Overview
Controlling your weight means changing your behavior. According to MedLine Plus, 66 percent of adults in the U.S. weigh more than they should. Self-hypnosis can aid your weight-loss program by changing your eating patterns. The American Psychological Association recognizes hypnosis as a useful clinical tool. You can learn to hypnotize yourself using relaxation and self-suggestion techniques.
Identification
MedLine Plus advises you to eat fewer calories than you use in your daily life to lose weight. Eat smaller portions of low-calorie food and get more exercise, changing your eating habits to make the weight loss permanent. According to Brian Alman in his book, “Self-Hypnosis: The Complete Manual,” this involves self-control and self-denial which engage your emotions. Self-hypnosis helps to address the psychological aspects of long-term healthy eating, allowing you to decide how you want to eat, and how quickly you will lose weight.
Function
Your unconscious mind continues to work even when you are asleep, helping to keep you safe and well. Under hypnosis, you can use more of the potential of your mind, according to the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. When you use hypnosis, you experience a change of state, losing awareness of the outside world and focusing intently on thoughts or pictures in your mind. This hypnotic state allows your imagination to influence your unconscious mind later, even when you are no longer in your trance-like state.
Expert Insight
According to Alman, you can use your imagination to make suggestions to your unconscious about the eating behavior you want to choose. He suggests you practice self-hypnosis by choosing a warm, comfortable place to sit or lie, where you feel safe and private. Use relaxation techniques, such as slow breathing from your diaphragm, until you are very comfortable. Visualize yourself eating slowly, enjoying every mouthful. See yourself stopping when you begin to feel full. Tell yourself that you can close your eyes at any time and imagine how you will look when you have achieved your ideal weight.
Benefits
You need no financial investment to use self-hypnosis in your weight-loss program. Self-hypnosis is an enjoyable, relaxing activity. The suggestions you make to yourself during self-hypnosis will help you to eat healthier and enjoy your food more. You will not need to buy expensive diet products.
To make best use of self-hypnosis, set sensible goals as achievable steps towards reaching your desired weight or size. Note your progress at each step to feel motivated to continue your program. Practice self-hypnosis daily and it will become easier each time to move into a state of deep relaxation.
Warning
Maintain a gradual, healthy weight loss. Family Doctor.org points out that if you lose more than 2 pounds per week, you are likely to lose lean muscle mass. You will become tired and have less energy. Consult your doctor for advice, particularly if you plan to include significant exercise in your weight-loss program.
About this Author
Frances Evesham has been writing on communication, language and well-being topics for 21 years. The author of “Help Your Child To Talk,” she has a diploma in speech pathology, is an NLP premier practitioner and is a registered witness intermediary working in the justice system in the U.K.
