In Western medicine, people who are overweight are advised to cut calories and exercise more. But is this really all there is to it? Ayurvedic medicine, traditional mdical system in India, was developed thousands of years ago before the concept of calories was even discovered. If traditional dieting isn't working for you, here are some unusal tips from Ayurvedic medicine that don't involve coutning calories that may be worth a try.

Ayurvedic Weight Loss Tips

1. Being overweight is a "kapha" disorder. (Kapha is one of three possible doshas, or body types, in Ayurvedic medicine.

2. Drink hot water instead of cold water. Or drink herbal teas with spices such as ginger, mint or cinnamom. Cold water will slow down your metabolism. Hot water and warming spices will rev it up.

3. Do some vigorous exercise each day to speed up metabolism. (Check with your doctor as needed before staring any new exeercise program, especially if you are overweoght or have any other health concerns.)

4. Eat your biggest meal early in the day and don't snack between meals.

5. Avoid sleeping during the day. This can slow down your metabolism and increase your kapha dosha.

6. Use hot spices in cooking, such as cumin, ginger and cinamon, to rev up your gastric fire.

7. Only eat grain in small quantities.

8. Avoid dairy products except for goat's milk, goat's cheese and buttermilk. (You can find buttermilk at most grocery stores. Be sure to get the kind with active cultures. For the goat's milk and cheese you probably have to visit a health food store or ethnic market.)

Related -

Holistic Online - Ayurvedic Remedies for Weight Control References -

Lad, Vassant. The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies. New York: Three Rivers Press, 1998.

Tomlinson, Cybele. Ayurveda Wisdom. Edison, New Jersey: Castle Books, 2002.