Nicole Ellett
New Member
Posts:6
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| 07 Jun 2009 03:57 PM |
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I have constantly struggled with my weight my whole life, and now I have turned to yoga to assist me in getting ready for a Bahamas vacation I have planned in December 2009. So far, I have completed 11 classes (9 Fire 60, 1 Earth 60, and 1 Water). I have seen slight positive changes and I love the challenge, but I want something that is really going to challenge me to get out of my comfort zone. What do you guys suggest as a good routine for someone trying to lose serious weight (about 50 pounds)??
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Greg Angus
New Member
Posts:10
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| 08 Jun 2009 02:43 PM |
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| My experience is that the yoga is going to take you part way there, but you also have to make positive changes outside the yoga room, and that really means diet. Just changing my diet a few years back took 20 off in a month or so. And by changes, I mean way down on the meat, sweets and empty calories, especially soft drinks, especially any diet soft drinks. Add water big-time to your day (I've read you should take your weight, divide by 2, and that's how many ounces you need each day). Add the water for your class, though, and you need to drink a lot of it! Add fruits and vegetables to your diet - they have lots of fiber, fill you up, and don't have lots of calories. |
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Justin
New Member
Posts:12
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| 08 Jun 2009 03:51 PM |
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Hi, Nicole!
When I started a regular practice, I lost 25 pounds fairly quickly (maybe 3 months); and I can tell you what worked for me was focusing on the yoga. When I consistently took 4-5 classes a week, the diet sort of fell into place. I mean, it was impossible for me to eat my "regular" way (mainly high starch, fat and sugar) and not feel miserable during class. A class late in the day is best for me, because it keeps my food in check for the day (lots of fruit, leafy green vegetables, a little lean protein and whole grains), and I make sure to stay hydrated. I still have around 25 more pounds I'd like to lose, but I really try to stay focused less on the scale and more on the fact that my body is responding to the good things I'm doing, and will eventually get to where it's going to be when it's healthy. Good luck -- hope this helps! |
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Barbara Altshuler
Basic Member
Posts:437
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| 16 Jun 2009 07:10 AM |
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| Nicole, I would like to suggest that as your yoga practice and body awareness deepen that you consider a different approach to eating. Eat mindfully. Mindfulness is being watchful and connected to all of your actions, thoughts and feelings. Our bodies give us millions of cues throughout our day, many we simply turn off. Obviously our response to food and eating is very complex, but you might be surprised at how much you can simplify this process by developing an awareness of when, why, how much, what you eat throughout the day and most importantly in this case, how your body and mind respond to your food choices. Be patient in your journey. One other suggestion, when you eat- only do just that. Turn off all distractions, be present moment to moment. Good Luck! Keep us informed of your progress. Barbara |
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emily
New Member
Posts:11
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| 17 Jun 2009 11:14 PM |
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| Nutrition is so very important to weight loss. Most people think they can eat whatever they want as long as they exercise...not true! Keep attending classes. Cross training is a good weight loss tool as well. I recommend the CHI running or CHI walking books. |
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Steve Stringer
New Member
Posts:1
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| 09 Jul 2009 08:33 AM |
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I'll echo what everyone has already said. I, too, lost about 25 pounds within the first few months. It has happened slowly and more or less without making sudden changes to my diet.
I go to yoga 5-7 times a week. This sounds hard, but I found that going nearly every day is easier than going a few times a week; you get into a routine, and your body actually starts to crave the workout once you get over the initial hump. Doing the 60-day challenge is a good motivator.
On the diet front, I'll just add what has worked for me personally. I HATE diets. Can't do 'em. But the one thing I did do was give up cereal in the mornings, replacing it with straight fruit or a blended fruit smoothie. I also try to limit my sodas to one or two a week. The thing I've found surprising is that my appetite has subsided substantially after about 50 classes or so. Once it did, my body went through a transformation that continues to this day.
I'll leave you with this: hang in there. If you can get into a routine of going to yoga frequently, the rest will happen naturally. 50 pounds by December is totally do-able. Best of luck!
-Steve |
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