We all know that losing weight can be very difficult. It doesn't matter if you're a guy or a gal. Like many people, you've probably tried a multitude of fad diets and fitness systems only to pack the pounds back on a few months later. But did you know that an unhealthy relationship towards food can have a huge impact on whether you keep the pounds off permanently?For example, ever since "Linda" could remember she was rewarded with food. Whether it was an ice cream dessert presented for finishing all her spinach or the tray of fresh-baked cookies left by mom as a reward for good grades, food was a calorie-saturated hug; it nurtured, comforted and soothed. When "Linda" reached puberty she began to gain weight, yet this unhealthy relationship with food continued. Her mother began to comment about her increasing size yet did nothing to curb the destructive pattern. Confused and hurt, "Linda" began to binge and purge; a survival technique she continued well into adulthood. She half-heartedly tried a number of different diet programs yet her weight continued to climb. She began to feel exceedingly unhealthy and unattractive and "hid" behind her ballooning bulk. Each consecutive pound ensured that she wouldn't have to deal with daunting issues such as dating and relationships. Finally, after several health scares, a friend suggested she try hypnotherapy. Three months and 23 pounds later "Linda" has a whole new outlook and lifestyle. She is not yet at her goal weight but has completely lost her cravings and no longer binges, purges or uses food as a mood enhancer. Her self-esteem is elevated and she welcomes social opportunities instead of avoiding the opposite sex. She enjoys eating healthier foods, power-walks several times each week and is excited to see what lies ahead.

Here are a few questions. See which apply to your relationship with food:

• Do you eat when you're stressed, bored or unhappy?
• Do you eat when you're not hungry?
• Do you always feel compelled to pile your plate high, come back for seconds and eat 'til you're stuffed?
• Do you reward yourself with food?
• Do you eat fresh, low fat foods prepared at home or fast-foods?
• Do you feel lazy, lethargic and out of shape?
• Have you tried just about everything to lose weight and stay slim but nothing has worked?

Is it really is possible to change your eating habits, adjust your attitudes towards nutrition and fitness and lose the unwanted pounds for life? Absolutely! Hypnosis is the key. Body image, physical shape, nutrition and level of fitness are interrelated, but it is the subconscious mind that controls your perceptions and habits on these fronts. Healthy living needn't be about strict dieting and heavy workouts. It's about achieving a balance in your lifestyle via positive choices. Hypnosis reprograms your mind to make these affirmative changes easily and, most importantly, helps you maintain them for a lifetime.

Artemis Woodward is a former competitive athlete and personal trainer. She is well-versed in exercise and nutrition and can create a hypnotherapy and lifestyle program for weight management and fitness that you will find motivating, enjoyable and easy to implement. Although superb results can be obtained through hypnosis alone, it is TLH's goal that each client gain lasting results in all areas and attain a mind-body synergy that only a balanced lifestyle can bring.

Did you know?

• Most people can achieve their weight control and fitness goals through hypnosis. Those whose obesity is linked to chronic physical conditions such as hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) or certain drugs may not. Speak to your doctor if this is the case.
• Although women typically shed pounds at a slower rate than men, their body fat is more evenly distributed. Males tend to gain weight around the midsection. Even a few extra pounds near the middle can put males at increased risk of heart attack as well as other ill health effects.
• Through hypnosis, you visualize your perfect body and the body responds; cravings are controlled, fat burns more efficiently, the metabolism increases and the appetite is suppressed.
• Form follows function: competitive athletes look great because they are conditioned both mentally and physically to perform at the top level.
• Eating fast food regularly can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity and heart disease due to the stratospheric amounts of sodium, cholesterol and saturated fat contained therein.
• Even a light workout regime such as walking briskly for 20 - 40 minutes three times per week is beneficial. During and immediately after exercise your calorie-burning capacity is increased; you feel energized. Conversely, you will sleep like a baby the night after a workout.
• Pound for pound muscle burns about twice as many calories as fat. Adding lean muscle mass increases metabolism and keeps fat at bay.
• Carbohydrates are a necessary part of the human diet. Learn to discern "good" carbs (whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits, etc.) from "bad" carbs (processed sugars, bleached flours, etc.) and choose accordingly.
• Drinking 8 - 10 glasses of water each day is not only good for your body, it flushes toxins, makes your skin glow and is a natural appetite suppressant.
• Always consult your physician prior to starting any diet or exercise program.

Disclaimer: The products and services offered on this website are not intended to replace the advice or treatment of a medical or psychological professional. Always consult a trained, licensed professional prior to utilizing any product or service on this site.

*Copyright 2007 Toluca Lake Hypnotherapy, Except When Used by Permission*