![]() Ayurveda has been around for millenniums and its methods have been proven time and time again. There are new fad diets which come and go such as the Atkins and the HCG diet, which injects your body with harmful synthetic hormones. These diets have not been tested over long periods of time, but Ayurveda has. I personally lost 45 Lbs in a period of four months using the Ayurvedic diet. I have also seen many clients that successfully lost weight using this method. The Ayurvedic Diet:
The main emphasis of the Ayurvedic Diet is on the five Universal Elements (earth, water, fire, air, ether). Ayurveda uses the element theory to customize each individual's needs. How Does Ayurveda Use The Element Theory For Weight Loss? The elements water and earth, come together to form Kapha Dosha. We know that these elements build tissue and nourish the body. When you are trying to lose weight, you want to reduce these elements. A Kapha reducing diet is the best for losing weight. Find your local Ayurvedic Practitioner and get a copy of a Kapha reducing guideline. Kapha foods are mainly sweet and salty and have heavy and cold characteristics. ![]() Examples of Kapha foods to avoid:
![]() Cycles Of The Day: Ayurveda breaks down the day into three cycles. The Kapha times of the day are dominated by the water and earth element. The Pitta times of the day are dominated by the fire element. The Vata times are dominated by the air element. In Ayurveda we take advantage of these cycles and adjust our food intake accordingly. We have our largest meal during the Pitta cycle, which is between 10am and 2 pm. This is when the sun is at its highest and your digestive fire is the strongest. Our smallest meal should happen during the Kapha time of the day, 6pm to 10 pm. Many people mistakenly have their largest meal at this time. All energies slow down at this time and this includes your digestive power. Eating a large dinner is the cause of many digestive problems and can lead to chronic diseases over a period of time. You should favor light and easily digested foods. Soups and salads are ideal. Other Ayurvedic Tips To Help You Lose Weight:
To summarize, look at the foods you are eating. Get a hold of a Kapha reducing diet and follow it. Take advantage of the Ayurvedic cycles of the day and eat accordingly. Largest meal at noon and smallest meal at night. Simple concepts and strong results.
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Have you ever wondered what makes an individual tick?
Trying to make sense of these differences can be confounding. Many Systems of Medicine cannot explain the reason behind psychological and physiological patterns in individuals. As a consequence, no single type of diet, exercise routine, or medicine seems to work for everybody. However, when the various types of human patterns are viewed in the light of Ayurveda's Dosha Theory, it all makes perfect sense.
Here are the different characteristics of each Dosha. Vata Energy- controls all aspects of movement as well as space within the body. Examples of theses energies include breathing in oxygen, breathing out carbon dioxide, circulation of blood, peristaltic movement of food, and elimination of wastes. Pitta Energy: governs all the body's conversion processes as well as its heat and energy production. In the body, pitta is the digestive enzymes, hormones, and any process that converts matter into energy. Kapha Energy: controls liquefaction, lubrication, and cohesion in the body. Think of Kapha Dosha as protection. The mucus lining in the GI tract, the lining of the heart, lungs, and uterus. The spinal cord fluid is Kapha as well. Knowing the traits, which one do you think you mostly resemble? Remember, we are a mix of all three Doshas, but we tend to have one that predominates. Having a clear understanding of your primary Dosha lets you know what foods to favor and what kind of activities will help you and which ones might hurt you. Namaste! Roberto Portocarrero ![]() Dinacharya is a set of tools that allows you to keep your body and mind free of impurities. Apart from cleansing your body and mind, it also nourishes the seven tissue systems (dhatus). The concept is simple but not easy. Dinacharya involves a set of self care and awareness tools which balance our energy, calm the mind, cleanse the sense organs (eyes, ears, nose, mouth, skin) and strengthens digestion. By following Dinacharya, your immune system will soar and many of your ailments will slowly dissappear. It is the best preventative medicine known to man. It can seem like a hassle at first to follow a set routine, but as you get into the habit of doing it, the routine turns into a pleasant experience. You can start by implementing only a few of the habits, and add more when you feel comfortable. Remember, it is the little changes in your life that make a difference. So here are my favorite Daily Ayurvedic Tips that will keep you healthy and out of the Doctor's office.
![]() Try some of these practices and watch your energy, motivation, and zest for life soar! Namaste, Roberto Portocarrero |
AuthorRoberto Portocarrero Archives
January 2020
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