These types of diets caught on because they are blancing for Kapha types of people. Kaphas are dominated by the earth and water elements. These types tend to gain weight easily and have slow metabolisms. Kapha people are also very strong and almost never get sick.
I will add here that just because you think you have extra weight does not mean you are a Kapha type. Look for the places you tend to gain weight. If you tend to gain in the hips and thighs, Vata is the unbalanced element. If you gain weight in the belly, Pitta is the cause. If you gain weight mainly in the chest area or equally all over, Kapha is the cause. I mention these guidelines because if your weight gain is caused by Vata and you give up carbs, you will cause more problems for yourself, such as severe anxiety and digestive disorders. Pitta weight gain is caused by inflammation in the digestive tract, so eating carbs is not the problem for these types either.
For Kapha people, it is not just eating carbohydrates that causes imbalance but the type of carbs consumed. For example, an apple will benefit a Kapha person more than watermelon. Also, satisfying sugar cravings with juice or fruit will cause Kapha types to gain weight quickly. In these cases, the underlying problem of sugar craving must be addressed. Sugar cravings have many causes, including sleep deprivation, brain chemistry changes, sugar addiction, thyroid problems, systemic candida, adrenal fatigue, and menopause. It is important to figure out the underlying cause of the cravings.
Many foods that are rich in carbohydrates increase the Kapha elements in the body, promoting weight gain. The Ayurvedic eating plan for Kapha includes foods rich in carbs, but at a lower proportion than other foods. For example, more veggies are recommended than fruits. Eating a low-carb diet is not appropriate for all body types, nor is it appropriate during all seasons. In following the cycles of nature, we find that the body needs fewer carbs and more protein during the winter months. Most body types will benefit from eating more protein and fat in the winter, and more carbs in the summer when we need more readily available energy sources because are outside more often walking, hiking, and swimming. Following nature, winter is our least active season, while summer is the most active.
Just because there are people out there promising weight loss with low-carb diets does not mean these diets are right for you. As much as most people want to believe, there is absolutely not one magic supplement or diet that will cause permanent and healthy weight loss. Take some time to figure out what type of diet best supports the health of your unique and beautiful body.
Feel free to check out my website if you would like more information on figuring out your Ayurvedic body type:
www.healthrevolutionayurveda.com
I am also happy to provide consultations for those who would like a personal plan for achieving your healthy weight. My contact information is at the end of this post. Ayurvedic eating allows your body to settle at the weight that is best FOR YOU. Ayurvedic eating encourages body diversity and love for your unique shape, while providing dietary guidelines to promote a healthy state.
Your relationship to food is much more than just fuel for the machine of the body. It is also important to foster connection to family and ancestral heritage through food. Think about a meal you eat that evokes positive emotional memories of family or friends. That is a meal that fosters ancestral connection for you. It is not just what you eat, but how you eat it. Ayurvedic eating considers the unique cultural heritage of each person and creates ways to claim that heritage through food. So it is not a simple matter of low-carb or not, but also how to nourish the spirit through eating whole foods.
Michelle's contact info.:
Email: [email protected]
Text inquiries: 703-475-9742