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Millions of Americans have adopted the holistic mind-body regimen of yoga for weight loss, as well as to relax at the end of a long day or alleviate the pain of numerous medical conditions. Many other individuals who are coping with depression and anxiety have also found relief by engaging in the deep breathing exercises, poses and stretches of the program.

It may come as no surprise, then, that more doctors are considering yoga to be a powerful method of alternative therapy for many ailments. The American Meditation Institute will be presenting a continuing medical education (CME) credit course – which focuses entirely on the mindfulness system – to physicians and healthcare professionals in November.

Entitled "The Heart and Science of Yoga," the class is accredited by the Albany Medical College Office of CME and will be taught by physicians Beth Netter and Anita Burock-Stotts.

According to Leonard Perlmutter, founder of the American Meditation Institute and award-winning author of the book The Heart and Science of Yoga: A Blueprint for Peace, Happiness and Freedom From Fear, this CME course will teach healthcare professionals about the benefits of yoga breathing, meditation and psychology.

"By accrediting this meditation and yoga CME course, the Albany Medical College continues to be a progressive force in mind-body medicine," Perlmutter said. "This accreditation will provide many benefits for the health and well-being of physicians, healthcare professionals and their patients."

The course content is derived from studies conducted by Netter and her colleagues. Some of the research has revealed that yoga enthusiasts experience many positive, long-term changes to their health, including lower blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels, better quality of sleep and reductions in stress. 

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than two-thirds of Americans are either overweight or obese. That's a pretty frightening statistic and may be one of the many reasons why millions of people having begun practicing yoga for weight loss. The holistic mind-body regimen – which has myriad benefits, from reducing pain to helping those who are coping with depression and anxiety – features techniques that strengthen the body and enhance flexibility. A popular CNN article suggests that combining regular physical activity with a healthy diet can be the key to maintaining a healthy weight.

Here are a few items that families may want to include in their cupboards to encourage shedding the pounds.

1. Whole grain products. These foods are packed with countless nutrients, from protein and fiber to omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Throwing together a delicious and nutritious peanut butter sandwich after an intense yoga workout may be just the thing to keep metabolism up and the pounds off.

2. Oils. Swapping extra-virgin olive oil or margarine for saturated fat-heavy butter can have a huge impact on health. The best part is that they all taste remarkably similar when used in cooking.

3. Flavored water. Avoiding soda is a major step toward losing weight, and replacing these over-sugared drinks with water is a great way to stay hydrated without packing on the calories. Bring a bottle of water with some slices of lime or lemon to your next yoga session and treat your tastebuds without padding your stomach.

4. Organic beef. Opting for meat that comes from grass-fed cows – as opposed to cuts from animals that have been given processed feed to fatten them up – can really make a difference, according to the CNN article. Organic beef has up to four times the amount of healthy omega-3 fats.

Related items

• Millions of Americans choose to engage in yoga for weight loss
• CME course teaches benefits of yoga for weight loss, lower blood pressure and stress relief
• Taking steps to feel young again can help those coping with depression and anxiety
• Woman opens studio to help others engage in yoga for weight loss or stress reduction
• Yoga can increase motivation for weight loss

Coping with depression and anxiety can be difficult when you're feeling the pressure to lose weight. After all, shedding pounds can keep countless diseases at bay, improve your energy levels and even help you live longer. That's why engaging in a holistic mind-body regimen may be right for you. Engaging in yoga for weight loss can also help you feel better about yourself. Making positive life choices like exercising and eating a healthy diet could enable you to feel younger, more refreshed and more relaxed than you have in years, according to a popular CNN article.

In addition to yoga, here are six other ways to feel like you've turned back the hands of time.

1. Get plenty of rest. Sleeping Beauty certainly knew what she was doing, because experts recommend snoozing for at least eight hours each night. "The only time your body can truly restore itself is when you're asleep. It helps build a more vibrant body and brain," they told the news source.

2. Make a healthy menu. Packing every meal with plenty of fruits and vegetables can increase the feeling of rejuvenation and vitality, especially when you drink lots of water and take vitamins.

3. Spend time in the weight room. Strength training can help you feel years younger and encourage the body to generate stronger, thicker muscle fibers.

4. Feel free to indulge your vanity. There's no need to drop hundreds of dollars on an expensive face cream, but experts say that taking care of your looks boosts your happiness and self-esteem.

5. Shake up your exercise routine. If you run or walk on a regular basis, avoid becoming bored by branching out to swimming or playing tennis.

6. Think of the glass as half full. Bring back the enthusiasm you had in your youth and you'll feel lighter and brighter in no time. 

Related items

• Millions of Americans choose to engage in yoga for weight loss
• CME course teaches benefits of yoga for weight loss, lower blood pressure and stress relief
• Practicing yoga for weight loss? Make these 4 changes to your diet to see even better results
• Woman opens studio to help others engage in yoga for weight loss or stress reduction
• Yoga can increase motivation for weight loss