“The lesser we eat, the more we reduce.” It is a misconception that majority of people have about reducing weight (read obesity). But the truth is that the right amount of balanced diet and regular exercise can help you get best of physical mental and psychological well being. Obesity is an established social disease and a health risk for a sizeable share of the population including children and adolescents and that is most alarming. It’s not only a physiological disorder related to dietary habits but also to a great extent relates to the psychological barriers that we face in the stressful lifestyle that we have adopted.

In India, recent studies have confirmed that more than 7% of school going children are obese and suffer from Juvenile Diabetes which seems alarming in the sense that more than 50% of our population suffers from this dietetic imbalance related physiological disorder,  making us the most prone society in the world to develop Diabetes, Heart diseases, and other metabolic diseases.

Weight Loss is not about the math, intrinsically connected to our psychology, our emotions, and our beliefs. Had it been about math only, then by taking 50 grams of protein and 50 grams of fibre with the needed vitamins and minerals, we would have lost some body weight. But losing weight is not just about numbers. For the visual impact of weight loss, we have to focus on 3 primary physiological facts i.e. Stress, Pleasure and Behaviour.

Although chronic diseases, excess alcohol ingestion, tobacco use and even stress contribute to impaired nutritional status, the most damaging factors relate to dietary practices. Current trends, even among the traditional Indian society, which includes highly processed and convenient foods, result in an overconsumption of calories, cholesterol, saturated fats, salt, and disaccharides, while fiber intake is minimal and micro-nutrients is often marginal.

That nine out of ten persons actually know about the dietary changes that could affect their lives, yet for a variety of reasons including the convenience of modern foods and the pressures of modern life, few really adopt the changes that are necessary to reduce weight and create a health-enhancing lifestyle.

It is important to have knowledge about the type of body one has, before taking a step towards weight loss. There are two types of body – Water Retention Body and Fat Retention Body.

WATER OR FLUID RETENTIVE BODY

The human body contains around 60% water, which plays a key role in all aspects of life.However, excess water retention (edema) is a common side effect of chronic inflammation. Also known as fluid retention; edema can be caused by food intolerances, poor diet, toxin exposure and diseases like kidney failure. Women may also experience water retention during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle and during pregnancy. For most people, excess water weight is not a serious health issue. However, it can still negatively impact your appearance and quality of life.

The Lymphatic System of our body is well equipped to throw out the toxic matter of the body. However, any blockages in this Drainage system can result in unwanted toxin depositions in the body which becomes inflamed and allergic leading to various other body ailments. Abnormal body swellings then become a matter of concern and bloat your body features and even thoughts.

REMEDIES FOR WATER RETENTION BODY:

• Early Morning intake of cinnamon water (1-2 tbsp) in 2 litre of water. Boiled and stored in a cool place. Take  6-8 tbsp daily.
• Intake of aloe vera juice 6-8 tbsp on a daily basis.
• Slimming Tea or Herbal Tea which can be made with tulsi, lemongrass, green tea, black pepper, cardamom, fenugreek seeds, cinnamon.
• Mid-day meal (without salt) – Buttermilk, gourd juice, vegetable soup, slimming tea with 2 biscuits, coconut water, dal, salad half an hour before taking meal.
• Dinner: Daliya, Vegetable Soup, Khichdi.
• Minimize your salt intake.
• Eat high fibre foods include seeds, fruits, whole grains.

FAT RETENTION BODY

Some people have a reason for gaining weight that has nothing to do with overeating or lack of physical activity. Decreased activity of the ENDOCRINAL SYSTEM PARTICULARLY the thyroid, increased production of the adrenal hormone cortisol and resistance to the hormone insulin can be causes of abnormal weight gain. Most people who gain weight, particularly around the abdomen, don’t have any of these conditions. So, why then does weight gain occur and why is it so hard to lose it? This imbalance in the hormonal system does impact our Liver and digestive system, especially Fat/Lipid Digestion and assimilation which leads to indigestion, over acidity, constipation which results in the fat deposit as Adipose tissue (Bundles of Adamant Fat). Adipose tissues are hard to melt and it is difficult to lose the Inches because the body tends to generate more fat and high Carb also converts into Fat.

REMEDY FOR FAT RETENTION

Body Wrap: Aromatic Oil, lavender, eucalyptus, basil, rosemary, lemon, lemongrass, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon and juniper berry.

How to prepare – Base oil for slimming

One Teaspoon of grapeseed oil or avocado oil or Soyabean Oil. Add maximum 2-3 drops of any of the above Aromatherapy Oils.

• Clinical/ reflexological pedicure on alternate days.
• Dip your feet (up to the knee)  in a pedicure tub full of warm water mixed with  1 tbsp of salt and 2-3 drops of any of the above-mentioned Aroma Oils ( 15 minutes), towel dry and then apply Aroma Massage oil as prepared above. Take the reflexological deep massage for 15 minutes.
• After proper massage takes steam for short period of time.
• Full Body massage should be taken at least twice a week.
• Along with this proper diet, exercise and create a positive atmosphere with this.
• Results in 15 – 20 days.

Daily exercise, your plan of action, a change in your lifestyle and positive approach will surely help in getting rid of problems which are occurring because of these kinds of unhealthy symptoms in your body. Symmetry and intention are important in achieving the goal.

The writer is the founder of Chase Aromatherapy  Cosmetics.