So this is a bit of a personal post- but I think it might have some value as I think a lot of people are dealing with the same issues.
I full on BATTLE with my weight. I gain it very, very easily and unfortunately like to eat and have no self control. Granted, I’m not overweight and I work out every single day of my life, I take the stairs, I walk places whenever possible- but regardless…I’m no skinny New Yorker.
I’m a pescetarian…I eat fish, but you won’t really ever see me eating chicken and will never see me eat red meat or pork. I hate when yoga teachers preach about eating habits- I don’t think that’s their place. I was once in a class right before Thanksgiving where the teacher said, “You know how people wish each other ‘Happy Turkey Day’? WELL- it most certainly is NOT a happy day for the turkey.” I thought it was a bit much. But the other part of yoga is being conscious and part of that is eating consciously as well and I acknowledge that- its something I wish I was better at. And in my own heart, I know that eating locally and mostly vegetarian is better for the planet, which is part of why I eat the way I do now as well.
So I’ve done the juice cleanse thing twice before (Liza posted one that Prana is holding below). Blueprint Juice Cleanse is a great service if you want to try it- they deliver everything you need, all your juices, aren’t crazy expensive, have different levels for cleansing, and their juice tastes good! I’ve always done the 3 day cleanse, but you can do shorter or longer if you want. I’ve done the first and second levels, which aren’t THAT much different, although the first one has less “green” drinks so it tastes a little better. The thing with Blueprint is that although you aren’t chewing food, you are still consuming a fair amount of calories, so you never are hungry or anything like that. In fact, you drink 6 different juices throughout the day with tea and water inbetween, so you are constantly sipping something. Ya you do lose a little weight, but more importantly you give your body a break and are only putting really pure nutrients in your body, so you feel good at the end of your cleanse.
I’ve also tried the raw vegan thing…so raw fruits, veggies and nuts. I lasted about 3 or 4 days on this and did not feel good…will not go into details, but my body did not dig it. You’re eating harsh food to a certain extent…natural yes, but things your body still needs to really break down. Plus I think I relied on nuts too much…maybe it needs to be tried again.
SO! In an attempt to once again get back to being healthy, maybe lose a couple pounds (I’m changing lots of things in my life-might as well add another one on the list), I’m going to try to eat consciously. What does that mean? I’m laying off the sugar, going light on breads and pastas- and when I do eat them, they need to be whole grain (which I already do already) and small portions, and I’m going light on dairy…that means cutting back on my Greek yogurt addiction.
A person who is new to yoga asked my advice on getting into practicing. The good and bad thing about yoga is that is makes us hyper-aware of our bodies. You feel everything and if you didn’t notice the extra couple pounds you may have put on, you will when you twist, when you stand, when you whatever. And sadly, I know that when I am a skinny binny, yoga is a whole lot easier to do. Think about the weight that is in your arms in a handstand…if you’re five pounds heavier than you were a year ago, believe me you, your arms will feel that! So this girl that was asking me advice and telling me about her experiences is a little overweight, and I know, from experience, that sucks. So- I don’t know what I’m saying- I don’t think that we as yogis should obsess over every pound, but we should be aware of what we put into our bodies. I’m trying to and will continue to falter (I love me some baaaaad for you candy), but maybe, just maybe, will try to think of side crow with a belly when I’m going for the 3rd bowl of cereal. 😉
-Britt
Om La La Yoga Blog 