Archive for the ‘Diet & Fitness’ Category

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.

What`s the Right Portion Size?

Monday, November 26th, 2007

A “portion” is the amount of food eaten with one meal. There is a difference between a “serving” size and a portion. The serving size is listed on a product`s Nutrition Facts. The serving size and portion don`t always coincide.

The Nutrition Facts are printed on most packaged food and show how many calories, fat, sodium, or carbohydrates are in one serving of food. Sometimes a portion size may include two or three standard servings.

Put the serving size on a plate before eating it. This way, the standard serving can be compared to the actual amount of food you usually eat.

Serving sizes may be associated with everyday objects. For instance, the serving size of a cup of cereals or a baked potato should be as big as a fist. A medium fruit should be of the size of a baseball.

Half a cup of fresh fruits, ice cream, or the same amount of cooked rice, potato, or pasta should be like half of a baseball. The serving size for peanut butter is the size of a ping pong ball while the one for chips is one ounce.

This doesn`t mean portion sizes should be measured all the time. After a while serving size will be easily recognized. Portion size can be controlled by eating slowly and not in front of the TV. Enjoy the taste of the food and realize when it`s time to stop by eating only during meal times.

Portion size may be influenced by irregular meals. If the meals have large intervals between them, or are skipped, people may be tempted to eat more at the next meal. The best solution is to have regular meals.

When eating out, be precautious, stop when feel full, or share the meal. Large beverages and “supersize” sugar-sweetened drinks should be also avoided.

It is essential to choose the right portion size as well as nutritious foods. This way a healthy weight can be maintained.