This summer, I realized my relationship withfoodwas taking a physical and emotional toll on me.
I was constantly either starving or overfull, and my focus and energy were lacking.
My problem lay in executing these tips.
Graphic by Dana Davenport
Something in my brain just hadn’t clicked.
So, I decided to try a method designed to make your brain click: hypnosis.
That’s how certified hypnotherapist and professional hypnotistRichard Barkerexplained it to me.
But these destructive thoughts are often the very reason people get stuck in behavioral rutsthey’re self-fulfilling prophecies.
For example, one of Barker’s clients had a stutter because of a childhood incident.
During hypnosis, Barker walked his client through that experience but changed the ending.
Afterward, the client actually lost the original memoryand his stutter.
Support for the concept that hypnosis can createlifestyle changesis less conclusive.
The APAalso only recommends that hypnosis be performed by psychologists in combination with other forms of therapy.
That said, shes a big believer in hypnosis' potential to improvehealth.
Because this is the 21st century, I opted to do a hypnosis session with Barker via Skype.
He had me imagine myself on a beach, watching the ocean glisten and collapse into the sand.
By the end, my body felt exhausted and I experienced a rare calmness.
My workstressesdidn’t seem like problems either.
Ideally, this gives your body a chance to feel full before going overboard.
He described how good Id feel after having lots of water and fresh, healthy food.
But most importantly, he said this was all within my power.
Barker said thats actually a common effect of this kind of hypnosis.
The day after that was more challenging.
Then, my boyfriend stopped to get a beer and offered to buy me one.
I didn’t want to miss out on the day-drinking, so I accepted.
Afterward, I noticed that it didn’t sit well in my stomach, and I felt overfull.
Actually, it became obvious that my boyfriend was the number one obstacle to my health goals.
I listened to Barker’s recording most nights, which also helped mefall asleep.
Cliched as it may seem, choice is a central component of hypnosis.
I soon realized I could make small changes without feeling deprived.
When I met friends at a bar, I orderedwineinstead of a cocktail.
I spent more time working in cafes rather than at home, where I’m more prone to snacking.
I started leaving some dinner left over, knowing I could finish it later if I got hungry again.
I wasn’t able to follow the “only half” mantra, though.
But I was more conscious of my impulse to eat as much as possible.
I realized this behavior isn’t resourceful when you don’t need the food anyway.
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