In terms of losing weight, the biggest challenge for many individuals is not the willingness to exercise, or the ability to know right from wrong in food choices.
Often, the biggest issue with people looking to improve their physique is that they cannot stay consistent in avoiding poor quality foods, or consistent with motivation to train.
To help with this, scientists and doctors have searched through a wide range of external assisting methods to improve focus and consistency, ranging from supplementation, to mental therapy.
Similar to yoga practice, practicing hypnosis and meditation have both shown the unique ability to help athletes (or anyone looking to improve their body figure) remain focused and diligent with their nutrition, and training by converting the brain to a focused tool which you can use to enhance your body.
Benefits of Mindfulness – The Research
Believe it or not, there have been many different studies done on the ability of hypnosis to assist with weight loss.
One study which was posted in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology from 1996 declared after 3 separate and independent studies that, “averaged across post treatment and follow-up assessment periods, the mean weight loss was 6.00 lbs. (2.72 kg) without hypnosis and 11.83 lbs. (5.37 kg) with hypnosis.”
Although the method of this study is not entirely clear, the result certainly is.
Due to the nature of the study itself, it can be assumed that the intention of the hypnosis was to correct cognitive brain recognition of positive and negative choices in life, which led to a greater overall weight loss following the hypnosis treatment.
Furthermore, the article goes on to state that, “correlational analyses indicated that the benefits of hypnosis increased substantially over time.”
Meaning, the more your practice hypnosis, the more results you will have! It certainly is unique, but it makes sense!
Mindfulness Based Weight-Loss
Hypnosis itself may be difficult for the average person to practice on their own, but it does not mean that you cannot find alternative ways to accomplish your goals in a similar fashion.
Mindfulness based weight-loss is essentially a group of concepts which would include hypnosis, meditation, yoga, and other forms of weight loss which value the concept of correcting cognitive brain recognition of right and wrong weight loss choices.
Simply, this would help you say no to that extra dessert or alcoholic drink, and help you stay more focused on your goals over the course of a day, a week, a month, etc.
As stated in the journal Eating Behaviors “Mindfulness-based approaches are growing in popularity as interventions for disordered eating and weight loss. Initial research suggests that mindfulness meditation may be an effective intervention for binge eating.”
To further expand on this statement and this concept, the journal Appetite conducted an experiment involving 62 women to determine the actual effectiveness of this approach to weight loss.
“At 6 months’ intervention participants showed significantly greater increases in physical activity compared to controls (p < .05) but no significant differences in weight loss or mental health.
However, when intervention participants who reported ‘never’ applying the workshop principles at 6 months (n = 7) were excluded, results showed both significantly greater increases in physical activity (3.1 sessions per week relative to controls, p < .05) and significantly greater reductions in BMI (0.96 relative to controls, equivalent to 2.32 kg, p < 0.5).
Reductions in BMI were mediated primarily by reductions in binge eating.”
This study once again proves that this type of approach to weight loss can have significant positive impacts, and should be seriously considered by anyone looking to improve their physique on a long-term scale.
Concluding Thoughts – Mindfulness Based Weight Loss
Although it controls just about every single function in our entire body, the brain is often overlooked when it comes to losing weight, and improving your physique.
Yoga, meditation, hypnosis and an overall mindfulness based weight loss approach all have significant benefits which most people probably never think of.
Ask yourself, when you think about losing weight, is a weight room or a treadmill the first though which comes to your mind?
This may be a short-term solution, but if you do not have the diligence or consistent attitude to stick with an exercise routine or a diet plan over the course of a month, 6 months, a year, 10 years, it will remain difficult to stay in the physical condition which you are dreaming of!
Look at these unique approaches to guiding you on your fitness journey, and help yourself find your best “you” ever!
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