The first step in alleviating body shame is to develop a gentler and more loving relationship with your body. Your body is an important part of your identity in life and should be treated with the care and respect that you would show a spouse or best friend. If you believe your weight is a health concern, mindfully and gently listen to your eating habits; begin to notice the times of day you get hungry and the reasons you get hungry, and slowly begin making gentle modifications that are more in line with your body's natural inklings.

Developing a practice of gratitude and daily affirmations of your own worth can prove useful when confronting body shame. Try spending time each day devising a short list things that your body allows your to do and enjoy. Some of life's greatest joys are impossible without the body; we couldn't feel the warm summer sun or the softness of a hug from grandma without a body. Your body is your vehicle in the world and deserves to be appreciated. Discovering the beauty of movement and exercise can also help overcome body shame.

HERBS AND PRODUCTS FOR IMBALANCES RELATED TO 'ASHAMED OF WEIGHT'

AGGRAVATES THESE DOSHAS & BIOCHARACTERISTICS

Imbalance Accumulates

Improper food and lifestyle causes balances to accumulate. Ayurveda shows you exactly which doshas and biocharacteristics are likely to accumulate in your body. Once these doshas and biocharacteristics accumulate too much, they will begin to cause imbalance. You can reduce an imbalanced dosha or biocharacteristic by removing things that aggravate it from your diet and lifestyle.

BIOCHARACTERISTIC	FOODS TO AVOID	DO YOU HAVE THIS IMBALANCE?
HOT ABOUT HOT BIOCHARACTERISTIC Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation. LEARN MORE ABOUT HOT	MODERATE THESE HOT FOODS IF ASHAMED OF WEIGHT IS CAUSING A PROBLEM	FIND OUT Status Unknown Take these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Hot' guna.
TOXIC ABOUT TOXIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC A substance that causes toxicity in the body, or that harms the body. LEARN MORE ABOUT TOXIC	MODERATE THESE TOXIC FOODS IF ASHAMED OF WEIGHT IS CAUSING A PROBLEM	FIND OUT Status Unknown Take these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Toxic' guna.
BITTER ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC Bitter is disagreeable and stimulating rejection, and a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens. LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER	MODERATE THESE BITTER FOODS IF ASHAMED OF WEIGHT IS CAUSING A PROBLEM	FIND OUT Status Unknown Take these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Bitter' taste.

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SEE A DIET WHICH REMOVES THESE BIOCHARACTERISTICS

ADDRESS ISSUES IN STAGE OF DISEASE 0

Potential causes increase and disturb your imbalanced doshas and biocharacteristics, causing them to accumulate and spiral out of control. For example, if you're overheated and eat a chili pepper, heat may become excessive and cause disease. As a dosha or biocharacteristic accumulates in your body according to your dietary and lifestyle habits, it is more and more likely to cause disease. You can reduce an imbalanced dosha or biocharacteristic in two ways, by removing, or lessening the frequency of aggravating causes from your diet and lifestyle, as well as by favoring balancing diet and lifestyle practices. For example, try eating something as cool as a cucumber when you're overheated, instead of a chili pepper.

REDUCE THESE RELATED SYMPTOMS & HABITS

Biocharacteristics of the 11,921 People Reporting Ashamed of weight

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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda exudes a certain ease, which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda , which specializes in digestive tract pathology & Ayurvedic nutrition. John and his wife Natalie recently published Explore Your Hunger: A Guide to Hunger, Appetite & Food.

John's interest in Ayurveda and digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, including his public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.

John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well.

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