Whether you are underweight or overweight, people tend to judge you. However, achieving a balanced and healthy weight is essential for promoting overall well-being. Today, let's discuss how to achieve healthy weight gain. Being underweight is just as challenging as being overweight. Nowadays, there are numerous medications available in the market that claim to increase your weight. But have you ever considered whether these medications are safe for weight gain? If we consume medications for weight gain, they may increase our weight in the short term but come with several side effects that we will have to face in the long run. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt methods for weight gain that are not only effective but also safe. In Ayurveda, an imbalance of the vata dosha is often the cause of excessive weight loss. 

Ayurveda provides several effective and safe approaches to gain weight.

And today, this blog will share some Ayurvedic tips for achieving healthy weight gain and attaining a fit body!

Weight-promoting Foods:

Ghee with Milk

Ghee is widely recognized in Ayurveda as both a medicinal substance and a healing food that offers numerous benefits. It is known to have a positive impact on digestion, helping to improve nutrient absorption and alleviate digestive issues. In addition, ghee is believed to enhance the functioning of the immune system, providing support in fighting off infections and diseases. One of the reasons ghee is highly regarded is due to its natural fat content. These healthy fats not only contribute to a feeling of satiety, but they also play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the vata dosha in our body. The vata dosha is responsible for various bodily functions, including healthy weight gain, and keeping it in equilibrium is crucial for overall well-being. There are versatile ways to incorporate ghee into your diet. You can apply it to chapatis, unleavened Indian bread, which imparts a rich and buttery flavor. Ghee can also be added to vegetable dishes, enriching them with its unique taste and promoting the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients present in the vegetables.

Banana

Bananas are abundant in essential nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, which play a crucial role in supporting optimal bodily functions. Furthermore, bananas are a calorie-dense fruit, making them an excellent choice for those aiming to gain weight. They are rich in carbohydrates, providing the body with ample energy even with moderate consumption. Additionally, bananas contain dietary fiber that aids in improving digestion and enhancing the absorption of vital nutrients in the body. Moreover, bananas contribute to a feeling of fullness, which helps in regulating appetite and preventing excessive snacking. Adding two bananas to your daily diet can be beneficial for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a valuable source of carbohydrates, which play a crucial role in supplying energy to fuel our day. Additionally, they offer a substantial amount of dietary fiber and essential nutrients, contributing to overall well-being and facilitating healthy weight gain. Potatoes are also rich in vitamins and contain plant proteins, further enhancing their nutritional value. 

To maximize the benefits, it is advised to consume potatoes in boiled form.

Dry fruits and Nuts

Dry fruits are a great source of healthy fats that play a vital role in several functions of our body, including hormone production, cell growth, and brain functions. For example, almonds are abundant in monounsaturated fats, while walnuts are rich in polyunsaturated fats. Including these dry fruits in our diet can help increase calorie intake, thereby supporting healthy weight gain.Moreover, several dry fruits are also protein-rich, which not only assists in weight gain but also enhances muscle growth.

Dairy products 

Dairy products like whole milk, Greek yogurt, and cottage cheese are known for their ability to support healthy weight in the body. These products are nutrient-rich and provide a significant amount of calcium to our body, thereby promoting strong bones and teeth in addition to weight gain. Moreover, dairy products are a source of essential vitamins and minerals that enhance various bodily functions, contributing to overall well-being. It's important to note that while dairy products can be part of a balanced diet, individual needs and dietary preferences may vary. It's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations.  

Be mindful while eating

Why is it essential to be mindful?

Being mindful while eating is crucial because when we constantly think and remain stressed during meals, diverting our attention from the act of eating, we disrupt our digestive system. This disturbance can hinder our body's ability to absorb the necessary nutrients from the food we consume, depriving us of their full nutritional benefits. Therefore, the next time you sit down to eat, make a conscious effort to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Appreciate the aroma of your meal and take your time to eat mindfully. By adopting this approach, you will stimulate the production of saliva in your mouth even before you start eating, facilitating better digestion and enabling your body to effectively absorb the essential nutrients from your food.

Follow a routine

It is often said that disturbances in our body clock can disrupt the balance of doshas in our body!

Our body consists of three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The balance of these three doshas is essential for optimal body functioning and overall well-being. According to Ayurveda, imbalances in these doshas are often the underlying cause of various health problems. Our mind has a biological clock, known as the circadian rhythm, which acts as a reminder for our daily activities, including when to sleep, wake up, and eat. When our circadian rhythm is well-balanced, our doshas also tend to stay in harmony. We establish fixed meal times, allowing for proper digestion of each meal. This helps our body operate in a synchronized manner. However, when we disturb this rhythm, it can lead to imbalances in our doshas, resulting in digestion problems and other related issues.  Consequently, our body may struggle to absorb essential nutrients from the food we consume. Therefore, it is important to prioritize fixed meal times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This ensures that we can effectively absorb all the vital nutrients from our meals and maintain a balanced state of the doshas.

Stress Management

In recent times, our mental well-being has become more challenging to maintain than physical health. Issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression have become increasingly prevalent. When these mental issues reach excessive levels, they begin to manifest in our bodies, giving rise to physical problems. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the management of your stress levels because without addressing them, the effectiveness of the previous tips may be limited. Ayurvedic oil massage is regarded as one of the most effective methods for managing stress, anxiety, and achieving a state of tranquility in the mind. Among the various types of massages, Abhyanga stands out as a particularly beneficial practice for calming the nervous system. To perform this oil massage, select any organic oil such as sesame oil, coconut oil, or mustard oil. Warm the oil slightly before applying it for optimal results.

In addition to these tips, do not forget to include exercise and yoga in your routine as we discuss healthy weight gain.

There is a misconception that if you engage in exercise or yoga while trying to gain weight, the calories you consume will be burned off, hindering weight gain. However, this is a major misunderstanding. Exercise and yoga are beneficial for eliminating toxins from the body through sweat, and it is crucial for your body to release toxins in order to maintain overall health. 

There are specific yoga poses that can support weight gain, such as

Takeaway: 

Before embarking on this journey to gain weight, it is important to first accept ourselves as we are and remain willing to improve further.