Yoga and Weight Loss

Often students ask "Will yoga help me lose weight?" My answer has been similar to what I just read in Reader's Digest in an article about obesity.

Most Americans respect yoga's stress busting and flexibility enhancing power, but not many realize it facilitates weight loss. In fact, a recent study found that yoga devotees have lower body mass index (BMI) than other exercisers do. There are probably multiple reasons. Yoga is best done on an empty stomach and can build muscle (depending on your preferred poses), which boosts your metabolism. And it encourages mindfulness, which includes paying attention to whether you feel full.

In my opinion, the mindfulness training is a key component in the value of yoga in so many life situations - not the least of which is in weight control. Body awareness is a big step in the right direction and in my classes, body awareness is a big concern. We attempt to concentrate on every part of our bodies from the crown of our heads to the toes - and even the internal organs. Learning to eat with attention (awareness) is a big step toward weight control and body happiness! It's a lot easier said than done--especially if you're eating alone as I do most of the time. I find it tempting to turn on the TV or read even while eating a meal and fall into that trap at times. THEN, - when I turn on the TV or read, my mind says - I need food! So when that happens I first eat meals without reading or TV (mindfully, that is) until I find it easier to eliminate eating while watching TV or reading. Does that make sense? For you, it might work better the other way around. The point is, never put food in your mouth without paying attention to what you're doing!!!!! With mindfulness!