Some experts claim that through the power of hypnosis it is possible to manipulate the subconscious to make us feel less hungry and motivate us to live a healthier lifestyle. Scientists' opinions in this regard are rather confused, as some studies fully support the effectiveness of this method while others confirm only minimal impact. Whatever the truth, no side effects have been recorded, so why not try to make the diet more effective with self-hypnosis?
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Hypnotize Yourself
Step 1. You have to believe it
Much of the power of hypnosis rests on convincing the hypnotized subject that there is a method to keep his impulses in check. If you don't believe hypnosis will help you transform your feelings, the benefits are likely to be minimal.
Step 2. Make yourself comfortable
Choose a place where someone is unlikely to disturb you. You can opt for any arrangement, for example the bed, the sofa or a comfortable armchair, the important thing is to feel relaxed and calm. Make sure your head and neck have good support.
- Wear soft clothing and try to create a comfortable temperature in the room.
- Listening to some soothing music, especially instrumental pieces, may help you relax while practicing self-hypnosis.
Step 3. Focus on an object
Find something in the room to look at to focus attention, preferably slightly above you. Use it as the sole focus of your thoughts to push everyone else away. Make that object become the only thing you are aware of.
Step 4. Breathe deeply as you close your eyes
Tell yourself that your eyelids are getting heavy, so let them gently close. Keep breathing in a steady rhythm. Focus solely on the air flowing in and out of your body, allowing the breath to occupy your entire mind, just like you did with the object you stared at earlier. Feel how your body and mind gradually become calmer and more relaxed, calming down a little more with each breath.
- Imagine that all the stress and tension are dissolving, leaving your muscles behind. Let this pleasant sensation move throughout the body, from top to bottom, starting from the face to reach the chest, arms, legs and finally the feet.
- When you are completely relaxed, your mind should be free and partially hypnotized.
Step 5. Visualize a pendulum
For centuries, the swinging motion of the pendulum has been used to induce people to concentrate during hypnosis sessions. Mentally visualize a pendulum moving slowly from side to side. Focus on that image as you relax to be able to clear your mind.
Step 6. Start a countdown
Start counting in your mind from ten to one. As the numbers get smaller, tell yourself that you are entering a deeper and deeper state of hypnosis. Think: "10, I am relaxing. 9, I am relaxing even more. 8, I can feel a sensation of relaxation that pervades my whole body. 7, I only feel a deep calm … 1, I am in a state of sleep deep".
Remember at all times that when you have finished the countdown you will have entered a state of hypnosis
Step 7. Go back to wake up
After you have achieved your goal during hypnosis, you need to wake up. Start counting again, this time starting from one to go up to ten. Repeat in your mind: "1, I am waking up. 2, at the end of the count I will feel as if I have just woken up from a sound sleep. 3, I feel more alert … 10, I feel awake and refreshed".
Part 2 of 3: Convincing Yourself to Lose Weight During Hypnosis
Step 1. Plan your diet
Regular sessions are required to reprogram the brain through hypnosis. You should try to spend about twenty minutes a day in a state of self-hypnosis. During that time you will have to alternate the different strategies detailed below. Try to use multiple techniques to be able to undermine old harmful eating habits by weakening them from different angles.
Step 2. Learn to hate foods that are unhealthy
Once you have entered a state of self-hypnosis, one of the first attempts you should make is to convince yourself that you no longer have any interest in the "lousy" foods that you have so far struggled to resist. For example, focus on ice cream, if it is one of those vices you want to eliminate; tell yourself: "Ice cream tastes unpleasant that makes me nauseous." Repeat this same phrase for twenty minutes, until you are ready to awaken from hypnosis.
Remember that following a healthy diet does not mean that you stop eating - all you have to do is limit the quantities of unhealthy foods. Don't try to persuade yourself to avoid food, simply persuade yourself to eat fewer unhealthy and fattening foods
Step 3. Create your positive mantra
You should use self-hypnosis to reinforce your desire to eat healthier. Write a mantra to repeat while in hypnosis. Some possible examples are: "When I eat too much I feel bad and damage my body. Choosing healthier foods helps me be a better person."
Step 4. Imagine a better yourself
Visualize what you would look like if you were perfectly healthy and fit to empower your desire to live better. Take a picture of when you were thinner or do your best to imagine what you would look like after losing weight. When you enter the state of hypnosis, focus on that image. Feel the new confidence you will have in yourself as you feel fitter. This exercise will help you become that leaner self once you wake up.
Part 3 of 3: Follow a Healthy Diet
Step 1. Eat some protein with every meal
Protein helps you feel full for a long time; moreover, they favor the development of the muscles thus accelerating the metabolism. The best sources of protein include: fish, lean meats, eggs, yogurt, nuts, and beans. Eating a steak twice a day might be counterproductive, but munching on some almonds when you're feeling hungry is an excellent choice that can help you achieve the desired results.
Step 2. Eat lots of light meals
When you don't eat for several consecutive hours your metabolism slows down, so you stop burning fat. Eating something light every 3-4 hours allows you to keep him active and sit down for the next meal and feel less hungry.
Step 3. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
Both help you feel full and meet your daily nutrient needs without making you gain weight. If you really want to lose weight, when you feel like a snack, eat a banana instead of some cookies.
Step 4. Avoid harmful fats
Unsaturated fats, such as those contained in extra virgin olive oil, are good for your health. Conversely, saturated and trans ones should be avoided as much as possible. Heart disease is among the many side effects caused by harmful fats.
- Trans fats are commonly found in packaged industrial foods, especially baked goods, creams and margarine.
- Saturated fats aren't as harmful as trans fats, but they can still be harmful to your health. Foods that contain more of it include butter, milk, cheese, lard, and red meats.
