It might sound odd, but the truth is that with the regular practice of yoga, you can naturally decrease your appetite for large quantities of junk food. In fact, in due time you will actually crave foods that keep you light on your feet and filled with energy—holiday season be damned.
Certain yoga asanas can regulate the release of hormones that control ones appetite. So if you don’t want your diet plan to feel like a chore, grab a mat and strike that pose:
Virabhadrasana 2 (Warrior Pose 2)
Step1: Stand with your feet side by side, maintaining four feet distance between both.
Step 2: Raise your arms to shoulder level, contracted and parallel to the floor, opening up your chest.
Step 3: Turn your right foot to the right side, and slightly angle your left foot inward.
Step 4: Bend your right knee 90 degrees, to come in line with your toes.
Step 5: Face the right side, focusing your gaze on your fingers.
Step 6: Hold for five breaths, exit position; now do the other side.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog Pose)
Step 1: Get on all fours
Step 2: Place your palms firmly on the ground, as you walk your feet back, keeping your hips up in the air. Make sure your feet are four to six inches apart.
Step 3: Now try and press your heels down to the floor, keeping your eye gaze on your navel.
Step 4: Hold for five counts, inhaling and exhaling through your nose and focusing on your throat. Exit pose, and then repeat.
Halasana (Plow Pose)
Step 1: This pose usually follows sarvangasana (shoulder stand). Interlock your fingers underneath your back or support your back with your hands while you lie down.
Step 2: Raise your legs toward your face as you contract your abdomen.
Step 3: Curl your toes and aim to touch the floor in a backward bend motion, where your legs should be directly above your head.
Step 4: Hold for five breaths and slowly exit by bringing legs back up (toes pointed), and down to the front. Be sure to keep you’re abs and legs tight so you come out of the posture with control.
Step 5: Unlock your fingers and keep them by your sides when finished.
Vriksasana (Tree Pose)
Step 1: Stand firmly, and then shift the weight to your left leg, making sure you push your knee back and contract your thigh.
Step 2: Next, fix a point of focus at eye level.
Step 3: Grab your right foot and place the sole of the foot on the inner portion of your left thigh, as high up as possible.
Step 4: Bring your palms together in a namaskar position in front of your chest. If you are able to maintain balance comfortably, extend the arms above your head with your elbows locked.
Step 5: Hold for five breaths, release position slowly, and then do the other side.
Uttitha Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose)
Step 1: Sidestep to the right, keeping four feet distance between both legs.
Step 2: Raise arms side by side, keeping them parallel to the floor and contracting your muscles.
Step 3: Now bend your right knee 90 degrees, toes in line your knee.
Step 4: Place your right palm firmly behind the right foot and stretch your left arm up over your left ear. Gaze up at the fingers of your hand.
Step 5: Be sure to keep your chest open and hold for five breaths; exit pose and repeat on the other side.
With this simple yoga session, you’re not only getting in a workout, but also training your body to eat better while curbing your appetite. Make no mistake, these poses are certainly meant for weight loss, but have more to do with diet than exercise.
PS: Here’s your one-stop guide to Yoga Asanas For Weight Loss.
Celebrate International Yoga Day 2015 With ZLiving!
