SA Weightloss Hypnosis

Early on in our lives we are taught the importance of a healthy diet. What we are not taught is that good nutrition only accounts for 50% of our food story, the other 50% is made up by who we are as eaters. 

Mind Body Nutrition looks at how our thoughts and feelings about food are just as important as the food that we consume. 

It takes into account our thoughts, beliefs, feelings, stress levels, relaxation, pleasure and awareness and how all of these factors influence how our bodies metabolise what we consume.

One of the key principles of Mind Body Nutrition is to assess our state of mind before, during and after a meal. 

Eating while we’re mentally stressed or wound up can lead us to eat more. It may even cause us to choose poorer-quality foods, and leave us with symptoms of digestive distress like heart-burn & bloating.

When we are under stress our sympathetic nervous system kicks in. This is the system that prepares the body for fight or flight, and one of its key functions is to slow down / shut down digestion. When this happens, the stomach produces fewer digestive enzymes, and we excrete nutrients without absorbing them. Because of this there are not enough enzymes in the stomach to break down our food & we miss out on key nutritional ingredients.

That’s why it’s important that we approach meal times slowly and calmly. This helps trigger the parasympathetic nervous system’s “rest and digest” mechanism, which helps optimize our digestion. 

When we’re calm we bring our whole selves to the table. Allowing ourselves to really taste, experience and feel the sensation of eating.

Here's how:

• Take 5 deep slow and gentle breaths before you start to eat.  This will create the "rest & digest" effect.
• Ask yourself “How does this taste?” and “how does this make me feel?”
• Make sure that you are fully present with your meal and remove any distractions - family and loved ones excluded :)

If you notice that you struggle to find the time to cook your own food, or you struggle to sit down and enjoy your meals without distractions, then perhaps all you need to do is make a conscious effort to pre plan your meal times. 

Spend some time each weekend (or on a day that suits you) and meal prep for the week ahead. 

Create meals that you know you will enjoy and remember to include at least one healthy protein, some healthy carbs - including vegetable and fruits, and healthy fats in each meal. Then schedule out at least half an hour per meal to ensure that you’re able to thoroughly enjoy it without rushing. 

After a couple of weeks you will notice that making this conscious effort will helped you to stay on track, experience less digestive issues, eat foods that you don’t feel guilty about as well as saving money  by not buying takeaways. 

You’ll probably end up thinking to yourself, “why didn’t I do this sooner?” 

TIP:  When you receive a prescription from your doctor it always indicates how you should take your medication. When you’re on your food journey, create your own prescription tailored to your own needs. Find out what works for you and what makes you feel good. Be the curious scientist and listen to your body.

PS:  If you would like to hang out with like minded people and ask questions about what is going on for you right now, then jump into our Private FB Group where you will find loads more info, insp & weekly LIVE Video Tips!