Have you been struggling to lose or manage your weight? Does this sound familiar?
• Crave sugary, high-calorie foods?
• Eat when you are not hungry?
• Problem with portion control?
• Eat when you are stressed, bored or lonely?
• Feel guilty when you give in to temptation?
People come in all shapes and sizes, and an ideal weight or shape is not determined by numbers on a scale or measurements, but by a personal feeling. Losing or managing a healthy weight can often feel overwhelming, with so many different diets and techniques on the market. Food represents different things to different people. Food can signify a craving for comfort, protection against the world or weight control – even punishment. Although calorie intake and metabolism contribute to weight, there are other variables that may be contributing:
Stress – Stress can significantly impact your ability to maintain a healthy weight. It can also prevent you from losing any weight. The stress hormone, cortisol, stimulates your fat and carbohydrate metabolism, which increases our appetites.
Sleep patterns – Our sleep patterns can significantly impact our weight. A lack of sleep can lead to us choosing high sugar/high-fat foods. It also can disrupt the functioning of ghrelin and leptin – the chemicals in our bodies that control our appetite.
Beliefs – Some people believe that they will always be overweight. Possibly because it runs in the family or they have been juggling diets so long that they can't imagine that real tools are within.
How can we help?
Being unhappy with your weight often relates to your attitude towards food and your mindset. Solution-focused hypnotherapy helps you change your mindset and form fresh perspectives on what, when and why you eat. It can allow you to gain control over your eating to become a healthier and happier you.
For more help and support surrounding weight loss and management, these links may be useful:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/managing-your-weight/12-tips-to-help-you-lose-weight/
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/managing-your-weight/ten-weight-loss-myths/
