Weight loss is a fad among people of all ages. However, many aspire to gain weight as well. Losing weight is a challenge, as is healthily gaining weight. People aspire to gain weight for a variety of reasons including improved appearance, building resistance against diseases, and increasing energy levels and stamina.
Ayurveda presents a holistic approach towards weight gain through sustainable lifestyle changes tailored to individual needs. According to it, the inability to gain weight is due to the imbalance of the three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Weight gain requires the balancing of the three doshas.
Vata imbalance can be pacified by incorporating grounding foods like sweet potatoes, nuts, and avocados into the diet. To balance Pitta, add cooling and nourishing foods such as dairy products, grains, and sweet fruits like mangoes and bananas. For Kapha, stimulating foods and spices like ginger, garlic, and mustard are recommended.
Just as balanced doshas, a balanced Agni, the fire that governs digestion, is also important for healthy weight gain. For kindling agni, it is essential to consume warm, cooked meals by incorporating digestive spices like ginger, cumin, and turmeric. The meals should comprise all six tastes—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent—to satisfy the body’s nutritional needs.
Periodic detoxification by drinking warm water with lemon in the morning or consuming detoxifying herbs like Triphala can help clear toxins from the body and optimize digestion, thereby facilitating weight gain.
Emotional imbalances such as stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem can directly impact eating habits and overall health. Sometimes individuals turn to food for comfort, distraction, or relief from negative emotions. The choice of food will often be sugary or high-fat which will lead to unhealthy weight gain.
To ensure healthy weight gain eat food in a relaxed pace. Chew the food thoroughly, with gratitude for the nourishment it provides. Avoid distractions like TV or mobile phones during food consumption. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support digestion. Have your meals at evenly spaced intervals and avoid prolonged periods of fasting.
It is recommended to develop a customized exercise regimen according to your body type to promote healthy weight gain. Ensure adequate sleep and maintain emotional balance through practices like Yoga and meditation.
