Firstly, Hatha Yoga was not designed for an inactive culture. Thousands of years ago, most people worked very hard to survive. Physical labor was a regular part of daily existence. People gathered, hunted, and cultivated, for survival. The possibility of starving to death was very real, and still is, in some parts of the world.
However, the average amount of daily physical activity, which people participate in, has drastically changed over the past 20 years. Many jobs now require computer skills, instead of physical labor. It is normal for children, and adults, to be less physically active in the evening and weekends, as many activities revolve around a home PC or television.
All of this has led to worldwide obesity in developed countries. The formula is simple: More abundant food, and less active humans, creates a larger person. Can Hatha Yoga evolve fast enough to help humankind's present weight control needs?
Yoga is a man-made creation and has continued to evolve to meet the needs of people, regardless of the time period. There are many forms of Yoga, and all of them have evolved over the centuries to meet the needs of people. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika, is a classical text, which was written by Swami Svatmarama. Within its pages, Swami Svatmarama discusses dietary suggestions.
The foundation of the Yogic diet (Sattvic diet) is moderation. Yet, every New Year starts with a parade of fad of diets. By the middle of the year, the voice of reason comes back to moderation and the Yogic diet quietly takes its place of honor, even if someone changes the name.
So, what does the Yogic diet consist of? The Yogic diet, mentioned by Swami Svatmarama, contains a balanced combination of whole grain breads, vegetables, fruit, nuts, whole grains, legumes, and dairy products. Please bear in mind that allergies can eliminate, or change, the consumption of these foods. There are also low-fat choices for dairy products, which were not available in Swami Svatmarama's time.
Whenever, a Yoga teacher is interviewed about the effects of Yoga, discussion of the Yogic diet is generally ignored. The media wants to know about physical feats of strength. Hence, Yoga has developed labels. For example: Vinyasa Yoga has also become known as Power Yoga. This is not a bad thing, but maybe this repackaging of names would help people to realize the voice of reason, in dieting, has been around for a long time. Maybe we should call the Sattvic diet, "The Secret Yoga Diet." We know it is not a secret, but changing the label will help millions of people to eat correctly, while living a healthy, happy, and longer life.
Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
One in every three Americans are now considered to be overweight and obese. This can be seen as an alarming rate when one thinks about it, since being overweight and obese is not just about the issue of appearance in our society but a serious health issue that can seriously affect a person's health. Although both these conditions have similar concepts, being overweight is different from obesity. Overweight people are the ones who weigh too much, while obesity means that a person has too much body fat that is already considered to be a health risk. Both weight conditions refer to weight that comes from bone, muscle, fat, and the amount of body water that a person carries.
A person who is overweight and obese usually have overweight or obese parents, too. Scientific evidence suggests that obesity is genetic, or runs in the family, so to speak. The environment also plays a role in developing obesity or being overweight. People are now gaining weight because of the food they eat. Eating choices like fast food burgers and fries that are equally high in fat and eating it in front of the television would not make the person burn all the calories needed to sustain the right weight. High calorie, low nutrient snacks and beverages, big portions of food, and a less than active lifestyle can also contribute to being overweight and obese. Sometimes, people turn to food for emotional comfort. When they feel stressed, sad, anxious, upset or even bored, they tend to eat more than usual, and they often eat more than what they need to consume.
Being overweight and obese is not just a cosmetic issue, but a health dilemma directly harmful to a person's health. These conditions increase the risk of developing a number of chronic diseases including hypertension, Type-2 diabetes, high cholesterol, strokes, heart attacks, cancer, congestive heart failure, gallstones, gout, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, fatty liver, depression, and other diseases.
For this reason, many people turn to anti-obesity drugs to eliminate their body fats as fast as possible. These medications are specially formulated for people who are either overweight or obese, and is medically prescribed only in cases where weight loss is needed to prevent further life-threatening diseases. Such anti-obesity drugs like Orlistat, Rimonabant, Metformin, Sibutramine, and Xenical have certain ingredients that would help induce the appropriate weight loss. Such mechanisms include the suppression of one's appetite, increasing the body's metabolism, and interfering with the body's ability to absorb certain nutrients in food. However, these anti obesity drugs also have side effects that can be risky to one's health. It is important to consult with the doctor before taking any of these anti-obesity drugs.
A healthier way to gradually decrease one's weight is to simply have self-control. Make a simple plan that would eventually limit one's food intake, like cutting back on those sugary beverages and junk food. If eating, make sure to pass up on second servings, and eat the right amount of fat and carbohydrates. By exercising even for just ten minutes a day, or by brisk walking, one can burn out the calories and help improve one's health. Do not forget to ask for help and support from friends and family, since this can boost one's confidence in to achieving their desired body weight.
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Jackie has sinced written about articles on various topics from Yoga Practice, Anger Control and Yoga Practice. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. He is an author of many books on the subject of Yoga and has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995.http://www.yoga-teache. Jackie's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.
Alexis has sinced written about articles on various topics from Marketing and Communications, Health and Yoga Practice. is a reputable online drug store. From sexual health to a woman's health, sleeping aids to weight loss pills, our online pharmacy offers convenient custom. Alexis's top article generates over 823000 views. to your Favourites.