Ditch Those Diet Plans. Discover A Long-Term, Permanent Solution To Weight Loss
Have you been struggling with those extra pounds of weight that you just can’t seem to shed of? Or maybe you have grown frustrated trying one diet plan to the next, in search for a miracle cure to win the battle against the bulge?
Before you scramble to find yet another weight loss diet endorsed by a friend of your friend, STOP. Have you ever considered that a diet program is not what you need?
No, you don’t need any fat loss pill, undergo surgery, or struggle with an overly restrictive meal just to lose weight. There is a better way and the best thing is, you don’t have to spend money for it.
In the previous articles, I have briefly discussed about yoga for weight loss. In light of the fact that excessive weight is an all too common problem these days, I thought of going into greater detail and providing more concrete information on how yoga can help you lose excess weight and keep it off for good.
Common Weight Loss Myths
But first, let us first challenge some of the conventional beliefs about weight loss:
Myth 1
Following a diet program gives you purpose to stick to a weight loss plan and help you shed of unwanted fats.
Myth 2
Diet can help you consistently avoid indulging in binges and overeating.
Myth 3
The ability to stick to a diet plan shows self-discipline.
Myth 4
You can only be truly happy if you fit into that skinny pair of jeans that’s several sizes smaller.
Why Dieting Is Not The Best Solution
For so long, we have been trained to think that restrictive eating is the ideal way to lose weight, trim down fat bellies, hips and thighs and banning cellulite forever. And yet…the growing numbers of diet plans out there can only indicate that the said route is fraught with frustration and failure.
Well, the truth is, it doesn’t just work that way.
Diets often provide a numbing effect on the reality. The food restrictions can also hide the truth and conceal us from our true nature. One of the most common reasons of overweight and obesity issues is compulsive eating.
Think of it, those compulsive binges essentially represent that Exit Sign, providing a temporary escape when life turns out to be something we haven’t signed up for. Following a restrictive diet is basically a form of refusal to plan the game. Over time, we will unwittingly shift to and fro from fullness and emptiness.
What Is Mindless Eating And How It Can Adversely Affect You?
As its name suggests, ‘mindless’ eating refers to eating without awareness, which can have serious negative impact on health. Take time to think back, while having your dinner, are you fully concentrated on what you are eating or your mind is tuned to something else? According to health experts, mindless eating can slow down the digestive process by as much as 30% to 40%. This can result to digestive distress, such as bowel irregularities, bloating and gas.
However, the most significant consequence of mindless eating is obesity and overeating. This is because, it is important to be fully aware of the mind and body connection in assessing fullness and hunger.
Mindful Eating
To understand what it is, consider the following:
- Becoming fully aware of what is positive and nurturing
- Choosing food that are truly nourishing to the body
- Acknowledging your personal responses to food without any judgment
- Learning how to be aware and detect hunger and satiety to guide your decisions on when to eat and stop eating
How To Cultivate Mindful Eating
Mindful eating is to practice eating with full awareness. This does not pertain to the awareness of food that’s on your plate, but rather in the awareness of your eating experience. To be mindful is to be present in the moment, relishing every sensation and action as it happens.
Instead on chomping on your meals in record time, enjoy every moment. Consider the following tips:
- Stay focused. Keep your mind on what you are doing. Avoid eating while watching TV. Put away your magazines and clear your table with any clutter.
- Try to create an eating environment that is calm and free from any distractions.
- Slow down by trying to chew every bite at least 15 to 20 times. Pay attention to what your body is doing and the feelings and experiences it goes through.
- Practice deep breathing before you start your meal. This will help you start centered and focused, inducing relaxation and preparing the digestive system.
- Use all your senses. Pay attention to the texture, appearance and aroma of your food before it enters your mouth. Savor its taste as you chew. Again, be in the moment.
This is a very simple technique and yet how many times have we ended up eating more than our ideal portions simply because our mind is elsewhere? Be inspired to try out this simple yet effective weight loss strategy. I would love to hear about your personal experiences and additional tips you can share on weight loss.
