Summer is around the corner and people are thinking about how to fit back into that swimsuit they love. We’ve been told that if you eat less and exercise more you will lose weight. While this is true, for many it is difficult to cut back on sweets or salty snacks. Often overlooked, are the emotional triggers that cause us to overeat. Whether it’s boredom or stress you can learn how to break emotional connections to food with hypnosis.
Boredom
One of the most common reasons that people overeat is due to boredom. While we logically understand that food does not address boredom, many of us find ourselves overeating to fill time. Those who do, subconsciously see eating as an activity. We should be eating for the sole purpose of addressing hunger and survival. Addressing boredom requires an activity that will pique our interest. Such activities can include interesting hobbies and things we are passionate about.
Loneliness
People often confuse loneliness with boredom. The truth is we all need connections. Whether it’s talking to a friend, a family member, or romantic partner, connecting with others and sharing is part of what makes us human. Those who eat when triggered emotionally often say that food helps to fill a void. They mistakenly believe that food helps them to feel emotionally full. Addressing loneliness can be as simple as calling a friend. It’s amazing how fun it can be to engage in conversation.
Stress Eating
Stress related to work or family is another common emotional trigger. Sometimes food is used as a reward for a hard day’s work. Other times it is used as a distraction for work stress. Unfortunately, stress triggers unhealthy eating which then triggers more stress due to feelings of disappointment or shame. Healthy stress relief options include meditation, exercise, reading, getting a massage, or taking a walk. The trick is to find something that works for you and that you enjoy as well.
Our Relationship with Food
Very often our past shapes our relationship with food. What we witness in childhood can have a profound effect on how we relate to food. If we witness a parent overeating when stressed, we are likely to adopt the same pattern. If food is always a focus during family gatherings, not just during the holidays, we may learn to associate love with food. The truth is, that the focus of family gatherings should be on our love for family, not food.
Break Emotional Connections to Food with Hypnosis
Hypnosis is an attentive and relaxing state that allows for access to the unconscious mind. The inner mind is the part that triggers the unwanted cravings. These unhealthy coping strategies are a learned response. The source, or experiences from the past, that triggered the unhealthy connection with food can be uncovered and broken. Once you break emotional connections to food, weight loss becomes easy. Instead of ordering dessert when out with family, you are easily able to say no.
Automatic Healthy Eating
Once the emotional responses are eliminated, clients find that they automatically make healthy food and portion choices. It essentially becomes second nature to eat healthy portions of healthy foods. If you are tired of yoyo dieting and seemingly uncontrollable cravings, seek out a hypnotist to break your emotional connections to food.