Preksha Dhyana Human Body Part 2

Author(s): Jethalal S Zaveri
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

Page 44

MUM
A reduction in total caloric intake, enough to produce a small but steady weight loss (1/2 to 1 kg. per week) is more effective than food dieting. Sudden introduction of any radically new diet can cause stomach upset. A severe reduction of total calories or a restriction to just one or few specific foods, seems to show results at first but the initial weight loss is mainly a loss of water and soon the weight stops at a constant value. By this time the dieter is chronically hungry, irritable and thoroughly fed up. His resolution usually goes by default the next time he sees somebody eating a cream cake. Dieting is abandoned and the lost weight regained quickly. Incorrect diet (incorrect both in quantity and content) can cause as many problems of ill health as can the tensions of modern living. True, it is difficult to depart from one's eating habits and plan, unfortunate though they may be. There are, however, great many ways in which we can improve our nutritional picture without radically changing our way of life. A few easy tenets with regard to eating combined with a gradual change in the diet will improve our health considerably. An increase in physical activity and regular exercise will also contribute to the weight-loss by increasing energy-expenditure. This again should be a permanent change in habits rather than crash programme of strenuous exercises that may put too great a strain on the unconditioned heart. Regular exercise also lowers the risk of heart-attack. Crash reduction of the total food intake also reduces the intake of vitamin, minerals and water. Leafy vegetable are usually low in calories, high in vitamins and minerals. They satisfy hunger and promote good bowel function.
Tenets for eating (1) Eat moderately : leave one quarter of your stomach
empty. The slight feeling of hunger will disappear
after a few days' regular practice. (2) Make maximum use of the food intake. Chew mouth
ful thoroughly before swallowing. Properly masticated food attains a soft paste-like consistency and slips easily down the throat.
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