New Year is a distant memory now with Julie next door reminding me it’s only 9 months until Christmas! Like New Year, most resolutions have been put to the back of the mind; Exercise more, Eat Clean, drink less, the list goes on.
With all good intentions, January 1st is the one day of the year that sets most of us up to fail! Researchers found that the enjoyment factor has a lot to do with it. As soon as you feel you are being deprived of something, it’s no longer fun.
New Zealand has retained its Bronze Medal for the 11th Year running in the OECD “obesity update”, showing that 30.7% of New Zealanders are currently obese.
So I trained as a Virtual Gastric Band Practitioner, a technique pioneered by leading Hypnotherapist Sheila Granger. It does what it says on the tin really. It’s a non-surgical technique that uses the power of your mind to convince you that you have had a gastric band fitted. After the 4 session course of Gastric Band Hypnotherapy, you will have a feeling of fullness quicker whilst eating. The hypnotherapy will also help to reprogram your mind so that you have a better relationship with food and yourself.
It’s been tested in clinical trials with the NHS in the UK and has been proven to be 95% successful. The beauty is, it’s not a diet.
If you’re ready to start your weight loss journey now, take a look at these Seven Golden Rules for Success to get you started:
Seven Golden Rules for Healthy Mind, Healthy Body:
- Buy Something New
One very powerful psychological technique that I will be using is called the law of concentrated attention. Basically, it means that if there is something in life that you really want, then behave in a way that you already have it – and you are very likely to actually get it.
So…..go out at your earliest opportunity and purchase an item of clothing in the size that you want to be. It has to be something brand new and NOT something that you already have from your past that no longer fits. It does not have to be anything expensive.
When you get it, hang it on the OUTSIDE of your wardrobe in a place where you will see it often. - Eat Slowly and Consciously
Enjoy every mouthful of food, but slow your eating down; chew your food thoroughly (approx 15-20 times a mouthful). Put your knife and fork down between mouthfuls; put your sandwich down between mouthfuls. Do not eat in front of the television or whilst reading as you will not be conscious of what you are eating. Sit down and focus purely on the food in front of you. - Stop Eating as Soon as You Feel Comfortable
- Eat Only Three Small Meals a Day
Choose protein first, as you need 50-70 grams of protein per day. As your portion sizes will be dramatically reduce, it may be worth investing in some small plates and bowls. - Buy and Take Some Multivitamins
To ensure you are still taking in all the vitamins you need. - Drink Plenty of Fluids and Choose Only Low Calorie Liquids
- Exercise
This can be as simple as going for a walk. As you will be eating less than your body needs to function, it has to make up the difference by burning reserves. If you do not exercise daily, your body will metabolise your unused muscle and you will lose muscle mass and strength. Exercise will communicate to your body that you want to use your muscles and force it to burn the fat instead. Walk, skip, and dance around the house – move!!
