How Ayurveda can offer a truly balanced diet.

We're all trying to incur losses (with extra holiday weight, anyway), but when it comes to slimming down, it's hard to account for success.

With Ayurveda, there's something to help everyone. Start out by finding your dosha and best foods, then use this sheet to help "balance" the scale in your favor:

Assets:

In-season foods. Find out what's fresh near you.

Warmth. Stick to warm or room temperature foods and drinks to help your metabolism.

Digestive aids. When you can, incorporate spices, herbs, honey, lemon and ginger into your meals.

Yoga. Both the physical and mental effects can help you towards your goal. Trying to whittle your middle? Try these poses.

Liabilities:

Eating late. Lunch should be your largest meal of the day and dinner should be eaten at least three hours before bed (try to stick to three daily meals).

Digestive hindrances. Salt, artificial flavors and milk products like cheese and butter should be kept to a minimum.

Disruptions. Try to eat at a table with few distractions to fully enjoy your meals.