One more study tells the world, that Yoga can help with weight
control and weight loss. The latest study was held by the Fred
Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington.
The study involved 15,500 healthy, middle-aged, men and women.
This is a group that typically has dfficulty with weight loss,
since the number of calories needed declines, and the energy
levels needed to burn calories, is not what it used to be.
Unfortunately, this is a fact that I have become painfully aware
of during the past few years, and cutting back on food was my
unwanted last option. Although, I cross train almost daily, it
took me one year to lose 16 pounds of extra weight.
Back to the study: Yoga practice was defined as practicing at
least 30 minutes once a week for four or more years.
Comparatively speaking, this is truly "bare minimum," and many
Yoga teachers used to say that this amount of Yoga will do
nothing.
How times change; Yoga has been keeping people fit for
approximately 5,000 years, and its many health benefits are
still a mystery worthy of more studies.
Alan R. Kristal, Dr.P.H., the study's lead author at Hutchinson
Center's Public Health Sciences Division said, "Men and women
who were of normal weight at age 45, and who regularly practiced
Yoga, gained about three fewer pounds during that 10-year period
than those who didn't practice Yoga."
Until all the studies are in, it would be safe to say that
adding Yoga practice to your weekly routine, and eating wisely,
will contribute to weight control or weight loss.
When seeking a Yoga teacher, find one who is compassionate, yet
will encourage you to practice more frequently. The results you
will gain from regular practice, of three to four Yoga classes
per week, will be extraordinary, especially, if you practice
Yoga for years.
Yoga is very low impact - in comparison to many aerobic exercise
routines, and can be practiced for longevity. Your knees, spine,
hips, and shoulders, will thank you for the condition Yoga will
keep them in. Many of today's "standard" forms of exercise do
not have the same "bragging rights," as Yoga.
With respect to eating, take the time to identify hunger and
cravings. You will notice that they are not the same thing.
Being a chocolate lover, it is much better to eat a piece of
chocolate, now and then, than to buy a dozen chocolate donuts.
This is not to justify, or surrender, to chocolate, but to eat
it in moderation, and not every day.
Based upon what I have said so far, it is all about
identification, control, and moderation. We have to stop
"mindless eating" habits.
Recently, researchers found that women who received a 1200 mg.
calcium supplement, on a daily basis, reduced their number of
premenstrual food cravings by 54%.
On another note: When you have anxiety, your body produces more
of the hormone cortisol, which may increase the volume of
carbohydrates you eat. Carbohydrates temporarily increase our
levels of serotonin, making us feel relaxed for the short term.
Learn the art of substituting foods for more nutritionally dense
variations. I cover this, in detail, in my e-Book,
Being in the best shape you can be is also connected to positive
thinking. Therefore, use self-improvement sources to keep you on
the right track toward optimum health.
About the author:
Paul Jerard is the director of Yoga teacher training at Aura in
RI. He's a master instructor of martial arts and Yoga. He
teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness. an e-book he wrote
called: "14 days to Change Your Life," helps people learn better
nutrition.
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
