The proper diet is not the only key ingredient for losing weight.  A healthy lifestyle routine is equally essential for any weight loss plan.  These practices include exercising and establishing a consistent daily routine, such as regulating our eating and sleeping patterns.  Creating a daily routine is necessary for weight loss as it will help to balance the digestion, metabolism, hormones, and emotions.  Incorporating regular healthy self-care practices and a routine schedule will be vital for the most effective weight-loss results.

Daily Routine for Weight Loss

1. Begin a healthy eating schedule.

Eat 3 meals a day, including a light breakfast around 7-8 am; a hearty lunch between 11:30 am-12:30 pm; and a light dinner between 5-6 pm.

Read more on a healthy weight-loss diet here.

2. Begin a healthy sleep schedule.

A proper sleep routine is essential for maintaining a strong metabolism.  It is recommended to go to bed around 10-11 pm and awaken between 6-630am. Avoid eating before bed and oversleeping.  If you feel groggy in the morning, this should subside once some toxins are burned and some heaviness is lifted.

3. Avoid daytime sleeping.

Daytime sleeping (aka napping) is a well-known instigator for increasing Kapha in the system, leading to a sluggish metabolism and weight gain.  This holds especially true after food!

4. Go for a 15-minute brisk walk after meals.

This is a simple and easy way to spark the digestion and increase the metabolism when performed after food intake.  Aim for at least one 15-minute walk each day after lunch or dinner (or both!).

5. Get moving for at least 30 minutes- EVERY DAY!

The best, low-impact exercises include swimming, performing 30 minutes on the elliptical at the gym, taking a yoga class (of moderate intensity and pace), riding your bike, going for a hike, or taking a long, brisk walk.  Taking 30 minutes out of each day for these simple exercises will make a huge difference in your health, energy, and self-confidence.

6. Sweat!

Sweating or “svedana” is a great way to remove toxins, increase circulation, and increase metabolism.  If you have access to a dry sauna, go 2-3 times each week for a minimum of two 15-minute sessions.  If you do not have access to this, take a hot ginger and baking soda bath 2-3 times each week, making sure to sit for a minimum of 20 minutes or until you break a sweat.

7. Find a healthy outlet for your emotions.

This is essential!  If we do not work on the emotional factor involved in weight gain and obesity, we will never be free of this trend.  If you steer towards emotional eating, depression, lack of motivation, lack of confidence, or anxiety, these are all common causes of weight issues.  Begin to take notice of these emotional patterns and find a healthy outlet for them.  This could be journaling, meditation, yoga, art therapy, music, finding a trusted therapist, talking to a friend, going out in nature, taking a walk, lying in the grass, or whatever may resonate with you.  Make these a regular part of your weekly routine!

8. Perform a vigorous, full-body self-massage (Abhyanga) with Kapha oil 1-2 times each week.

This will enhance the digestion and metabolism, reduce lymphatic congestion, increase the circulation, and remove toxins.  Abhyanga is also a well-known tool for balancing emotions.

Read more about the health benefits of Abhyanga oil massage here.

Continue Reading:

• An Ayurvedic Diet for Weight Loss

• Herbal Remedies for Weight Loss

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