Navigating the “Yoga Body Diet”

by Heather Jones

Being someone who has struggled with weight most of my adult life, I always notice what diet trends are out there, even if I don’t participate in them. I follow what “health experts” say about weight loss and weight management.  But years ago I resigned myself that at five feet tall I will never be a size 2, and I’m now okay with that. I believe in eating whole foods, listening to your body, and finding whatever exercise regimen works for you. In my case, it’s yoga.

So on a recent trip to New York City I stopped by one of my favorite books stores, and took notice of  “The Yoga Body Diet: Slim and Sexy in 4 Weeks.” Initially I was turned off by the sub heading reading “Slim & Sexy in 4 weeks.” I know yoga has gone mainstream, and for many it works as part of  a weight management program, but I was still put off by the title. I was so put off, in fact, that I bought it! It took weeks to open it, but once I started I couldn’t put it down.

Written by Self Magazine Digital Director Kristen Dollard and Lifespa Director Dr. John Douillard, the Yoga Body Diet details an individual plan with yoga, meditation, and diet changes that work with your particular energy to help you lose weight. The authors open the book by saying, “A yoga body is the one you have, only healthier,” which worked for me. The introduction provides a brief history of yoga, debunks some myths, and gives a user-friendly explanation for Ayurveda, an alternative form of medicine originating in India. There’s also an explanation of how your body reacts to stress – good and bad – and how it contributes to weight gain.

It offers common sense advice on eating and finding what works for your body using Ayurveda, which is grounded in metaphysics of the five elements:  fire, water, air, earth, and ether. These are grouped into three elemental energies called Doshas:

• Vata (air & space)
• Pitta (fire & water)
• Kapha (water & earth).

Every one has his or her own individual Dosha combination based on body and mind make-up, and should follow a specific regimen to stay healthy and balanced. So how do you find out what Dosha you are? The book provides a 50 question survey that helps you determine which one you most strongly identify with, and Lifespa has an online test. The authors outline which foods are your “power foods” to keep you balanced, and which yoga poses are best suited for you as well.

What I’m always most curious about is the “Maintenance Plans” with these diets and I was pleasantly surprised to see that this one was quite simple.  Continue following Week 1 guidelines, eat seasonally, detox twice a year, and deepen your yoga practice: common sense with an added yoga bonus If it gets people to see that the mind, body, spirit connection is key to achieving anything in life weight loss, even better.

Being a food professional who eats everything, a few questions came to mind, especially in connection to my Dosha – Vata in case anyone is wondering. So I went to the source and here’s what author Kristen Dollard had to say:

HJ:  A lot of people who will be trying this diet may be coming from other diet programs where they talk about portion control. The Yoga Body Diet stresses the importance of 3 large meals instead of multiple ones. How would you define a large meal?

KD: One large meal means learn to eat until you are full. For the purpose of our book we used 600 calorie meals, which is a true weight loss program. However we advise you should eat that portion size and if you’re still hungry, eat more.  In time you’ll be satisfied with less and completely unaware of portions. Your sizing will be perfect because you’ll eat what you need, not what you “think” you need.

HJ: I took the body type quiz and it was determined that I am a Vata, which I have to say describes me to a tee.  As a foodie I eat everything, so I was pleased with the listing of Vata superfoods.  But I noticed an absence of leafy greens such as lale, collards, etc.  Why is it that dark, leafy, greens don’t work well for a Vata?

KD:  Those do work well for Vatas and for all types because they’re so rich in nutrients. But we didn’t trumpet them because the reality is health nuts eat them and yet most people don’t love them. We tried to work with foods that were completely and utterly germaine and ordinary, everyday, supermarket foods. But it’s hard to say that a dark leafy green isn’t good for anyone. My personal favorite way to use them is in stuffed shells!

HJ: The book talks about the “coffee crutch,” but nothing about tea which seems to have an inherent connection to yoga. Does tea, particularly my morning cup of Green Tea fit into the scheme of the Yoga Body Diet? And what about vitamins and supplements?  I’m curious on your take.

KD: Well, I love my coffee and I didn’t want to be a jerk writing a book that I couldn’t follow. If you can quit caffeine you should. If you’re a mom who works 60 hours a week like me and you just plain old enjoy it ,then drink as little as possible. Green tea is better than caffeine and herbal tea is the best. In the book we recommend chai and we include black tea and soy milk, which makes it healthier.  I don’t want to advise on vitamins and supplements. I think everyone needs a multi-vitamin as I don’t know who gets everything they need everyday, but I think that is a question for the individual and their GP to discuss.

Anyone who has ever dieted should know how important lifestyle change is to long term weight loss, and  what I loved about this book is that it doesn’t emphasize a quick fix. Instead, it helps you choose the right foods and find a yogic practice that works for you. Although the authors understand that not every aspect of this program will fit into your current schedule, they say implementing portions of the diet can already get your results.