Have you ever had a friend tell you about how quickly they have lost weight on their new diet? Then you start hearing everyone else raving about that same diet and how great it is for dropping weight fast? The only problem is when you tried that exact same diet you actually GAINED weight! How does that happen? Your friend starts to tell you that you must be doing something wrong and even monitors you for a week or two on it. Yet, once again, you gain weight. There may be a reason.
One Size Does Not Fit All!
I cannot tell you how often I have clients tell me this exact same story. In fact, I have personally been exactly where they were. There is a reason the weight loss industry is a multi-billion dollar one. But what most people don’t understand is that certain approaches will only work on a set of body types. So, how do you find out what body type you are and what is the best route for you to take to make your dream beach body your everyday one? Great question and turns out it is easier to answer than you might think. One of the best ways to determine which body type you are as well as figure out which foods your body needs more of is by identifying your dosha.
What is a Dosha?
‘Doshas’ are natural energies that exist in the mind and body. These energies influence all physical and mental processes and provide every human being with an individual blueprint for health and performance
You notice a person’s dosha without realizing it. Some people are restless, energetic, and hyperactive, while others are more laid back and relaxed. Some people have to eat five times a day while others barely get hungry. Some people are inherently positive, while others carry the burden of the planet on their shoulders.
There are three types of doshas: “Vata,” “Pitta,” and “Kapha.” Each type is a different combination of the natural elements of earth, air, fire, and water. Vata is derived from the air. Pitta reflects the properties of fire and water, and Kapha reflects the properties of water and earth.
Which Dosha Are You?
A person with a Vata dosha will have physical and mental traits that reflect the elemental qualities of space and air. They are typically quick thinkers, slim, and fast-moving. A Pitta type, on the other hand, will have a character reflective of fire and water, with a blazing personality. A Kapha person will have a solid bodily structure and calm nature reflecting the underlying elements of Earth and water.
The doshas are active energies that persistently change in reaction to our actions, thoughts, emotions, the foods we eat, the seasons, and any other sensory information. When we live according to our individual nature, our lifestyle synchronizes with our dosha type. When we live against our intrinsic natures, we support injurious patterns that lead to physical and mental imbalances. Understanding your dosha and adjusting your lifestyle patterns accordingly will help lead to a more balanced and content life.
Vata lifestyle
Just as the wind in balance provides movement and expression to the natural world, the balanced Vata individual is active, creative, and good at communication. When the wind in a Vata type loses control, negative characteristics overtake the positive traits. Vata-friendly activities include eating a balancing diet in a calm environment, spending time with Nature, meditation, and gentle exercise. Vata types become imbalanced due to anxiety, depression, alcohol, smoking and a stressful lifestyle. Good exercises for Vata individuals include lunges, squats, and exercising on one leg in order to improve balance.
Pitta lifestyle
These personalities are characterized by words such as “oily,” “sharp,” “hot,” “moving,” and “acidic.” Physiologically, Pitta provides the body with warmth and power through the breakdown of complex food. Ways to balance Pitta are meditation and calming physical exercises. Factors that can create instability in Pitta personalities include eating while angry, alcohol, smoking, and increased workload. Hyperactive exercise will cause adrenal exhaustion and an increase in the stress hormone cortisol for Pitta individuals. In order to neutralize their internal energy, Pittas should practice yoga, pilates, and swimming, which build muscle without causing exhaustion of the adrenals. It is also very important that they meditate after a workout to lower their state of energy.
Kapha lifestyle
Characteristic words used for Kapha personalities include “moist,” “cold,” “dull,” “soft,” and “static.” Eating in a loving environment, avoiding a life full of luxuries, meditation, and spending time with loved ones can all help balance a Kapha. Kaphas can be disturbed by overeating, not engaging in physical activities, consuming alcohol, and smoking. Walking is their best type of activity.
Discovering and nurturing your dosha is just another way to be better in tune with yourself and your overall health. Take some time to identify your dosha, and bring a new level of peace and balance to your busy life.
Knowing is Half The Battle
Each dosha responds differently to the same foods. This is why that friend of yours was able to lose weight on a high-fat and protein-based diet and you were not. Your dosha may not be able to process fats and proteins as well due to a lower stomach acidity level (for the record this is why I cannot do keto). That does not mean, however, that there is no hope for you. It just means that you have been going about this the wrong way. Each of the three dosha groups requires different vitamins, minerals, and even hormones to be replenished over others. Once you know your dominant dosha along with your secondary dosha the pieces of the puzzle are much easier to assemble together.
The Proof is in The Pudding
Are you ready to find out which dosha you are? I have put together a quick quiz for you to fill out. Once you finish the quiz I will email you with your results. If you are looking for a way to balance out your hormones while also losing any excess weight check out my Balancing Abundance Program. It is a nine-week program that uses your doshas to help maximize your weight loss results while balancing out your hormones safely and all naturally. You will get tons of information, recipes, and goodies to help you along the way. Until then why not try out the recipe below!
Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes
Gluten-Free Vegan Serves 18
Ingredients:
- 3/4 Vegan Butter
- 1 1/2 Cup Coconut Sugar
- 3/4 Cup Vanilla Cashew Yogurt
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla
- 2 Cups Coconut Flour
- 1/3 Cup Cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/4 tsp Sea Salt
- 3/4 Cup Plain Unsweetened Coconut Yogurt
- 3 Tbsp Lemon Zest
- 1/4 Cup Lemon Juice
- 3 Tbsp Poppy Seeds
- Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting of Choice
- Candied Lemon Slices
Directions:
Heat the oven to 350. Pre-treat cupcake pan with the non-stick option of choice (I just used cupcake liners). In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together. Add in cashew yogurt and vanilla. In a separate bowl combine flour, cornstarch, baking soda and powder, and salt. Mix 1/2 coconut yogurt into a wet mixture and slowly add 1/2 dry ingredients into wet until combined. Once combined repeat with remaining. Fold in zest, juice, and poppy seeds. Pour batter into cups and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes in the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled top with frosting and optional lemon slices.
Need A Hand?
A happy and healthy life is closer than you may think. Our health is something that we all have to deal with daily, and when we don’t feel our best, it shows. If you are tired of just making it through your day then you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you ever need any help I am always here to do just that. Even if it is something as small as just acting as a sounding board. Do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with? Feel free to contact me directly at [email protected] or you can even book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies and check back daily for more great recipes and information!