Meditation is a powerful tool that can be used to connect the mind and body. Guided meditation can help you accomplish specific goals, such as weight loss or overcoming unhealthy eating habits, according to Holistic Online. During meditation, your subconscious mind is brought to the forefront, and can be reprogrammed to focus on healthy eating choices and weight loss.
Types
There are several types of guided meditation for weight loss and emotional eating. One way to practice is with a qualified instructor or with a CD. You can purchase many specialized guided meditation CDs online, and in most book and music stores. According to Project Meditation, another form of meditation for weight loss and emotional eating is self-guided. You relax and meditate, focusing on specific images such as seeing yourself in a new outfit after you've lost weight, or creating a new, positive mental image of your body.
Function
Guided meditation for weight loss and emotional eating works by reprogramming your subconscious with positive mental images. According to Project Meditation, when you are in a relaxed meditative state, you increase your self-awareness, so you're less likely to give in to emotional eating cravings and urges. You imagine what your "ideal" you would look like. Make this image vivid and real in your mind, so when you do feel like eating for the wrong reasons, it can easily be brought back to your conscious thoughts.
Instructions
Set aside at least half an hour to devote to meditation for it to be effective. According to Holistic Online, you should choose a special place to meditate free of distractions. Turn off the telephone, and close any windows and doors, if possible. Put on comfortable clothing or loosen any tight or constricting clothes. Sit comfortably or lie on your back, and close your eyes. Begin by focusing on your breath, consciously slowing down the breath rate. Perform deep breathing for a few minutes. Mentally tell yourself that you are going deeper into a meditative state. When you feel relaxed, focus on the image of the "new you". See yourself buying new clothing. Imagine yourself engaging in healthy alternatives to emotional eating, such as exercising. Imagine yourself going for a walk when the emotional eating urge strikes. See yourself losing weight and receiving compliments from others. Vividly picture these images for several minutes, before gently bringing yourself back to the present.
Expert Insight
According to psychotherapist Lawrence LeShan, Ph.D., in his book, "Meditating to Attain a Healthy Body Weight," effective meditation for weight loss and emotional eating can also include a mantra, which is a word or phrase that you repeat while meditating. A mantra helps you focus on your weight loss goals. He suggests using mantras such as "I am in charge of my body," "or "I will take good care of my body." Choose a mantra that has particular meaning to you and your goals.
Misconceptions
Meditation is not a magic cure. You have to make lifestyle changes, such as exercising more and eating less, in combination with guided meditation for it to be effective. You will not lose weight through meditation alone.
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