Introduction
3500 years old Ayurveda is the written health and healing system of India. Food is judged by its energetic quality and its taste is assigned to the five elements air, fire, earth, water and ether (the universe). People are divided into three types of constitution according to their characteristics, physique, etc.
: Kapha, Pitta and Vata. According to the “doctrine of life”, overweight people have a high proportion of Kapha. They are said to weaken the Kapha part in the body and strengthen the elements air and fire.
This is how much spicy, bitter and salty food should be eaten. There are different nutritional and behavioural recommendations for the different types of overweight constitutions. Cravings are avoided by avoiding foods with a high glycemic index.
The emphasis is on fruit and vegetables, usually in cooked or steamed form. From midday onwards, no more raw vegetables should be eaten because they are said to ferment overnight in the digestive tract. This assertion lacks any foundation.
This form of nutrition is very costly. It contains a high proportion of fruit and vegetables, is plant-oriented, contains cereal products and is suitable as a permanent diet. Instead of sweets it is better to recommend relaxation exercises.
You should only eat when you are hungry and keep certain time intervals between meals. The body receives loving care: sauna, baths, massages, oiling, resting and meditation. Recommendations for exercise are largely neglected. Purification is one of the main topics of the Ayurveda diet. This form of nutrition shows itself to be very individual, but is more a world view and Far Eastern form of therapy than a suitable program for weight reduction.
Procedure of the Ayurveda diet
According to Indian teaching there are three constitutions. Kapha types are said to have a rather sluggish metabolism, they often suffer from light to heavy body weight and have a fuller physique. Vata types, on the other hand, are graceful, Pitta types are distinctly athletic.
Depending on the type, the nutritional plans for each constitution are also very individual, but some basic principles can be established. For weight reduction a kapha-reducing diet is necessary: In this diet, animal proteins from eggs, cheese and meat are avoided as far as possible, as well as baked goods, sweets and fatty and fried foods. Recommended are warm, self-prepared dishes to which plenty of spices may be added: chili, pepper, ginger, horseradish and garden herbs.
However, salt should be reduced. Three meals a day are recommended, snacks should be avoided. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids.
Soft drinks, juices or alcohol are not allowed. It is best to drink water or unsweetened tea. According to Ayurvedic teachings, lack of exercise plays an important role in obesity, as does increased stress. Walks or yoga, in addition to external treatments such as massages and sweating treatments, are supposed to support the success of weight loss and relieve mind and soul.
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