Craving to Lose

Aside from the indisputable religious significance that the month of Ramadan holds, it occasionally triggers a completely unrelated excitement for some people…did somebody say diet?

While some lose an inordinate amount of weight in 30 days, others aren’t as lucky. Each year I’ve watched my brother lose on average 10 pounds and not to mention look dramatically different (then complain about it), while I’m here looking and feeling puffed up (and the scale will attest to that). So, what’s the deal? If I’m not eating for 16 hours a day, how in the world could I not lose weight, much less GAIN?

Diets that consist of dramatic decreases in caloric consumption do not work (at least not the way we want them to and definitely not permanently) because of our innate survival instincts. The human body was built to prevent death from starvation as much as possible. When the body triggers its “starvation response,” in other words when you’re not feeding it, it will burn calories at a slower rate than usual in order to preserve your energy. Now, say your resting metabolic rate decreases due to a shortage in food over time and you suddenly feed your body a massive amount (sound familiar?), your body won’t burn off as many calories as it usually does, therefore keeping unnecessary calories and unwanted weight. Now imagine repeating this cycle each day for 30 days…mhmm, that’s right.

The solution to losing weight is not starving yourself. Simply remember that you can’t starve your body forever. Once you revert back to your original diet, you’ll gain everything and more back. If you think temporarily implementing a no-food diet in order to fit into your dress for your friend’s wedding next week will work…well, you’ll gain weight before you lose any, so really this type of dieting is never suitable (or healthy!!) in any circumstance. As for dieting during Ramadan, perhaps this month isn’t the best month to get to your target weight.

So we have figured out why some people gain weight during these types of diets, but what about those who are losing? Well, for the most part men are the ones losing weight and it is mainly because they inherently have a faster metabolism. That doesn’t mean the rest of us are stuck. I have great yoga poses that you can try (during and after Ramadan) that regulate your metabolic rate and immune systems. Both of these poses are from the Bikram Yoga practice. Remember to inhale and exhale through your nose. It helps, I promise.

Dandayamana-Bibhaktapada-Janushirasana – Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee Pose:

Your arms go straight above yourhead, palms together and thumbs crossed. Separate your legs about 4 feet wide (a little more than the width of a yoga mat). Pivot on your heels so you are facing the right side, your right foot straight and left foot at a 45 degree angle. Inhale up to the ceiling and exhale tuck your chin to your chest and fold your body down. Your fingertips will touch the floor (if you can’t hold your balance, separate your hands) and your forehead should touch your knee—that’s the most important part!! If your flexibility doesn’t allow you to touch your forehead to your knee, bend your knee until you do. You should feel a choking sensation and maybe even feel your breakfast coming up…you’ll be fine. Hold for 30 seconds, come out the way you went in and turn to the other side.

Benefits:

Massages and compresses the thyroid gland to help regulate metabolism and immune systems
Massages the pancreas, liver, gall-bladder, kidneys, spleen, intestines,gonads and bladder
Stretches kidney and adrenal glands
Helps offset manic depression
Stretches, tones and decongests the spinal column and the nervous system

Pavanamuktasana – Wind Removing Pose

Lie down on your back. Bend your right leg up, interlock your fingers around your knee, and pull your knee to your shoulder (try to avoid your rib cage). Sounds easy enough, but there are a few things to pay close attention to. Make sure you feel that pinch sensation in your hip joint. Keep your shoulders and elbows down to the ground as much as possible. Tuck your chin to your chest and breathe! Repeat on the left side.

In the third part of this pose, lift both of your legs up. Try to grab your opposite elbows and if you can’t, grab your forearms or wrists, etc. Make sure you tuck your chin to your chest, shoulders on the ground and tailbone on the ground. You want your entire spine touching the floor. Do this every morning and you’ll feel refreshed for the day!

Benefits: