10 Secrets of Yoga Weight Loss Success

Madonna, Julia, Meg, Ricky, Michelle, Gwyneth, and Sting do it. Tiger, Holyfield, and the
Lakers do it. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor does it. Let's all do it! The “it” is
yoga. A path to enlightenment that goes back 5,000 years from India, yoga has suddenly
become so hot, so cool, so very this minute. It's the exercise for the new millennium. But do
you know how yoga works to keep you fit! Here are some of the ways.

#1 Yoga Increases Metabolism

- Yoga tones, lengthens, and builds muscles which burn more calories.
- Yoga increases thyroid gland function which is responsible for metabolism.
- Yoga increases oxygen intake from deep breathing which burns fat cells in the body.
- Studies show even gentle yoga and breathing techniques can crank up metabolism so you can lose
weight.

#2 Yoga Relieves Stress

- People under chronic stress secrete hormones, such as cortisol, causing the body to store fat.
- Yoga helps people overcome stress, anxiety, and nervous eating.
- Yoga balances the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems which helps
the body relax instead of preparing for fight or flight.
- Studies show that relaxation is a key to weight loss.

#3 Yoga Deepens the Mind/Body Connection

- Yoga practice fosters a spiritual connection to the body.
- Feelings of mind/body connectedness can help one make lifestyle changes such as changing the
way one thinks about food and getting over destructive eating patterns.
- Yoga practice often becomes a “peace offering” to the body, thus curbing destructive attitudes and
tendencies.

#4 Yoga Aids the Flow of Vital Energy in the Body

- Yoga asanas aid the flow of vital energy (prana) in a way similar to acupuncture and Thai massage.
- Like Chi in traditional Chinese medicine, prana is seen as the energy that pervades all matter,
including every cell of the body.
- With practice, one gains awareness and control of prana, directing it to where it is
needed for healing the mind, body, and spirit.
- Increased flow of vital energy aids all bodily systems, including that of metabolic function.

#5 Yoga Provides Psychological Benefits

- Weight issues often bring with them a great deal of harsh self-judgment.
- Yoga can counteract this by creating a safe, positive environment to reconnect with our bodies and
end the counterproductive messages.
- Engaging in physical activity through asana practice can lead to a greater sense of control in our
lives.
#6 Yoga Improves Digestion
- A blocked colon doesn’t allow nutrients to be absorbed in an efficient manner.
- A person may not experience a feeling of fullness that accompanies complete nutrition. As a result,
he or she may overeat to compensate, thus compounding the problem.
- Yoga massages the internal organs which improves digestion.
- Improved digestion reduces colon blockage, constipation, water retention, and bloating.
- Hunger signals are more clear when digestion is improved.
- Feelings of well being increase which reduces stress eating.

#7 Yoga Improves Sleep

- The ability of yoga to reduce muscle tension, slow the heart rate, and calm a racing mind provides
the perfect recipe for a good night's sleep.
- Medical research says that how much you sleep, and quite possibility the quality of your sleep, may
silently orchestrate a symphony of hormonal activity tied to your appetite.
- Those who sleep less often weigh more.

#8 Yoga Recommends a Plant Based Diet

- Plant based diet are naturally:
- High in fiber
-Promote digestion
-Are typically low in unhealthy, artery clogging fat
-Are nutrient rich with phytochemcials and antioxidants
-Are linked with lower BMI, cholesterol, and blood pressure.

#9 Yoga Recommends Reducing Over-Stimulating Foods

- Reducing the following will increase weight loss and weight management:
- Sugar
- Coffee/Tea
-Tobacco
- Overly salty/spicy
- Refined and processed foods
- Soft drinks

#10 Yoga Recommends Reducing Heavy/Oily Foods and Overeating

- Reducing the following will also improve weight loss efforts:
-Overeating
-Meat, Fish, Eggs
-Alcohol and Drugs
-Fried Foods
-Foods filled with Preservatives

“The secret of being healthy and happy is always to be a little hungry and don’t overload the
stomach.” - Swami Vishnudevananda