Initial Weight Gain and Appetite changes

Hi GalaYogini

I remember my first months at yoga and how it completely changed the way my body operated. I think it is really normal to experience appetite changes. And you may have noticed that the types of foods that you have chosen have changed too. For many it is about your body re-balancing and finding new or better ways to function. I am guessing you were rather surprised that you put on that 15 pounds.

But still it is worth saying that muscle weighs more than fat. It is likely that you changed shape and it didn’t come only from increasing your fat (if at all). If you work really hard you are likely to increase the size of your muscles as well as weigh more. It does seem however that your body has normalized and you have got back to your comfortable shape so if it were me I don’t think I would be alarmed by the drop in appetite. If you are in the habit of weighing yourself then you know that when you weigh yourself is crucial in working out your real mass. Eg before or after a class, drinking or eating, before or after you evacuate your bowels, at the beginning or the end of the day.

As long as you have a balanced diet, you are drinking enough water, nourishing your body correctly then all is well. It is better that you check into how you feel, how you fit into your clothes and your happiness quotient (among other things) rather than looking at the number on the scales. What most people notice is that they make the switch from just eating, to eating for fueling their bodies without excessively consuming ‘comfort’ foods. Lastly: there is no ‘normal’ response. If your swings continue to happen and it is alarming you then go check it out with a professional. My guess is that you have probably reached your state of normal now.

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂