In our last article we discussed some of the health benefits of the Dash Diet, specifically with a focus on the Psychology aspect of healthy living. Our thinking plays just as vital of a role in our health as what we eat, and how we exercise. Without the right mindset its almost impossible to get on and stick to a new lifestyle or plan. In this article we will expound on this a little further.
Weight Loss and Motivation is a Circle
As you lose weight you will feel your motivation and confidence build because your energy levels will be higher. You will notice your sleep is more restful and your stress is lower. Natural foods help to lower your stress as your body doesn’t have to fight what you are giving it. Exercises like Yoga will also help you lower your stress, as you learn how to breathe and the more flexible your spine is, the more natural energy you will get from yoga.
Eating a clean diet helps to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack and depression. You will also lower your risk of diabetes and intestinal problems such as ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Your liver, kidney and pancreas will be able to function better as you cleanse your body of processed sugar and reduce your alcohol and caffeine intake. Both the alkaline water and the yoga are an important part of the dash diet that will help reduce hunger cravings. Usually hunger cravings are actually that you are dehydrated and need water. The second hunger signal is that you don’t have the nutrients you need. Up to this point in your life, you may have never had the nutrients you truly need and felt perpetually really hungry or really full. Once you get in the habit of eating every 2-3 hours you will no longer get the feelings of being extremely full or extremely hunger. This will help to regulate your mood.
Yoga will help to reduce emotional food cravings which are when we crave comfort foods because of stress. Macaroni and cheese, breads and wine are all comfort foods and the endorphins that will be released from yoga everyday will help to counteract your anxiety and nip it in the bud before you reach for a Bud.
In Eastern medicine, chronic internal dehydration is said to be the root of all illness and disease. As you eat raw foods that have a high water content your body will be able to store water longer because the water molecules are stored in the jelly like substance of the plant and are not flushed out as quickly as water. Alkaline water is also more hydrating than tap wateror regular water because the water is more structured. This means that the molecule clusters are closer together as nature intended and the water is more efficient at hydrating you.
The reason why most fad diets don’t work is because they are crash diets that don’t set you up for success long term. The reason the dash diet will work is because it focuses on nutrient content, hydration and digestion. This is not just a month that you will lose weight, it is a month that will help you develop informed habits based on sound health advice that will empower you for the rest of your life.
