Fitness Tips & Methods

Fitness Tips and Methods of the Ancient Indian Way. 

• When we follow the ancient Indian way of life, it is a completely different way of leading a healthy life than in modern times.

• Indian ancient people go step by step by following nature. Not only do they follow nature for a healthy life, but they also protect nature. Our ancestors followed the path of life strictly so that their lives ran smoothly. By following nature, they don't have any ailments like in modern times.  Nowadays,  due to an unhealthy lifestyle, most people are suffering from different kinds of ailments such as weight gain, heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes and other diseases.  

• We are following unhealthy habits of living. We don't follow nature. We don't have control over the food, sleeping time or get-up time. So in today's modern world, everybody is facing some kind of health problem, particularly in metropolitan cities, whether they are children, young men, women or old men and women.The reason is obvious, we are not following nature. If we follow the ancient Indian way of healthy living, as given in our Vedas (Indian ancient text), we will always remain fit and healthy, even in old age.  To enhance our body strength, we should follow the following rules of healthy living:

1.  Drink Warm Water 

• I n India, most health conscious people follow this rule for a healthy life. The warm water has a healing power.
• When we visit developed countries, we find most people with obesity and uneven complexions look bloated and fatigued due to sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits. To overcome this problem, everyone should practice the method of healing that was to be practiced by ancient Indians. It was simple yet powerful and some people are still adopting this way of life. As per the ancient Indian texts, one should start the day by drinking warm water every morning and can also drink 2-3 times in a day.  You may add two teaspoons of lemon juice in the morning only.

• Let's analyze why this works. Warm water balances the three impurities. Warm water infuses it with lightness and energizes the whole body.

• The sipping of warm water clears the toxins and improves digestion. Warm water stimulates the digestive system to start digesting. So try to do this practice of sipping warm water in an empty stomach, in the morning every day, you will be delighted by the effect.

• In this  process, our physiology allows for proper distribution of the nutrients in our digestive system. If we have blockages in our physiology and the nutrients have not been distributed, we receive a false signal of hunger. In this way, warm water can even help with weight control. The craving will be diminished, leaving one feeling energized and satisfied after eating. This is the sign of optimal digestion. In this way, people feel satisfied and are not inclined to overeat or to have cravings.

2. The Benefits of Drinking  Spiced Water.

• Drinking spiced water is even more beneficial for the body. Every substance we take into our body has an effect. Spices have been used for medicinal purposes and have a unique effect. For instance, studies have shown turmeric to be an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Other spices support the immune system, are natural pain relievers, and calm the nerves. Spices have power and can be used to enhance physiological balance. To get the benefits of spice, try the following:

• 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds (cumin helps to observe and use nutrients).

• 1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds (coriander helps to eliminate toxic chemicals and waste through your kidneys).

• 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds (fennel helps to normalize digestion, thereby reducing gas and bloating).

• Add the spice seed to 1 1/2 quarts of plain water and boil for several minutes. After straining the spice seeds, pour the liquid into a stainless steel or thermal container. Drink the powerful concoction every hour or throughout the day. Since this practice may promote nighttime urination, stop drinking at 6 p.m. so your sleep will not be disturbed.

• Be careful not to chew and eat the seeds; this can aggravate your system. The wisdom of the spices becomes infused in the water, so imbibe the liquid and leave it to rest. The subtle benefit of that wisdom will benefit your digestion over time.

• We have to observe the effect on our body before we can discontinue the process, or we can take the spiced water 2-3 times a day later in small quantity. 

• If you are taking medication, there is always a chance of adverse effects. Whenever you are trying something new, it is a good idea to move cautiously.

• Understanding the body's biological needs strengthens the desire to support those needs, listen to your body.

• Our body communicates with us constantly, attempting to engage us in the goal of nourishing every aspect of our being. Usually, there are three general messages being communicated. 

(1).  Am I hungry?

(2). Is my body prepared to digest the food?

(3). What does my body need? 

• Awareness will allow us to understand what our physiology is communicating.

• The first and most apparent message concerning hunger is that we have come to recognize it readily. The second message, concerning the body's capacity for digestion, requires a bit more awareness. The body may be saying, metabolic strength right now to process heavy foods. The third message concerning the body's needs requires even more insight, for it frequently relays a message about emotional needs as well as biological needs.

• Establishing nutritional habits in an effort to promote our well-being sometimes offers immediate results, but at other times, it takes a while for us to notice a difference. However, what we feed ourselves will show over time.  Bringing awareness to our eating habits is the key to good health because our physiology is the product of our habits.

• Being able to identify true hunger is a good first step in developing greater awareness of our body's needs. Many people are conditioned to eat meals at a particular time each day and never stop checking to see if they are actually hungry. When we proceed to eat, even though we are not hungry, we are probably lacking the digestive capability to assimilate the nutrients.

• Similarly, eating a second meal before the previous, one has had sufficient time to digest can lead to a disquieting gut feeling such as indigestion, bloating and gas that the physiology is wrestling with the food in an effort not to upset the digestion. Tuning in to your hunger and cultivating a good appetite is a general way to monitor the strength of your digestive fire. Eating when the fire is hot and strong will ensure that the nutrients are delivered throughout your system. 

• Cravings are gut feelings that can either assist or disrupt efforts to nourish our being. According to Ayurveda, cravings are the result of physiological imbalances. They can represent either biological needs or psychological desires.  Both are messages from your mind and body that are asking you to address a pressing need.

• To build the skill of learning how to differentiate between a biological need and a physiological desire, we offer the following general rule to guide you:  

• A craving, which is a biological need, comes in the form of a desire for a particular taste that may be lacking in your diet. Sweet and salty are the most common. A craving that is a physiological desire comes in the form of wanting a specific food, such as chocolate, pastry, potato chips, or ice cream. Consequently, the Ayurvedic answer to the question of craving is twofold.  First, it is important to know the nature of the craving: Where is this need or desire coming from? Second, learn to decode the message the craving is trying to give you. What is it saying you need? In order to accomplish this goal, it is essential to learn to evaluate food for both its gross and subtle properties.

• When we can recognize a craving for an unhealthy food as physiological, there are a few options, as given below:

(1). Satisfy the craving and suffer the consequences of the formation of  physiological imbalances.

(2).  Deny yourself the particular food that causes a mental deprivation that might impair appetite on a physiological level. 

(3). Choose a healthy substitute. Find a nutritious food that has similar taste and qualities to the item that is being craved. Finally, remember that drinking warm water throughout the day will help to dissipate cravings.

So leading a healthy life, we should adopt good and healthy habits in our daily lives, whether children, young men, women, or old men, as given in Indian ancient texts.  If we follow the rules of a healthy and balanced lifestyle, then we will certainly remain healthy and fit, even in old age.  

The above contents are based on information on healthy lifestyles of ancient Indians. Please note that this is not advice. For a healthy life one should always visit a Doctor,  Ayurvedic Doctor or a trained Dietician rather than only take a healthy decision for a healthy life.