Losing Weight with Yoga and a Healthy Diet

losing weight with yoga

When looking for an exercise regimen that will help you lose weight, yoga is a great option. But, when you incorporate a complementary diet into the mix, magic happens. You feel better than ever before and the weight just seems to melt off your body.

To help you achieve your weight loss goals with the powerful combination of beneficial yoga and a healthy diet, consider the following tips:

Yoga for Weight Loss

Losing weight with yoga is all about finding the right type. An hour of yin yoga, while deeply relaxing, probably won’t help you shed any extra pounds.

High-intensity types like power yoga, for example, are just the ticket for those with weight loss goals. Not only does this type of yoga provide the mental benefits of yoga, it tones the entire body and strengthens your gluteal muscles as well.

To help you get started, consider these weight loss promoting poses:

  • Sun salutations: Ties together several exercises (e.g. one combines the prayer pose, forward bend, and cobra pose) into one. These are great for the entire body.
  • Warrior pose I and II: Works out your arm, back, thighs, and legs. They also improve blood circulation.
  • Triangle pose: Tones the thighs, arms, and sides of the body.
  • Bridge pose: Works wonders on the back, stomach, thighs, and hips.
  • Boat pose: Gives the stomach muscles a good workout and is great for eliminating belly fat.

Dietary Considerations

Munching on the right foods before and after yoga class can not only help you lose weight, it hones your skill set as well. And, in terms of your post-workout recovery, it can help you get back on the mat sooner instead of later.

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But, eating before yoga class is still a subject of high contention. The traditional school of thought is against this practice because of the pressure that some yoga postures put on the abs.

Still, many of us lead busy lives, making it hard to follow that specific rule. And, going to yoga class with a rumbling stomach can be quite the distraction. What are you going to do?

If you must eat before your yoga class, do so at least an hour in advance. Some other things to keep in mind include.

  • The digestive system needs hours to do its job properly so a heavy meal before a yoga session is a big no-no. Opt for light snacks like bananas, fruit smoothies, apples, yogurt, almonds, raisins, oatmeal, and berries.
  • Avoid foods with excess sugar, like soda and candy bars. Spicy foods and those with high acidic content (like orange juice) should be avoided as well.

After a good yoga session, you’re going to be hungry. But, if you want to make the most out of your recent calorie loss, you can’t chow down on just anything. Thankfully, there are plenty of great tasting and healthy choices available. Some of them include:

  • Coconut water
  • Scrambled egg white sandwich on whole-grain toast
  • Fresh vegetable salad
  • Green tea
  • Almond butter and banana sandwich
  • Tuna
  • Homemade vegetable soup

Before You Go

There are few things that can funk up the perfect yoga/diet weight loss regimen than wearing uncomfortable clothing during your session. Loose shirts tend to fall on your face while in inverted poses and loose pants (think basketball shorts) can bunch up in weird ways.

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Avoid this by wearing yoga pants that are snug, while still allowing movement. And, since your weight loss yoga session is sure to have you drenched, clothing with sweat-wicking technology should also be considered.

Physical exercise is an important component of your overall wellbeing. But, if not teamed with a proper diet, it can make all your effort null and void. Using the above tips can help you get the most benefits from your yoga weight loss regime. Namaste.

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