Why Hypnotherapy Works for Weight Loss

How the right psychology can render diets irrelevant

"Being a fat man is no picnic."

"How so?"

"My male friends greet me by play-punching my stomach. They ask me things like: 'Hi Sam! How's your sex life?' No one else gets asked about their sex life. It's as if my fatness makes me one big joke! I like to laugh as much as the next guy, but I also want to be taken seriously sometimes."

In 7 Weight Loss Motivation Tips That Work, I wrote about ways to approach weight loss psychologically, and I've also mentioned the importance of limiting carbohydrates as a way to a slimmer, healthier body in my Primal Blueprint Review. In this article, I'm going to specifically address the use of hypnotherapy in maximising healthy weight loss.

Weight loss and self-image

We're always hearing messages from the media like: "Losing weight will improve your self-image" - as well as all the health benefits being slimmer will bring you. But it's a lie to say that other people never judge us by our size.

Sam had always been 'the fat kid' at school, back when being overweight was rarer than it is now. He was not lazy. He'd tried all the diets, exercised his "backside off", and been told repeatedly that it was his genetic destiny to be 'big' always - or as the current parlance has it: 'a person of size'. It was his hormones, glands...whatever.

"Mark, how come you never see fat Biafras on those famine news reports? Surely some of them must have fat genes!"

"Err..."

Sam was right; overweight people are treated differently. Men negatively discriminate against fat women on dating websites (1) and larger men are pigeon-holed as 'jolly' or comical, but not as masculine or even as intelligent as their slimmer, toned peers (2).

Hypnotherapy for weight loss is not like a sugar hit

"What I need," said Sam, "is an instant hypnotic suggestion implanted into my head."

"What, like an instant psychological sugar hit?!"

People will often relate to food the way they relate to other things and vice versa. Hypnosis can seem miraculous, but the 'instant hit' mentality had been keeping Sam fat - we needed to discard it.

Hypnosis isn't a pill (even most pills don't work instantly). It's not just a case of telling someone to be a certain way and that's it, now they're sorted...forever. Actually, treating post-traumatic stress disorder (especially if it's related to just one event) can be pretty instant, but obesity is a condition that can have many different contributing factors.

If, for example, I hypnotically commanded Sam to "eat less", then what? He might eat less, but his energy levels would drop, he'd move his body less; and as his metabolism slowed, he'd burn less fat. And that's the crux of the matter; losing fat. When people say they want to lose weight, they really mean they want to lose fat - not water or muscle tone.

No, we needed an overall approach. I could see Sam understood this and was prepared to 'consume' his hypnosis sensibly. He was not expecting to gorge and feel instantly satisfied (only to discharge it soon afterwards without absorbing its nutriment).

So how does hypnosis work for weight loss?

Hypnosis and weight loss - how it works

Hypnosis works because it works on the level of feelings, patterns, and unconscious motivations. It's much better when we feel we want to eat healthily rather than just think that we should. Used well, hypnosis will help people naturally feel like making the right choices. This doesn't mean that someone who's had hypnotherapy for weight loss will never have to use their willpower, but it does mean they'll feel better able to use it.

Some hypnotic approaches for weight loss

When helping people to lose weight using hypnotherapy, I use a number of approaches, including:

• Using hypnosis to maximize motivation to eat well.
• Using hypnosis to encourage an increase in fat-burning metabolism. And I might suggest that at a certain time each day, their legs will become very restless and "let them know" it's time to exercise; just like a dog wanting its walk badgering its owner.
• Using metaphor, such as describing a sculptor working bit by bit with a shapeless rock to "find" the "real form" in the rock - and, having found it, discarding all the needless rock.
• Suggesting the person envisage seeing themselves in a fat suit and what it's going to be like to feel so relieved to begin to discard one layer at a time and to inhabit their "real body".
• Suggesting, though, that they don't mainly focus on weight, but rather on fitness and health.
• Distinguishing between "fake food" (processed carbs, sugars, chemically altered stuff) and "real food".
• Using disassociation by talking about the body having its own "needs" and the unconscious mind working with the body "regardless of the habits of the conscious mind" to eat healthily.
• Using a hypnotic journey metaphor and suggesting that at each stage of the journey, they can notice how the pressure on their feet feels lighter, how their body feels better, what clothes they are now wearing.
• Using disassociation to enable them to see themselves in the future looking slimmer, eating well, and exercising in the right ways.
• Using 'age progression' to take them into the future where they've become slimmer and suggesting they "remember" exactly how that's happened.

Over the weeks, Sam started to look better, to exercise sensibly (over-exercise helps no one), and to eat well. He lost fat and increased muscle tone, his blood pressure readings improved, he became confident, and he got a girlfriend. And he told me that not once had he felt like he was "on a diet", yet he'd become slimmer. He was no longer 'the fat guy'.

http://www.uncommonhelp.me/articles/why-hypnotherapy-works-for-weight-loss/

Kill Bad Gut Bacteria to Stop Cravings

Cravings aren't all in your head. They're partly caused by what's going on in your gut. Here's how to fix it and kill the cravings.

Your diet creates an environment for your gut bacteria – both good and bad. Researchers call it an ecosystem. Problem is, when you try to change your diet, your "bad" gut bacteria will demand to be fed, making you experience cravings. It's a lot like withdrawal symptoms.

Bill Roberts explains: "Metabolically-unfavorable gut bacteria can cause cravings of the junk foods that best feeds them. They can also cause you to feel dysphoric (bad) feelings when they're deprived of their favorite foods. The good news is, you can break their control fairly quickly by not giving in. When you consistently don't give in, these bacterial populations reduce, you become metabolically healthier, and you start feeling better than ever."

Think of it almost like a relationship between parasite and host. To continue thriving, your gut bacteria consumes what you give it, and makes you feel physically deprived when you go without it.

How to Fix It

If your gut's ecosystem makes you crave what you consistently eat, then change your cravings by changing your gut's ecosystem. Want to crave healthy foods? Then consistently consume them. Feed the good gut bacteria.

How do you get rid of the bacteria that makes you want more crap food? You starve those little bastards. Yes, you'll feel "deprived" at first. Count on it. But you can survive without junk food. The bacteria that feeds off it can't. Eventually you won't feel as compelled to have low-nutrition foods densely packed with calories (i.e. junk food).

Vanilla Cinnamon Protein Pancakes

Adding protein into your diet doesn’t have to be a drag, especially when you can get it in the form of a pancake. Just warm up your griddle and combine a few simple ingredients to get your day started out right and keep you feeling full for hours to come. Keep in mind when preparing these that the mixture is going to be quite different from what you may be used to in a boxed pancake mix. If they aren’t spreading out on your griddle enough, take the back of a spoon or measuring cup and gently flatten them out. This recipe makes a handful, and they’re still great when reheated! They are a wonderful snack to have right before a workout. Eat them cold or pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Vanilla Cinnamon Protein Pancakes

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 5-7 minutes

Yield: 10 pancakes

Serving size: 3 pancakes, 1 Tbsp of sugar free syrup

Ingredients

• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 2½ cups instant whole grain oats
• 16 oz carton egg whites
• 1½ scoops vanilla protein powder
• 1 Tbsp Stevia (or your favorite sweetener)
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp vanilla
Optional Toppings*:
• sugar-free maple syrup
• sugar-free fruit preserves
• fresh fruit
• *Optional ingredients are not included in the nutritional calculations.

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients and mix well.
2. Heat a skillet and lightly spray with cooking spray.
3. Using 1/3 cup pour batter into skillet or pancake griddle. Use the back of the measuring cup to gently flatten batter.
4. Repeat until there isn’t room on the griddle. When cakes bubble, flip and cook until golden.
5. This recipe makes a lot. Allow extra pancakes to cool side-by-side before storing them in plastic baggie or a tupperware
6. container. Great with fruit for a post workout snack!

Nutrition Information

Per Serving: (3 pancakes)

Calories: 311

Calories from fat: 50

Fat: 6g

Saturated fat: 2g

Cholesterol: 9mg

Sodium: 344mg

Carbohydrates: 39g

Fiber: 5g

Sugar: 3g

Protein: 28g

Vitamin A: 2%

Vitamin C: 0%

Calcium: 5%

Iron: 13%

WWP+: 8

http://www.skinnymom.com/vanilla-cinnamon-protein-pancakes/

How Does Papaya Help In Weight Loss?

 

Papaya is well known for its low fat, cholesterol free and low calorie nature. Based on this fact, papaya has been proven to be an ideal fruit that can be added in a diet. Many of you might be still wondering that what has papaya to do with weight loss. One should keep in mind that the best way to shed weight is by burning larger amount of calories. This is an all rounder fruit as it contains vitamins, iron, calcium, riboflavin and also few enzymes. This fruit is filled up with lots of nutritional values. Thus, the main role of papaya is that it helps in the perfect functioning of the digestive system.

The benefit of papaya for weight loss is that it is a strong as it deals many digestive problems such as constipation, rotting waste and many more. Proper excretion of wastes helps to keep the body fit and fine. When a person’s digestive system and excretory system functions properly then it becomes really easy to shed the extra unwanted weight. As this fat burning fruit helps in the proper disposal of wastes, it therefore protects the skin and makes it smoother. And that is how papaya benefits weight loss.

How to Consume Papaya
    Papaya can be eaten raw. You just need to slice it into small cubes. It is recommended to consume papaya along with some other food as it works best when taken with fat.
   
Your breakfast can become more delicious and at the same time nutritious if you prepare a papaya smoothie. Preparation of the smoothie is very easy and time saving. Just mix the mashed papaya with milk, yogurt or juice. You can also add your favorite fruit to it. If you wish to thicken the smoothie then you can add a banana to it.
   
You may try out something new by preparing a fruit salad based on ripe papaya. Cut cubes of papaya and other preferred fruits of you.

http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/how-does-papaya-help-in-weight-loss/?ref=8

2 Incredible Smoothies for Easy Weight Loss Strategy.

  

If you want to lose weight but you can not resist the temptation to eat, then you are at the right place. What I suggest is a simple weight loss plan that can help you get the body shape you want while you indulge yourself in delicious recipes. Healthy recipes made with fresh ingredients that trigger the metabolism, contribute to fast fat burning and eliminate the unnecessary liquids within the body. These slim down plan is also good for cellulite treatment if consumed regularly and combined with moderate fitness. By adhering to the simple rules of the weight loss strategy, you invest is your wellness and secure your most valuable health insurance.

This weight loss strategy is easy to follow because it consists of only two main steps. The first step is to consume the morning smoothie as a substitution for breakfast. The second step is to prepare another smoothie which will serve the purpose of dinner. And that is almost all you have to do. A great deal of enthusiasm for losing weight in a healthy way and motivation to achieve results that everyone around you will notice.

The main ingredients in these two smoothie recipes are strawberries. They are popular weight loss food due to being rich in fiber, water content, antioxidants and compounds that make easier the weight loss process and help the body to burn calories without too much additional effort.

Ingredients:
    1 cup strawberries ( or wild strawberries)
    1 banana
    1 orange ( in a form of juice)
    1/4 cup crushed almonds

Instructions:

Combine the listed ingredients in a blender until you get the tasty smoothie. For maximum effect it is of crucial importance to do some exercises ( at least 20 minutes-30 minutes) in order to transform the calories into energy. The second step of this easy strategy for cutting down your weight is to consume another smoothie as a dinner substitute.

Ingredients:

    1 cup strawberries
    1 lemon ( in a form of juice)
    1 tsp. ground flax seeds

Instructions:

Put everything from the recipe in a blender and blend well. You will get a refreshing smoothie ideal for fast weight loss and visible results in short time.

For lunch you can take whatever you like, just make sure you avoid eating processed foods ( chips for example). If you desire you can introduce seasonal salads on your menu or you can combine it with something else. That is up to you. Just make sure you follow the 2-step strategy for morning and evening.

If you are dedicated to reducing weight, then also pay attention to the amount of water you drink during the day. It shouldn’t be less than 2 liters. Follow these simple rules and observe how your body experiences a dramatic weight loss change.

 http://www.healthyfoodstyle.com/2-incredible-smoothies-for-easy-weight-loss-strategy/

Incredible Detox.

This incredible detox drink helps you burn fat, boost metabolism, lose weight, fight diabetes and lower blood pressure.

Ingredients
1 glass of water (12-16 oz.)
2 Tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbsp. Raw Honey

Directions

Blend all ingredients together.

Secret Recipe Detox Drink will help your body burn fat, lose weight, fight diabetes.

Apple Cider Vinegar is full of enzymes and good bacteria. It contains acetic acid which has been shown to lower blood pressure up to 6%. It can also help eat up the starches if you do eat grains in your diet. (I use Bragg – Apple Cider Vinegar).

 Lemon juice helps balance blood sugar and has an alkaline effect on your body helping to regulate ph. It contains, Vitamin C. ( use Lakewood Organic PURE Lemon Juice)

Cinnamon is one of the best anti-oxidants on the planet. It is the number one herb/spice for balancing blood sugar.

Honey is very rich in various beneficial substances and can be used even for weight loss. For centuries it treated wounds, and also lung, gynecological, skin and heart diseases. One teaspoon of honey reduces pain in the throat, and even can calm nerves and can be very helpful to lose weight. It contains enzymes that stimulate the digestive process and boost your metabolism, which contributes to weight reduction.

Stand Still, Be Fit - Day by Day Exericse.

Stand Still, Be Fit - Day by Day Exericse.

Stand Still, Be Fit, a Chinese health system promoted into the Western world.  As a result, this art spread across Europe and into the USA.  In addition, it opened the doors for many other Chinese art to be introduced to this side of the globe and has now grown to what we recognise today.

Stand Still, Be Fit is an exercise programme where you only need to follow what is instructed for 5-10 minutes per day.  It is this simple and anyone of all age can do it.  Just stand along with the mentor, that is all you need to do.

Extremely Lazy Way To Lose Weight

This is an extremely lazy way to lose weight. It burns hundreds of calories even if you are just sitting down on your computer and doing nothing. It also increases your metabolism which aids in weight loss.
 
Ingredients:
2 tsp Honey
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 cup Water
 
Directions:
1) Use 1 part of cinnamon to 2 parts of raw honey. 1 tsp cinnamon to 2 tsp honey is recommended. 
2) Boil 1 cup of water. 
3) Pour the boiling water on cinnamon. Cover it and let it steep until it is warm enough to drink.
4) Add honey when the water is cool/warm. Never add honey when it is hot as the heat will destroy the enzymes and other nutrients in the raw honey.
5) Drink half before going to bed. The other half should be covered and refrigerated, drink it the following morning. Do not re-heat.
 
Do not add any flavors in this mixture as this recipe only works if you drink it on empty stomach.

The Surprising Food That Can Lead to Weight Loss.

It's probably not part of your meal plan yet, but it should be

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If you think of prunes as something old people eat to keep their digestive systems, um, moving, then listen to this: A new study presented at the European Congress on Obesity suggests that these dried plums can play a big role in keeping pounds off long-term.

Researchers from the University of Liverpool in the U.K. divided 100 subjects into two groups of dieters. The first group consumed a handful of prunes per day for 12 weeks, while the second group didn't have any prunes. At the end of the study, the prune-eating group sustained slightly more weight loss and a greater reduction in waist circumference than the subjects in the second group. Interestingly, the rate of weight loss for the prune-eating group also sped up during the last four weeks of the study, perhaps because these study subjects reported feeling fuller than the other group, according to the study abstract. Prunes are loaded with fiber, so it makes sense that the study subjects who ate them daily reported higher feelings of fullness.

Another finding from the study: The prune-eaters tolerated the fruit well—in other words, they didn't cause any undo digestive effects (which we know may be something you're concerned about). Though the researchers haven't made any general statements as to whether dieters should add prunes to their meal plans—and they concede that they received funding from the California Prune Board—it can't hurt to give these sweet, chewy snacks a try. Enjoy a few straight from the can or pouch, or cook them into stir-fries or baked goods.

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/surprising-weight-loss-food

Healthy snacks

Feel and look great with our smart eating tips

Eating healthy meals and hitting the gym religiously, but still carrying those extra few pounds? If you're topping up your calorie count with one too many sneaky snacks, it might be ruining all your hard work. Snacking between meals is fine, but your snacks need to be portioned out and nutritionally sound. So no, a chococlate biscuit (or two!) and a handful of sweeties definitely won't cut it. Follow our top tips below for smart snacking and watch the pounds fall off.

• The key to good eating habits during the day is a nutritious breakfast. Make sure it contains protein, as well as slow-releasing carbohydrates to fill you up. Cereal and porridge are popular options, but they’re low in protein. Top them with fruit, natural yoghurt and nuts and seeds to ramp up the protein and fibre content, it’ll keep you going until lunchtime.

• When packing your lunch for work, throw two snacks into your bag of roughly 200 calories each. Your snacks should be well-constructed mini-meals, just like breakfast, lunch and dinner, and contain fibre, protein, carbohydrate and healthy fat. Being prepared will stop you picking at the unhealthy offerings at work.

• Banish snacks to your desk drawer, but have a bottle of water in view at all times. Each time you have a snack attack, take a sip of water instead. Switch your caffeine fixes to herbal tea to boost your hydration. Coffee is a diuretic, which means it makes you thirstier, and you could be confusing thirst for hunger.

• Birthdays in the office can seem a weekly occurrence. Of course you should allow yourself the odd cheat treat, but make sure there’s a trade-off. If you have a chocolate biscuit (roughly 100 calories), commit to a brisk 15-minute walk at lunchtime.

Healthy snack choices

Half an avocado  140 calories. Full of fibre and essential fats.

One apple and 20g almond butter  175 calories. Almond butter contains magnesium, vitamin E and calcium.

One hard-boiled egg  70 calories. Contains healthy fats and 6.5g protein.
  Natural yoghurt with berries/seeds  185 calories. A sprinkling of seeds contains 35 per cent protein.

Crudités and houmous  50g low-fat houmous contains 125 calories. Carrots contain 37 calories per 100g.
 
90g edamame beans  120 calories. 36 percent protein and high in fibre.

http://www.womensfitness.co.uk/healthy-eating/588/healthy-snacks