Archive for December, 2007

Losing Weight Through Hypnosis: Myth or Reality?

Wednesday, December 19th, 2007

The hypnotic state is a high state of concentration, relaxation, and suggestibility. Hypnosis can make people learn positive eating behaviors. More and more people are starting to see hypnosis as an easy solution to the difficult problem of losing weight.

Through hypnosis, the attitude towards food is changed. Many people overeat as a substitute for love, well-being, or safety. Hypnosis sessions help people reduce the importance of food from their perspective and enjoy their food, only in smaller amounts.
Hypnosis also identifies triggers for eating, brings more confidence and self-esteem, and increase the desire for healthy foods.

The few studies that researched the connection between hypnosis and weight loss showed positive results, but were poised by certain methodological problems that question their accuracy. In one such study, overweight subjects lost almost twenty pounds after eight sessions of hypnosis treatment and twelve weeks of self-hypnosis. However, the results of this study were questioned because of the small number of patients.

Self-hypnosis is a process in which a person is hypnotized without another person that serves as a hypnotist. It is usually used for people who need to stay on a diet, stop smoking, or overcome other addictions.

People can lose weight using hypnosis and maintain the lower weight levels for six months, other studies concluded. No difference was noticed between overweight subjects who used audiotapes as a supplement for hypnosis therapy and those who did not.

Hypnosis along with behavioral weight management may lead to small amounts of weight loss and maintain the lower weight, other studies showed. For instance, people who had hypnosis therapy beside a self-management program lost almost twelve pounds while those who didn`t lost only six pounds over the same period of time.

Several factors influence a person’s hypnosis treatment for the purpose of losing weight. Age is one of such factors. The hypnosis treatment requires weekly consultations with a specialist, as well as self-hypnosis sessions.

Organizations that advertise “hypnosis” tapes and claim that one hypnotic session may result in substantial weight loss are most likely making unrealistic claims. Fast solutions to weight loss are not always efficient, and hypnosis is not an easy way to get rid of the extra pounds.

Mood, Emotions Play Key Role in Food Choice

Thursday, December 6th, 2007

The strongest craves for food occur when people are emotionally sensitive. Consciously or not, some people eat more when they face a difficult problem, have no occupation, or need comfort.

Others use food to suppress negative emotions. Emotional eating may be caused by anger, loneliness, stress, anxiety, sadness, or boredom and may affect individual`s weight loss program. Emotional eating makes people eat too much high-calorie food or salty, fatty, or sweet foods.

Overeating may be caused by major life events such as health problems, divorce, or unemployment. The stress from work, changes in the routine, the bad weather, or other daily life hassles can make people eat more.

The addictive qualities of some foods make people eat when they feel blue. For instance, chocolate makes the body release considerable amounts of opiates that increase mood and satisfaction. This may lead to a preference for foods that offsets negative emotions.

Food may become a distraction when one remembers an earlier conflict or worries about an upcoming event. This distraction is only temporary because while one eats, it concentrates on the taste of the food. After finishing eating, one return to his or her worries, and may also feel guilty for overeating.

Food cravings may be controlled, when one recognizes whether the hunger is physical or emotional. The craving will pass if the last meal was a few hours ago and the stomach does not rumble.

Write down for a few days the food, the amount of food, the meal time, and the feelings before and after the after the meal. The negative eating patterns and triggers that must be avoided will be noticed.

Overeating may be caused by the lack of comfort, so go to a movie, read, call a friend, or do something enjoyable instead of eating. Going for a walk, listening to music, or talking to someone may also help.

High-calorie foods should not be kept around. Don`t go for shopping if feel hungry or upset, so that decisions at the store are not influenced by feelings. The snack should be a healthy one. Choose low-calorie and low fat food, like fruits, vegetables, fat-free dip, or popcorn.

Eat regular meals and enough to satisfy daily energy needs. Fighting stress is more efficient when the body is in shape and well rested, so regular exercise and plenty of sleep help.

If overeating is a cause of the mood, see how it can be prevent in the future.