Posted on 16th November, 2010 in: General
We are fast approaching that time of year again when we’re bombarded by images of excess … tables groaning with sumptuous food; party revellers making merry; extravagance; over-indulgence; the Festive Season in full flow!
Little wonder then that the New Year is one of the most popular times for thinking about taking control of your weight and shape and it certainly figures highly on many people’s list of “Resolutions”. Weight-loss hypnotherapy can often be thought of as an excellent enabler.
But why should the time of the year make any difference… to deciding to become the weight and shape you desire?
You see, despite acres of articles and countless news items suggesting the contrary, being in control of your ideal weight and shape depends primarily on ONLY TWO FACTORS:
~ how many calories you eat each day
~ how much exercise you take each day
I’m sorry to over-simplify so much (particularly to those who may be fad-diet aficionados) but, unless you have any underlying medical condition which is causing or contributing to unwanted weight retention, it REALLY IS this straightforward.
And this understanding can be very liberating.
Whenever a client approaches me for help with weight and shape control (via weight-loss hypnotherapy), one of the first things I have them do is to begin to fully associate with the act of taking food. These days, our intake of food is for the most part done “unconsciously”. What I mean by this is that we are invariably “doing something else” whilst eating whether it be watching TV, browsing the internet, reading, chatting … or refereeing children!
Because we have become accustomed to having our meals and snacks in this way, we have also become less and less aware of what our bodies need … and what our bodies are saying to us about the foods and the amount of foods we are taking.
So I set my clients this task: between now and our next session, each and every time you take some food, I’d like you to fully associate into the experience and not be distracted by anyone or anything – TV, radio, reading matter, etc – just being fully present and fully aware of each and every mouthful. Then, just notice what your body is telling you in relation to the foods you’re taking.
And this is always very revealing for them. Our bodies already KNOW what is best for us. Our biggest challenge is to re-learn to LISTEN to our bodies.
In terms of exercise, well this doesn’t have to be onerous or inhibiting. Just consider becoming more active and gradually build more and more opportunities for exercise into your daily routine.
For example, take the stairs instead of the lift. Park further away from your destination so as to enforce a brisk walk – you’ll arrive in a better, more energised frame of mind AND have burned some calories into the bargain!
If you’re blessed with being a dog-owner (I’m a black lab and border collie fanatic) why not consider turning your gentle stroll with them into a more purposeful stride? Same task – different and more beneficial mental approach.
And this brings me to perhaps the most important ingredient for success with weight/shape management … your ATTITUDE!
Your attitude to weight/shape issues (as with all other areas of your life) is driven by your beliefs. Ask yourself:
~ what are my beliefs surrounding food? (Example … I must always clear my plate)
~ how long have I held them? (Example … since childhood)
~ do these beliefs STILL SERVE ME?
The answer to this last question is key. For those beliefs which no longer support your current desires can be replaced with new, empowering beliefs … whenever you decide to do so. And weight-loss hypnotherapy can certainly help here.
So, this year, why not resolve to take control of your weight and shape whenever the time is right for you? You may decide you need help or support to achieve this goal so you can consider joining a support group or network of some type – equally, you can consider one-to-one support in the form of a personal trainer, nutritionist, coach or therapist.
You don’t need to wait for a New Year to become a NEW YOU!