What you are describing has been outlined in two of my favorite authorities: Ancient Ayurveda, and Dr. Atkins, better known for the Atkins diet. Weight gain, according to Ayurveda, has to do with the Meda dhatu (fat tissue) becoming over fed, and by this they mean that the other tissues are being under fed. This is the reason the fat tissue is also referred to as the greedy tissue, because it will take food before any of the other tissues. One of the reasons for this is that it also supports the other tissues in times of scarcity (of food and nutrients). So the first thing to get into the mind when considering weight loss, is that fat is not your enemy.

Once you have that, the other part of the theory will be easier to digest. In order for the fat tissue to regain its normalcy, it's digestive capacity (agni) needs to be squelched to a degree. The way that this is done is to feed the body heavy, dense foods, and this usually means things which are very oily. This overpowers the agni of the fat tissue so that the other tissues may start to build up their own. So one way to look at it is that the goal is to hinder the fat tissue's digestion, but another way to see it is that you need to nourish the other tissues.

This part of the theory is supported by the Atkins view. Many people misinterpret the actual theory behind Atkins, and try to eat a diet high in protein. This is the exactly wrong thing to do. The body goes through a heirarchical system when it comes to deciding what parts of food to utilize. The very first thing that body goes after is carbohydrates. When carbs are consumed and not used for energy, then they get stored in lipid form (fat) for later use. If there are no carbs in the diet then the body goes to burn fats, and if there are none of those it digests protein for energy. If there is not enough protein in the diet, in the latter scenario, then the body cannibalizes the proteins of the body (like the muscles) for food. Fats are an incredible source of energy, more so than carbohydrates actually, and when somebody is running on fats, it is referred to as being in a ketonic state (burning keytone, which are energy units of fat). This is the goal of the Atkins diet, and so the real trick is to eliminate carbs, increase fats , and maintain a protein intake.

The other factor in diet change is hunger bouts. What you are experiencing is what is referred to in Ayurveda as false hunger. It is a situation in which the heat of Pitta rises and stimulates the glands and organs of hunger, thereby creating the sense that it is time to eat. This overactive Pitta will eventually calm down on it's own, especially if Pitta calming medicines are taken at the same time (such as licorice, mint, hibiscus, vetiver, and solomon's seal (this one in particular is an appetite regulator). Also the addition of bitter foods into your diet help to both calm down Pitta, and control the appetite. Snacking is the biggest enemy of any diet plan, so choose snacks which are satisfying to the body, like fruit, occasionally almonds, jerky (fish or beef or poultry). One chinese snack, which works amazingly well if you like the taste of fish, is a dried scallop.

Drinking water is actually a great idea, it is the single most cohesive element I have experienced in any and all dietary regimens I have experienced. However, you should keep in mind that drinking excessive amounts of water will actually lead to a depletion, which is alright for a time if you are trying to lose weight. Think of it as a river running through you, eroding the surrounding landscape. In order for the body to absorb water, it has to digest it, and in order to to that it has to have an amount of material dissolved in it for it to be recognized as food. I always recommend for people who are dehydrated, yet drinking tons of water, a pinch of salt (not enough to taste, or to drink a weak tea of hibiscus or rose hips or manjistha).

Ati

Perhaps you should try to turn your awareness inwardly and ask yourself why your feeling the need to constantly eat. The root of overeating is very often in the mind/emotions. You can surely take the necessary steps to balance your self physiologically, however, if your mind/emotions are not nurtured or understood, your body will will be thrown into a cycle of perpetual imbalance. Essential to Ayurveda, is understanding and addressing the root of an issue.

I would not suggest taking in very heavy or fatty foods until you have the opportunity to have yourself diagnosed (pulse, tongue, ect.) by an Ayurvedic Practitioner, so that they may ascertain (with positivity) your digestive capacity and current state of health. Otherwise, I'm afraid you could actually do more harm than good.

I see that this post is a few months old....I hope your feeling better :)

Peace.

Namaste, how old are you? Women- pre-menopausal can put on excessive weight in a short period of time. Think of food as medicine, and what we could eat at 20, 30, 40 changes with the shift of time. There might be food allergy as the boy changes, or psychi stalemate, when the future seems hard to walk, or that weight protects you, holds you, and you might need holding. By whom? Om shanti peace, Jody Swift

afterthoughts- 2 liters of water a day- wake up and walk for 15 minutes- everyday_- jump the lymphatic emphatically! and take computer free days- let the mind wander and dream Ask questions, meditate and listen for response. Cut all fat- and way back on carbs- sweet is not sweet, except a littler honey. Om