead. Allow an occasional treat but keep away from fatty and sweetened foods and drinks.

Small changes in lifestyles can go a long way in increasing physical activity. Climb stairs instead looking for the lift, walk down to buy groceries and bring children back home from school on foot. These provide healthy exercise without having to join a gym. Regular sexual activity too is a healthy exercise. Afternoon sleep is a big no-no in Ayurveda. It reduces the metabolic process of burning calories.

Yogic exercises are an integral part of ayurvedic weight loss solutions. Contrary to popular belief yoga is not an exercise program only. It is an age old system of establishing unison between the mind, spirit and body. Specific yogic postures for reducing weight go a long way in developing a positive attitude that can have a big impact on your efforts for combating obesity.

— Article courtesy of Native Remedies