Weight loss

I am happy to offer group weight loss which includes individual sessions for a reasonable fee.

HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT FOR GOOD without "diets and dieting":

Diets and dieting by Graham Howes

1: Diet: Latest research seems to indicate that diets (whatever they may be) are usually good in the short term though sometimes can actually be harmful if based around a restriction of some kind (e.g. only eat Grapefruit or Cabbage or Protein or Low Carb only) because they put unwarranted strain on the liver and kidneys. Balance is the key – if you suddenly favour one thing over the other your body may go into shock! Also short term weight loss may only be that – you start to gain weight as soon as you go back  to your old ways!

The latest thinking is that really the most effective way to lose weight is simple: change the way that you eat and change your relationship with food and up your exercise. The key to permanent weight loss is simple: less calories and more exercise means that your body behaves optimally burning only what it needs – so no need to store the excess food as Fat. It is also important that the food is of good quality and not full of empty or useless calories. Also if it is fresh food then it contains all the nutrients that you need – so no need for vitamins and other supplements. I will explain:

Firstly latest research suggests that a good day should go like this:

Breakfast: high protein – such as an egg omelette with lots of Ham or low sugar Baked Beans and grilled Bacon. (Better still make your own baked beans haricot and tomato sauce with cinnamon.) Or Beans and jacket. Tofu and baked or red beans.

Lunch: Home made soup – tests showed that if you took for instance chicken and rice and a glass of water – if you had it just that way people were hungry in a shorter time than if they cooked the chicken and rice and blended it into a home made soup – so home made soup with protein and carbohydrates with fresh vegetables can be an effective ally in weight loss. Low sugar Beans and Baked Potato with a small amount of butter is also a good mix.

Lean or oily fish, meat or beans or tofu and salad leaves (careful with the dressing) - lemon and olive oil with some Dijon mustard is a great low calorie -dressing on some good quality Italian leaves and Rocket.

Evening: Lean protein meat or beans or fish with steamed vegetables. Lots of fruit and vegetables preferably steamed. Fresh salads – cheese is actually OK – see below.

Cheese surprisingly has just been given a clean bill of health – dairy surprisingly helps you excrete more fat! This is a new one!!

None of the above need be boring – spend the money you spend on “naughty foods” or expensive processed ready meals on an exotic piece of expensive fruit or a great salad mix – preferably home made. (Again watch the dressings for sugar and fat!) A small piece of high quality protein is often more cost effective that buying large amounts of fatty mince. Grazing can be better than a few big meals. Just eat smaller protions of good quality food.

Moderation is your watchword: Small amounts of PLAIN chocolate can be good for you – full of bioflavinoids. The main thing is to avoid HIGH FAT foods and HIGH SUGAR. Read the labels – lots of ready meals are FULL of unhealthy fat and sugar some of them apparently diet ones!! If it is above 7% fat it is to be treated with caution – fat is more bad news than the calories!!  Better when you prepare your own food to make a bit extra to freeze and put into a container to be microwaved when short of time instead of buying ping foods ready made.

Take pieces of fruit and vegetables to snack on if necessary. Crisps alas are full of fat and sugar – just hold a lighter to one and watch the fat drip off it. Sandwiches - try to avoid them and if you do make them your self - use wholemeal bread and fresh vegetable or salad and lean meat in them. A smear of Butter is actually better than margarine – try leaving a pot of margarine out for a while and you will see what I mean…

Also: Consider WHY you over eat? Is it really pleasure or is it to do with anxiety, stress or negative self image. That is part of why I come into the picture because I can help you identify and change your relationship with food – i.e. you use it for nutrition and pleasure not as self punishment, punishment for others or for “comfort” or as a “treat”. “Treat” yourself with moderation – and don’t then feel guilty about it!

2: Exercise

Exercise is really important. It does not have to be the Gym or weights. Yoga or Pilates are just as good. Even walking the dog further than usual or getting off the bus one stop earlier. Running up the escalator rather than standing still. Walking up stairs rather than taking the lift.  Standing and jogging/moving on the spot gently rather than always sitting – it can be when on the phone or washing up. The main thing is even small amounts of exercise can make big differences and you will feel better because even small amounts of exercise create endorphins which make you feel good. The more the merrier really – so if you suddenly take up the bike and gradually up your mileage – or start swimming again - really good!!

3: Decrease portion size. Buy a smaller “magic” plate if necessary.

Bottom line is threefold: read the small print on packets and here -

EAT LESS and what you eat should be LOW FAT and with LESS SUGAR – preferably high lean protein such as fish, lean meat or beans. Moderation is the keyword – treats are OK if in moderation and preferably LOW FAT and SUGAR. 7% fat or more and lots of sugar is BAD!!!

EXERCISE MORE – even if it is walking up stairs rather than use a lift or parking one car park further away from work. Walking fast rather than slow and try to get slightly out of breath. This is a minimum – better to just get more exercise – join a dance class or yoga or whatever suits you and you enjoy.

EAT NUTRITIONALLY – don’t overeat then go on a crash diet! Listen to your body. Let your clothes dictate – don’t buy bigger get yourself smaller. It is rarely genetic – we just eat too much for our needs. If you think you are eating healthily and within your calories and you are still overweight you are probably forgetting snacks and treats and your portion  size – no matter how “healthy is too big! Make sure you eat enough of lean protein – sometimes bingeing on carbs is a by product of not enough protein – beans, fish, lean meat or lean meat. We know to eat more fruit salad and veg - make it the best that you can buy and steam or lightly cook it and eat slowly and enjoy it!

Bottom line:

Eat less of good food -not "junk(ie) food" - and exercise more.  If you eat less and exercise more you will lose weight permanently!

Find out the reasons why you overeat with me before you start to lose weight - deal with the issues and mostly you will find that you get in touch with your optimal self and lose weight.

Discover food in a new way - really begin to enjoy it again in a new way.

Keep a food diary to see when and why (were you stressed?) and how much you eat certain foods (do you have a chocolate addiction?!).

FURTHER READING: These books are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and Amazon do a deal if bought together:

"Eating less say goodbye to overeating" by Gillian Riley Pub: Random House

"The truth about Food" by Jill Fullerton – Smith Pub: Bloomsbury / BBC Book

Interesting Daily Mail article re imaginary gastric band operation: 

Daily Mail

The Daily Mail article discusses how the lady lost weight by having an imaginary operation under  hypnosis and having a gastric band fitted.

I am happy to offer similar sessions if you prefer this approach - call me to discuss.

Cost:

Sessions cost £50. Quote web offer and get three for £140.

Weight loss and quit smoking should book three sessions.

Home visits in London area add £15 per session for travel costs.

Free session CD for reinforcement at home.

You can call me in total confidence on:

01206 391050

Email me on:

info@edgehypno.com