Weight loss for some can be fun, and for some a complete nightmare. While some may hit the gym to lose those extra pounds, others may resort to crash dieting and weight loss pills. The urge to lose weight can actually end up doing more harm than good. While losing weight is crucial, more importance should be placed on losing it the right way.
One of the keys to a safe weight loss program is keeping the metabolism high - on and off the floor. Restricting your diet helps to a certain extent, but boosting metabolism can really help speed up the weight loss process. Here are a few tips that can help you to increase the metabolism rate and reach your desired weight target!
Yogasanas and Pranayama To Boost Metabolism
While yoga might appear like an acrobatic body twist, in reality it is much more than that. “Yoga” means union in Sanskrit, and it is the harmonious fusion of body, breath and mind that balances our bodily systems. The harmonious unification with Nature brings a change in the body by increasing awareness in the breath, the food we take and the mental state we are in. It balances our endocrinal system and boosts our metabolism. On a physical level, the yoga poses not only strengthen the core muscles but also tone them. Here are a few yoga poses that can help you to keep up the metabolism:
- Kapal bhati pranayama
- Ek pada raja kapotasana
- Utkatasna
- Ustrasana
- Boosts metabolic rate
- Stimulates abdominal organs
- Improves digestive tract functioning
- Results in a taut and trimmed down belly
- Stimulates abdominal organs
- Enhances digestive system functioning
- Improves blood circulation
Food tips to boost metabolism
- Eat more of Omega-3 rich foods
- Choose Green tea over caffeine and regular tea
- Consume a nutrient rich breakfast everyday
- Enjoy multiple small meals
- Keep away from trans-fat rich foods
- Drink plenty of water
- Consume whole grains, lentils, and low-fat dairy products
Cardio Training
Set the alarm, put on your sneakers and go for a run. There’s no alternate to this one. One has to introduce a cardio activity if she/he is looking for losing weight. This will help you to start burning those extra calories as the metabolism increases during the time of activity. Start by a 20 min cardio activity and slowly increase it. This will also help you build your stamina and stay more active in day-to-day activities.
Weight Training
Another proven way of shedding weight loss is weight training. A brief session of weight training of 30-40 minutes a day can help to keep the metabolism high for the next few hours, which in turn aids in weight loss. Weight training helps the body get in good shape and also inspires you to eat and stay healthy.
Meditation
The mind is stronger than the body and the Paralympics is a proof. Hence, to reduce weight we must also work towards keeping the mind healthy. This is where meditation can help you. Meditation brings focus and makes your mind more alert. It also helps you to visualize your end result - a new leaner you. Visualization is another good practice that makes your physical efforts easier as you have already visualized and experienced the effort at a very subtle level.
Yoga asanas when followed by a twenty-minute meditation actually makes the yoga more effective. Meditation takes care of innumerable desires, which sometimes manifests as craving for food. It reduces Tamas, which makes people inactive and gain weight and also reduces Rajas, which gives one a taste for fried food, sweets, and rich savories. Meditation increases the Sattva in the body; hence you will automatically select food that is healthy.
Make meditation a daily practice and see the change for yourself.
Eat light, eat right, and eat often
While there are many ongoing controversies on what to and what not to eat, going green is definitely a safe option. Eating veggies is lighter on the stomach, keeps fats at bay, and is digested easily - which in turn again keeps the metabolism activated. Eating often results in keeping the pseudo hunger at bay and avoids one from getting into emotional eating. Eating often also keeps the metabolism ticking and is yet another good way to weight loss!
Remember that your body reflects your state of mind. A sharper mind can result in a sharper body and vice versa. So, if you are still looking for the magic mantra, it’s all of the above.