- Brett Cameron
The Benefits of Mindfulness Weight Release
There are so many definitions of mindfulness. I often refer to it as mind-emptiness rather than fullness. While many sectors of the wellness industry are talking “mindfulness” it could be argued that the broader community is yet to embrace the benefits of involving mindfulness into their lives. So, what is mindfulness? Simply... to be present.
“Mindfulness is to be present in every thought, every movement, every action, every feeling, every moment of peace and every breath. It is observance.” – Brett Cameron
“We cannot live in the past; it is gone. Nor can we live in the future; it is forever beyond our grasp. We can live only in the present.” – S.N.Goenka
So why practice Mindfulness? Mindful meditation or mindfulness has been incorporated into the practices of many health clinicians as a supporting modality for
Stress and anxiety management
Pain relief
Relationship counselling
Sports and performance improvement
Reducing blood pressure and many other health issues
It is the mindful practice of acknowledging that we cannot change the past or alter the future. We can only live now. By focussing on whatever it is that you are thinking, or doing, or being now, people have found that their results are improved; their level of attention is increased, and vital health indicators are improved.
The Practice of Mindful Eating to Lose Weight
Do you wolf your food down as if you are in a race against time? Is mealtime a process or a function, instead of a moment to savour and enjoy? Would you put dirty petrol in your car and expect it to run well?
It is a generalisation, yet I’ll say it anyway - Westerners, not all but a lot of them, are not mindful eaters. Don’t get caught doing this, but I challenge you to observe people eating in food-halls, cafes and restaurants. Watch how fast they eat. Do they chew their food or just chomp and swallow? Would they know what they are eating, or are they just filling their bellies with whatever is on their plate? Are they washing the food down with 600ml of soft-drink which is the equivalent of 15 teaspoons of sugar?
OK scary thought but consider that someone is observing you as you eat. What eating image do you present?
So how do you change this? With Mindful eating. The eight beginner’s steps are:
Check the size of your hand. The size of your palm is the recommended portion of protein. While the size of your finger spread represents the salads and/or vegetables. Anything more than that on your plate means that you are overeating.
Drink a 250ml glass of water before the meal and also during the meal. Don’t skull it – it isn’t a race.
Turn all mobile devices to silent and don’t have them visible at the table. That “very important oh my god the world is ending” Instagram message, or tweet can wait.
Put your cutlery (yes knives and forks) down three times during the meal and pause.
Chew your food and maybe even count up to 12 times as you chew and then swallow. Let the food move around in your mouth and really be aware of the taste, the texture and the sensation.
Ask yourself if the food tastes fresh or is it processed. Does it taste manufactured?
Be aware when you are satisfied (not when you are full), this is not a belly-filling contest. Just be satisfied. And if there is food left on the plate that is OK. This is not an “all you can eat restaurant”.
Be grateful for the farmer who grew the produce. Be grateful to the animals who provided the meat. Be grateful to the person who prepared and cooked the meal even if it was you. Be grateful that you have enjoyed this meal. Your body has appreciated this meal. Your engine is now running much more efficiently as a result.
Practice makes perfect. Make this your daily practice with every mealtime. Even if you are sitting in a car eating a sandwich for lunch, you can still do this (without the knife and fork... obviously).
Your body will thank you. By combining Hypnosis with Mindfulness, I have helped many clients to achieve their health and performance goals while also building their confidence for a future of renewal. Clinical hypnosis and mindfulness share many core values. I call it re-imagineering your future.
Are you ready to rebuild your future? Contact Brett at Cameron Hypnotics to discuss the different ways that you can “be a better version of you” the application of hypnosis and mindfulness. You might also want to check the range of self-hypnosis MP3s on Spotify and iTunes by searching Cameron Hypnotics. Visit www.cameronhypnotics.com.au for more information.
