If you have tried to lose weight in the past with mixed results, perhaps it’s time to try something new.
Now, I’m no expert. But I do know this much… lasting weight loss is more about a change in lifestyle than in diet or exercise.
And the reason is simple.
Lasting results can only occur by creating new and healthier habits.
Yoga & Weight Loss
Recently, there is talk that the most effective way to deal with weight loss is to target the underlying cause of weight loss.
Here’s what I mean…
When you deal with losing weight, people will tell you that you need to:
- eat right
- exercise
Yet, this overlooks a couple of important points.
First, the WAY we eat and WHAT we eat is pretty much habitually behavior.
If you have a friend recently diagnosed with diabetes you know how difficult it is for them to change their eating habits.
Secondly, telling someone to exercise can seem overwhelming to a person who has never really exercised before.
What’s more, what TYPE of exercise should they start?
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, there is ONE issue that is usually completely overlooked with regards to gaining (and losing) weight. And that is…
Stress & Weight Loss
Why do we eat what we eat?
And why do we choose to spend our time doing some activities and not doing others.
Well, it’s a question of comfort zone.
And when we are stressed out we tend to automatically default into activities and behaviors that make us feel good. Comfortable. Familiar. Safe.
Does that make sense?
Unfortunately, sometimes our “familiar” behaviors are not necessarily the best for us. And when you add stress to the equation, is it any wonder that most people find losing weight a challenge.
No doubt the REASON for losing weight might be a stress-induced reason, say after visiting with your doctor.
Next, you are told to CHANGE what you eat and how you spend your time. Overnight. All by yourself.
That is an awful lot to ask a person to take on overnight and on such short notice.
And that’s precisely where Yoga can come in.
Yoga & Stress
Now, many yoga teachers as well as experts claim that yoga can lead to a lasting weight loss.
Why?
Because when it comes to using yoga for weight loss, it all starts with gaining deep relaxation and then followed by peace of mind so that you will be able to control your eating habits.
Then there is the communal aspect of Yoga.
Talk about a ready made support group to encourage you along the way as you DEVELOP new habits.
All of this can work together to encourage you and give you peace of mind.
Which is precisely the support you’ll need to slowly develop new habits over time.
Once again, all these benefits will actually work together to help you stick to your diet and exercise program.
All in all, if you practice yoga and incorporate all its steps into your weight loss program, you will hopefully be able to develop new and healthier habits for gradual and permanent weight loss.