Throughout this weight-loss journey we’ll call upon Ayurveda. Pronounced ah-yur-vay-da, this 5,000 year old Ancient Wisdom teaches us how to individualize our unique constitutions and design an eating plan specifically suited to our unique tastes and needs.

Ayurveda isn’t called the “The Mother of All Healing” for nothing; it’s the oldest authentically recorded healing science in existence today and literally means “healing life”. This ancient wisdom teaches that overweight is a message saying in some way we are estranged and separate… even from ourselves. To release our excess weight for good all we need to do is understand the nature and structure of the imbalance and correct it through consuming fewer calories (not fewer nutrients) that balance our true nature, live an Ayurvedic lifestyle and exercise. Eating plans don’t work long term without a solid foundation, so let’s start with digestion.

To discuss digestion and further explain the constant interaction between balance and imbalance, Ayurveda provides us with fourteen indicators to determine and keep track of the state of our health. Their absence indicates that we are out of balance and in poor health. When most or all of these indicators are present we are in a state of good health that assists in creating balance in our emotional state, daily food choices, eating habits and weight.

The Fourteen Indicators of Good Health

1. Appetite for food.
2. Easy digestion of consumed food
3. Normal urine output
4. Normal passage of gas
5. Feeling of lightness of body
6. Proper function of sense organs
7. Normal, instant sleep
8. Feeling refreshed after sleep
9. Good strength.
10. Good complexion.
11. Normal bowel movement
12. Ideal weight for our body
13. Good mental faculties
14. Good life span.

When you eat the right amount of food for your body, digestion is good, your immune system is strong – you are generally healthy, you feel better and excess weight begins falling away.

Ayurveda explains that there are three essential elements that make up a healthy digestive system: digestion, assimilation, and elimination. Digestion is how we break down the food we eat so that our body can use the nutrients. Assimilation is how our body absorbs and puts the nutrients in the food to use. And elimination is how the body rids itself of waste and toxins. It is vitally important to eat fresh, healthy foods.

However, if debris gets built up on the walls of the intestines it impairs nutrient absorption. So without good digestion we miss out on the value of all the good foods and supplements we put in our bodies and optimal health and ideal weight elude us. Even a slightly constipated system reduces our ability to absorb nutrients properly, not to mention how sluggish and heavy we can feel. Diarrhea, of course is no better!

TOOL: WRITE WHATEVER COMES TO MIND

These are the three things you already know you need to do to improve your digestion. It’s difficult to release a bad habit, however unless we make a new one to replace it, and that’s where Personal Promises come in. A Personal Promise is a commitment you make to yourself about what you are willing to eat, and not eat, do, and not do.

WANTING THE BEST FOR YOURSELF, WHAT THREE NEW CONSCIOUS COMMITMENTS OR PERSONAL PROMISES ARE YOU GOING TO ESTABLISH TO IMPROVE YOUR DIGESTION, ACHIEVE VITAL HEALTH AND IDEAL WEIGHT?

1.
2.
3.

Imagine how much more peaceful and productive your life would be if you walked your talk, lived your Personal Promises, or consciously decided to change them? Seriously, what would happen if you lived without that fear, doubt and worry chatter stopping up the flow of your life?

Writing down Personal Promises sets the intention, that’s the first step. Knowing that you are your own authority when you follow through is the second step. And, knowing that you are your own authority when you don’t follow through is the third step. Take one step at a time, incorporate them into your life and you will accomplish your goals. Check back soon, there’s more to come…