Injection-Free Weight Loss
Did you know that your body naturally makes GLP-1, the same hormone that medications like Ozempic are attempting to mimic? GLP-1 is a natural gut supportive hormone that regulates the appetite, lowers blood sugar, supports weight loss and helps us experience satiety. An imbalance of hormones and poor habits around food and meals can disrupt GLP-1’s natural production and so we often need to start there when it comes to successful weight loss! The release of GLP-1 is in response to food and microbiome health and is related to the rhythm of the body’s natural processes.
While medical support might be helpful for some, there is always the risk of long term side effects and like all things, what works for one person can sometimes be harmful for others. For many, a natural approach to intervention might feel more aligned and is always a good start. It is all about trusting your inner wisdom and inner healer. Results also show that while Ozempic and its counterparts might be effective for weight loss, once a person stops using it, weight regain is common for most people.
For those seeking a natural approach to weight loss - amplifying the body’s natural GLP-1 is a simple approach and comes for most without risky side effects. Below we list safe techniques, foods and herbs that can be effective for your weight loss journey.
Here are some simple tips for natural GLP-1 production:
Get plenty of soluble fiber: We need about 15g of soluble fiber daily and most of us are nowhere close to that level of intake. Oats, cooked apples, legumes and beans are great sources of soluble fiber but if one must supplement, psyllium husk is a great alternative. Soluble fibers feed the gut microbiome and trigger the production of GLP-1. A little bit of soluble fiber with each meal is essential!
Avoid snacking: If you become hungry between meals, chances are you aren’t eating enough, you aren’t eating enough of the right thing, and most importantly, you aren’t eating with presence and attention to your meals. Snacking disrupts the production of GLP-1, making it hard to feel satiated by food. Constant grazing causes high blood sugar, lowers satisfaction with food and makes us feel like we are never full. It also disrupts the body from properly digesting food because when we constantly feed ourselves, the digestive system rarely goes to completion, leaving ama behind as a result.
Eat meals slowly and with intention: When we chew our food well and pay attention to ourselves while eating, we release GLP-1. The gut and the brain are in constant communcation and the way we eat really, really matters. Slow down and enjoy your meals. Turn off the television, put down the phone, step away from the computer and be present with your food. Giving thanks is an elevating practice with immense health benefits as well.
Eat with the sun: Enjoy your main and heaviest meal in the middle of the day, during pitta time when the sun is high and it supports the digestive fire. This creates a better hormone response, healthy metabolism of glucose, and allows us to burn the heavier calories during the time of day we have the most movement. Eating heavy meals at night increases cortisol, suppresses GLP-1 and increases cravings. An early and light dinner is best and if you appreciate intermittent fasting, it is best to break our fast in the morning so we have ample energy for the day and reduce or eliminate the evening meal. Intermittent fasting is not for everyone and should be practiced under the care of a professional.
Reduce Stress: Our body produces more cholesterol as a way to combat stress and it increases blood pressure so we can move more quickly during periods of stress. Teach the body that the war is over and attempt to eat and live in a calm environment. As long as we are in a state of high stress, the body will hold on to fat in an effort to provide the fuel to keep us safe from harm. Our bodies carry an ancient intelligence that prepares us to be chased by tigers (save ourselves from harm) by holding onto fat. Movement and stress management are essential for effective weight loss and healthy weight management.
Stay fed: Sometimes the impulse can be to avoid food when we want to lose weight. This might be effective short term, but in the long run it causes more stress to the body and often results in more weight gain because frankly, its unsustainable. Give the body the right foods in the right time and in the right way help us burn reserved fat.
Some of the best foods for boosting GLP-1 are:
Eggs
Clean grains (cooked into a gruel like substance for easy digestion)
Avocados
Nuts & Seeds
Olive Oil
Fish
Soluble Fibers: chia, flax, slippery elm, licorice, marshmallow, oats, psyllium husk, legumes, beans
Apple Cider Vinegar
Fermented Foods (in low doses)
Blueberries
Whey Protein
Ginger
Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Turmeric
High fiber whole wheat
Black or green tea
Herbal support is never a bad idea, as long as we practice the use of herbs with caution and for safest results, under the care of a practitioner:
Gurmar
Berberine
Marshmallow
Slippery Elm
Licorice Root
Triphala
Guggul
Trikatu
The reality is, however, that sometimes the body is in such a state of stress, digestion is in a disrupted state, or there is obstruction in the tissues which all require deeper attention. Starting your natural weight loss journey with a simple, gentle and rejuvenative Ayurvedic cleanse is incredibly helpful. When we reduce the body’s experience with stress, improve digestion, relieve inflammation and release toxins, the body is more capable of returning to its natural state and producing sufficient GLP-1, along with other necessary hormones, to support healthy and lasting weight loss. Kick start your weight loss with a seasonal cleanse or individualized panchakarma. Email britney@ommaitri.com to learn more about Ayurvedic Cleanse.
Om Maitri does not attempt to treat disease and this information should never replace advice of a medical doctor.
