Friday, January 6, 2012
Does Childhood Stress Stay with You for Your Whole Life?
Does Childhood Stress Stay with You for Your Whole Life?
By Jessica Ashley, Senior Editor, Parenting | Parenting – Wed, Jan 4, 2012 11:50 AM EST
No matter how big the toothless smiles, how many toys are packed into the playroom, how perfect the family holiday photo seems, many children experience some kind of stress while they are growing up that one researcher says could stay with them into adulthood.
"If a child has a pervasive sense of adversity in his or her childhood for whatever reason, the brain responds to that kind of hardship by becoming more sensitized to stress," Dr. Rajita Sinha, director of the Yale Stress Center, recently explained to CNN.
The brain becomes hard-wired to react more strongly, she says, making that person more likely to have a greater reaction to stress than people who do not have a similar history.
What childhood stress is so big that is burrows into the brains for decades? Research points to pain, illness, and injury as major stressors for kids. But a child's stress level can increase to "severe" during family conflicts such as divorce, abuse, witnessing violence, financial crisis, the death of a loved one, or a parent who suffers from addiction or mental health problems.
While anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and can even be OK for children to navigate, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, some people experience excessive levels of anxiety. One in eight children are affected by an anxiety disorder, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, including those who are deemed to have post-traumatic stress disorder.
While humans are "adaptive animals," Sinha says many children are experiencing stress before their ability to deal with it is completely developed. The adversity in their young lives therefore leads to a higher overall stress level into adulthood.
"The stress pathway is developing during childhood. The stress system needs time to grow and become fully functional," Sinha says.
Small children under stress are sources of concern, according to her studies. But she also sees adolescents, who are more likely to self-isolate, as particularly vulnerable. Teenagers' stress symptoms may range from sleep difficulty to overeating to school truancy to taking pain medication unnecessarily.
While parents may not be able to completely shield children from stressors -- a kid's home life might be magical but they may encounter a bully in Sunday school or suddenly lose a grandparent to cancer -- Sinha says parents, teachers, and caregivers can help build resistance and optimism when kids experience stress.
"Things happen. Families will face adversities. But if parents, teachers, and other adults are helping to guide children by talking about the trauma and providing them with adaptive skills, then those children will be more inclined toward protection and resilience, as opposed to risk."
How can we help protect our kids from becoming over-stressed adults?
1. Seek social support. Sinha says that interacting with others and garnering family support is a primary way we can protect kids from the risks of stress.
2. Embrace education and intellectual challenges. Children are more likely to learn to navigate tough stuff if they are challenged in a safe environment like school, she reports. Teachers that encourage students to think abstractly, for example, are helping their brain develop in ways that will serve stressed children in the moment and, perhaps, in the long term.
3. Develop optimism and tactics to control emotions. Parents and other adults who are active in a child's life may be able to help protect kids from carrying stress forward in such significant ways. A University of Wisconsin-Madison study revealed that a mother's voice, whether during a conversation or phone call or whisper during a hug, can produce significant biochemical responses that soothe stressed children. Another study of 405 inner-city children showed that yoga instruction boosted the kids' self-esteem and grades and decreased behavioral problems associated with the stress of poverty in South Central Los Angeles. Getting enough sleep consistently has also been shown to help children deal with stress more effectively. Some even say a little playful, safe roughhousing can do kids (and parents) a world of good.
Source
==============================================
Get to the source of all concerns once and for all and then you can terminate the ongoing symptomatic effects from them permanently. Key is identifying the root cause and then effectively resolving what happened. Doc Regal's methods are thorough and complete. For details and more information, regarding how his methods work, make contact with him. He is eager to assist and most often able to instruct individuals on how to achieve their goals and objectives.
©2012 R.I.S.E. and Regal Hypnosis - Atlanta, GA U.S.A.
(404) 419-6449 regalhypnosis.com
By Jessica Ashley, Senior Editor, Parenting | Parenting – Wed, Jan 4, 2012 11:50 AM EST
No matter how big the toothless smiles, how many toys are packed into the playroom, how perfect the family holiday photo seems, many children experience some kind of stress while they are growing up that one researcher says could stay with them into adulthood.
"If a child has a pervasive sense of adversity in his or her childhood for whatever reason, the brain responds to that kind of hardship by becoming more sensitized to stress," Dr. Rajita Sinha, director of the Yale Stress Center, recently explained to CNN.
The brain becomes hard-wired to react more strongly, she says, making that person more likely to have a greater reaction to stress than people who do not have a similar history.
What childhood stress is so big that is burrows into the brains for decades? Research points to pain, illness, and injury as major stressors for kids. But a child's stress level can increase to "severe" during family conflicts such as divorce, abuse, witnessing violence, financial crisis, the death of a loved one, or a parent who suffers from addiction or mental health problems.
While anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and can even be OK for children to navigate, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, some people experience excessive levels of anxiety. One in eight children are affected by an anxiety disorder, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, including those who are deemed to have post-traumatic stress disorder.
While humans are "adaptive animals," Sinha says many children are experiencing stress before their ability to deal with it is completely developed. The adversity in their young lives therefore leads to a higher overall stress level into adulthood.
"The stress pathway is developing during childhood. The stress system needs time to grow and become fully functional," Sinha says.
Small children under stress are sources of concern, according to her studies. But she also sees adolescents, who are more likely to self-isolate, as particularly vulnerable. Teenagers' stress symptoms may range from sleep difficulty to overeating to school truancy to taking pain medication unnecessarily.
While parents may not be able to completely shield children from stressors -- a kid's home life might be magical but they may encounter a bully in Sunday school or suddenly lose a grandparent to cancer -- Sinha says parents, teachers, and caregivers can help build resistance and optimism when kids experience stress.
"Things happen. Families will face adversities. But if parents, teachers, and other adults are helping to guide children by talking about the trauma and providing them with adaptive skills, then those children will be more inclined toward protection and resilience, as opposed to risk."
How can we help protect our kids from becoming over-stressed adults?
1. Seek social support. Sinha says that interacting with others and garnering family support is a primary way we can protect kids from the risks of stress.
2. Embrace education and intellectual challenges. Children are more likely to learn to navigate tough stuff if they are challenged in a safe environment like school, she reports. Teachers that encourage students to think abstractly, for example, are helping their brain develop in ways that will serve stressed children in the moment and, perhaps, in the long term.
3. Develop optimism and tactics to control emotions. Parents and other adults who are active in a child's life may be able to help protect kids from carrying stress forward in such significant ways. A University of Wisconsin-Madison study revealed that a mother's voice, whether during a conversation or phone call or whisper during a hug, can produce significant biochemical responses that soothe stressed children. Another study of 405 inner-city children showed that yoga instruction boosted the kids' self-esteem and grades and decreased behavioral problems associated with the stress of poverty in South Central Los Angeles. Getting enough sleep consistently has also been shown to help children deal with stress more effectively. Some even say a little playful, safe roughhousing can do kids (and parents) a world of good.
Source
==============================================
Get to the source of all concerns once and for all and then you can terminate the ongoing symptomatic effects from them permanently. Key is identifying the root cause and then effectively resolving what happened. Doc Regal's methods are thorough and complete. For details and more information, regarding how his methods work, make contact with him. He is eager to assist and most often able to instruct individuals on how to achieve their goals and objectives.
©2012 R.I.S.E. and Regal Hypnosis - Atlanta, GA U.S.A.
(404) 419-6449 regalhypnosis.com
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Hypnotherapy Over the Phone
Shy, timid and bashful personalities, being more at ease in familiar surroundings, typically favor this type of consultation in a private setting. It is often used for reducing stress, improving relaxation, raising self esteem, overcoming self doubt and building self confidence. Energy clearing can also be accomplished using Remote Hypnotherapy. For other concerns, I recommend online sessions using a service like Skype. My preference is in office visits, however that is not always readily available in long distance situations.
How well does Hypnotherapy work over a phone line?
Comfortably and with ease from any secure and relaxing environment, Hypnotherapy over the phone works very well because Hypnosis can be readily induced and easily sustained with auditory stimuli. Since keeping the eyes closed during the work is a major part of the hypnotic process, only listening is required. So, you can experience the benefits of Hypnotism from a distance as long as you can comfortably close your eyes and focus your attention on helpful suggestions.
What kind of phone set up should I use?
This is really a matter of personal preference. A traditional landline will offer the best connection, however a cordless or cell phone can work just as well. The convenience of using a speakerphone, a blue-tooth, or a headset, may be preferred to a hand held phone. It is really up to you to decide. Any reliable system is acceptable.
Are office sessions needed for Hypnotherapy?
In office visits are not a prerequisite for deriving great benefits from Hypnotherapy. Whatever is most convenient and practical with regards to your current situation works best. Hypnotherapy achieves amazing results no matter whether in person or over the phone.
Who initiates the call?
Prospective and ongoing clients phone the office at their scheduled time. Using phone lines with discounted or unlimited long distance calling plans are recommended.
How long will each phone call take?
Each session is approximately 45 to 90 minutes depending on the nature of the concern.
Is anything else needed for Hypnotherapy over a phone line?
Besides a phone in a relatively quiet setting, you will need a cozy chair, a recliner or a comfortable place to relax during the phone call.
Name some advantages of having Hypnotherapy over the phone?
Clients are known to experience more focused concentration and deeper trance states when they are comfortable with their surroundings. Travel costs are completely eliminated. It is a very convenient way to access the best available Hypnotherapists in the world.
How much does it cost for Hypnotherapy Coaching over the phone?
This service is the same as any in office visit. Contact Regal Hypnosis for current office rates.
Are there any other suggestions before getting started?
Be prepared. Empty your bladder before the session work begins. Wear comfortable clothes. Uncross your arms and legs before going into trance to further enhance your experience with Hypnosis. Make it your intention to follow instructions. Realize that although changes can happen quickly, you will typically need several sessions to obtain lasting results.
©2011 R.I.S.E. and Regal Hypnosis - Atlanta, GA U.S.A.
(404) 419-6449 regalhypnosis.com
How well does Hypnotherapy work over a phone line?
Comfortably and with ease from any secure and relaxing environment, Hypnotherapy over the phone works very well because Hypnosis can be readily induced and easily sustained with auditory stimuli. Since keeping the eyes closed during the work is a major part of the hypnotic process, only listening is required. So, you can experience the benefits of Hypnotism from a distance as long as you can comfortably close your eyes and focus your attention on helpful suggestions.
What kind of phone set up should I use?
This is really a matter of personal preference. A traditional landline will offer the best connection, however a cordless or cell phone can work just as well. The convenience of using a speakerphone, a blue-tooth, or a headset, may be preferred to a hand held phone. It is really up to you to decide. Any reliable system is acceptable.
Are office sessions needed for Hypnotherapy?
In office visits are not a prerequisite for deriving great benefits from Hypnotherapy. Whatever is most convenient and practical with regards to your current situation works best. Hypnotherapy achieves amazing results no matter whether in person or over the phone.
Who initiates the call?
Prospective and ongoing clients phone the office at their scheduled time. Using phone lines with discounted or unlimited long distance calling plans are recommended.
How long will each phone call take?
Each session is approximately 45 to 90 minutes depending on the nature of the concern.
Is anything else needed for Hypnotherapy over a phone line?
Besides a phone in a relatively quiet setting, you will need a cozy chair, a recliner or a comfortable place to relax during the phone call.
Name some advantages of having Hypnotherapy over the phone?
Clients are known to experience more focused concentration and deeper trance states when they are comfortable with their surroundings. Travel costs are completely eliminated. It is a very convenient way to access the best available Hypnotherapists in the world.
How much does it cost for Hypnotherapy Coaching over the phone?
This service is the same as any in office visit. Contact Regal Hypnosis for current office rates.
Are there any other suggestions before getting started?
Be prepared. Empty your bladder before the session work begins. Wear comfortable clothes. Uncross your arms and legs before going into trance to further enhance your experience with Hypnosis. Make it your intention to follow instructions. Realize that although changes can happen quickly, you will typically need several sessions to obtain lasting results.
©2011 R.I.S.E. and Regal Hypnosis - Atlanta, GA U.S.A.
(404) 419-6449 regalhypnosis.com
Saturday, July 31, 2010
CONTROL YOUR WEIGHT WITH HYPNOTHERAPY (an alternative to surgery)
This advanced technique is now available for weight loss. View links below to better understand how it works. Then contact Dr. Regal for training information. He offers a rapid 5-week program.
Link One
Link Two
Link Three
Link Four
Link Five
Link Six
Link Seven
Be your natural self!
©2010 R.I.S.E. and Regal Hypnosis - Atlanta, GA U.S.A.
(404) 419-6449 regalhypnosis.com
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Is Drug Testing Inadequate?
Conventional drugs used today are so new that there is very little long-term research on them. There are good reasons why a vast majority of modern drugs used just a couple of decades ago are no longer prescribed: they don't work as well as previously assumed, and/or they cause more harm than good.
Sadly and strangely, many physicians do not see that there is something fundamentally wrong with the present medical model. Once a drug is found to be ineffective or dangerous, doctors and drug companies simply find another drug that, at least initially, seems to have good short-term results, that is, until longer term studies establish that it doesn't work as well as assumed and/or is more dangerous.
Source
Go natural!
©2010 R.I.S.E. and Regal Hypnosis - Atlanta, GA U.S.A.
(404) 419-6449 regalhypnosis.com
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
10 overused tests and treatments
1 BACK SURGERY. Don't rush to surgery for a simple slipped disk. In 90 percent of cases, the pain goes away on its own within six weeks. In stubborn cases, surgery, which can cost $20,000 plus physician's fees, can relieve pain somewhat faster than physical therapy and medication, a recent study showed. But it also found that both groups of patients wound up with similar improvements after two years.
2 HEARTBURN SURGERY. Doctors surgically tighten a sphincter muscle that blocks stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus. But research shows the operation, which costs $14,600 or more, provides no better long-term relief than taking a proton-pump-inhibitor drug such as omeprazole (Prilosec OTC), which costs less than $1 a day.
3 PROSTATE TREATMENTS. Prostate cancer is often overtreated by surgery that costs $17,000, or by radiation therapy for $20,700 or more, plus physician's fees, without adequate discussion of the alternatives or the high risk of distressing side effects such as incontinence or impotence. Because prostate cancer can grow slowly, sometimes the best approach is "watchful waiting."
4 IMPLANTED DEFIBRILLATORS. These devices, which automatically shock the heart back to normal rhythm, cost some $90,000 over a lifetime. Yet one-third of people who get them might not really need them, according to research reported in 2007. This year Medicare will pay for an estimated 50,000 of the devices.
5 CORONARY STENTS. Billions are spent each year inserting tiny mesh tubes to prop open coronary arteries. The procedure plus heart drugs turns out not to work any better to prevent future heart attacks than heart drugs alone for patients with stable coronary artery disease, researchers reported in 2007.
6 CESAREAN SECTIONS. They cost almost $7,000, about 55 percent more than a natural delivery, and constituted a record high of 30.2 percent of births in 2005. Most are performed because labor is progressing too slowly. But several less-invasive approaches might be enough to speed up labor.
7 WHOLE-BODY SCREENS. These CT scans, which can cost $1,000 or more, are promoted for spotting early signs of cancer, heart disease, and other abnormalities. There are no proven benefits for healthy people, the Food and Drug Administration has concluded. Plus CT scans expose patients to far more radiation than X-rays. A few CT scans a year can increase your lifetime risk of cancer.
8 HIGH-TECH ANGIOGRAPHY. Using a CT scan to noninvasively check coronary arteries for narrowing costs an average of $450, according to data from HealthMarkets, which sells health and life insurance through subsidiaries in 44 states. But standard angiography is sometimes still needed to confirm blockages that might require aggressive treatment.
9 HIGH-TECH MAMMOGRAPHY. Using software to flag suspicious breast X-rays would add $550 million a year to national costs if used for all mammograms. But a 2007 study found that this technique failed to improve the cancer-detection rate significantly, yet resulted in more needless biopsies.
10 VIRTUAL COLONOSCOPY. These CT scans are being used to detect signs of cancer without inserting a tube into the colon. But a study of virtual colonoscopy reported in 2007 concluded that standard colonoscopy is better at spotting smaller suspicious polyps. Though less costly than a standard colonoscopy, the virtual test isn't cost-effective because any suspicious finding requires retesting with the real thing.
Source
©2010 R.I.S.E. and Regal Hypnosis - Atlanta, GA U.S.A.
(404) 419-6449 regalhypnosis.com
2 HEARTBURN SURGERY. Doctors surgically tighten a sphincter muscle that blocks stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus. But research shows the operation, which costs $14,600 or more, provides no better long-term relief than taking a proton-pump-inhibitor drug such as omeprazole (Prilosec OTC), which costs less than $1 a day.
3 PROSTATE TREATMENTS. Prostate cancer is often overtreated by surgery that costs $17,000, or by radiation therapy for $20,700 or more, plus physician's fees, without adequate discussion of the alternatives or the high risk of distressing side effects such as incontinence or impotence. Because prostate cancer can grow slowly, sometimes the best approach is "watchful waiting."
4 IMPLANTED DEFIBRILLATORS. These devices, which automatically shock the heart back to normal rhythm, cost some $90,000 over a lifetime. Yet one-third of people who get them might not really need them, according to research reported in 2007. This year Medicare will pay for an estimated 50,000 of the devices.
5 CORONARY STENTS. Billions are spent each year inserting tiny mesh tubes to prop open coronary arteries. The procedure plus heart drugs turns out not to work any better to prevent future heart attacks than heart drugs alone for patients with stable coronary artery disease, researchers reported in 2007.
6 CESAREAN SECTIONS. They cost almost $7,000, about 55 percent more than a natural delivery, and constituted a record high of 30.2 percent of births in 2005. Most are performed because labor is progressing too slowly. But several less-invasive approaches might be enough to speed up labor.
7 WHOLE-BODY SCREENS. These CT scans, which can cost $1,000 or more, are promoted for spotting early signs of cancer, heart disease, and other abnormalities. There are no proven benefits for healthy people, the Food and Drug Administration has concluded. Plus CT scans expose patients to far more radiation than X-rays. A few CT scans a year can increase your lifetime risk of cancer.
8 HIGH-TECH ANGIOGRAPHY. Using a CT scan to noninvasively check coronary arteries for narrowing costs an average of $450, according to data from HealthMarkets, which sells health and life insurance through subsidiaries in 44 states. But standard angiography is sometimes still needed to confirm blockages that might require aggressive treatment.
9 HIGH-TECH MAMMOGRAPHY. Using software to flag suspicious breast X-rays would add $550 million a year to national costs if used for all mammograms. But a 2007 study found that this technique failed to improve the cancer-detection rate significantly, yet resulted in more needless biopsies.
10 VIRTUAL COLONOSCOPY. These CT scans are being used to detect signs of cancer without inserting a tube into the colon. But a study of virtual colonoscopy reported in 2007 concluded that standard colonoscopy is better at spotting smaller suspicious polyps. Though less costly than a standard colonoscopy, the virtual test isn't cost-effective because any suspicious finding requires retesting with the real thing.
Source
©2010 R.I.S.E. and Regal Hypnosis - Atlanta, GA U.S.A.
(404) 419-6449 regalhypnosis.com
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Three Mistakes To Avoid At All Cost
With the colder weather comes the natural tendency to eat greater quantities of food as well as more fatty foods. This is really something that nature intended because in the warmer weather, when fruits and vegetables are abundant, our bodies are designed to consume these foods more than meats, butter and other more fattening types of calories. But in the winter the reverse is true with more people eating the higher caloric foods that are higher in fat content.
This is actually a good idea because fruits and vegetables are more cooling, water energy foods. Meat, including organ meats, flesh, butters and other higher calorie foods are more warming, fire energy foods. So nature designed this into our physiology so we can naturally keep our energies in balance during each season.
With the speed of modern transportation this natural balance has been upset which allows us to consume either high calorie, warming fatty foods or lower calorie cooling foods all year long. So if during the warmer months when our bodies are not working as hard to keep us warm, we are eating the higher calorie foods (meats, butters), etc. then we are packing on more calories while our bodies are not burning as many of those calories off as would normally occur in the cold weather. While it's true that we are less active in the winter, studies have shown that we actually can burn more calories just by keeping warm than previously thought. Studies also show that air conditioning in the summer may also be playing a role in the modern increase in obesity. If we eat too many warming foods during the warm months, then we are causing our bodies to generate too much fire energy when it needs to be cool. Abusing this principle is one reason why so many diseases occur in our civilized world.
Even though there is so much information available about weight loss, the same diet mistakes are being made over and over every day. We are not talking here about little slipups where you ate a slice of pie that was not on the plan, but big mistakes that lead to failure to lose the weight that you want to lose. Understanding these errors can help you develop the attitude that will lead to permanent weight loss for you.
1. The All Or Nothing Attitude
All or nothing dieters will often pick out a complicated diet that is almost impossible for them to maintain. Before beginning, they will search the kitchen for anything that does not fit the plan and throw it in the garbage. They are planning to be the perfect dieter, and so they will be, for one day, three days, seven days or even a couple of weeks. Then, inevitably, something happens that means they cannot keep to the diet one time. Immediately the whole thing is ruined in their eyes and the diet is over. They go to the store and buy all the things that went into the garbage last week and proceed to gain back all the weight that they lost, as fast as possible.
If you are this kind of dieter you need to ask yourself some tough questions. Do you really want to lose weight permanently, or just lose a few pounds so that you can enjoy putting them back on again? The way forward is to make small changes to what you eat so that you have a slow but steady weight loss.
2. The Attitude of Sacrifice
Another common mistake is to view your diet as a period of sacrifice. You do not allow yourself the foods that you enjoy most while you are on your way to your target weight. You may have a great diet plan and be very successful in losing weight, but what happens when you reach your goal? You have not learned to eat 'bad foods' in moderation so as soon as you start, you are likely to go out of control. It is better to include a little of everything in your diet and learn to enjoy it in small quantities. Yes, even chocolate!
By allowing yourself to have your "cheat days" you help to keep yourself from mentally craving or lusting after those foods that you grew up on, this helps prevent binging. I often have some ice cream, some chocolate here and there myself. But I have very small portions when doing so, just a bite or two here and there and that's all. This way I don't feel deprived and don't have that temptation to go nuts after a period of weeks or months and totally overeat and ruin all the progress that I've made.
One thing I did to help facilitate this is that I went to a local store and picked up some very small bowls. These bowls are about the size of a small tea cup saucer and only hold about 8oz of liquid. By keeping portion sizes small but having a variety of food, the mind is tricked into thinking that you're eating a lot of food. You might have 5 or 6 small bowls out on the table, but since each one is small you're not really eating that much food. By reversing the American standard you will find that it is far better to have a mostly vegetable based diet with meat as a side dish.
3. Goal Failure
Setting achievable goals is vital in any weight loss plan. Goals should be clear, realistic and set out in writing. While you probably do have an ideal weight in your mind, unless you are only very slightly overweight it is probably too distant to be useful. A more useful goal would be to lose two pounds per week for the first five weeks and then one pound per week after that. Some weeks you will lose more and some less, some weeks you may even gain, but if you track your progress on a graph you will see that ups and downs are natural and do not stop you progressing steadily toward your major goal.
If you have been making these mistakes, do not worry. The most important point in dieting as in so many other things is to move on. Learn from your failures as well as your success and do not use a mistake as an excuse for giving up. The only way to achieve your goal permanently is to make a commitment to become a healthier person. Remember that eating normally includes eating more some days and less others. Learn to enjoy food in moderation and you have every chance of avoiding these bad diet mistakes.
Taking pictures when you start your weight loss and exercise plan is also another great way to see results. Since weight loss occurs in very small increments you won't really notice results. But if you take before and after pictures every four weeks or so then you will really see how far you've come and this is a great way to stay motivated. While you may not have any desire to take pictures of yourself at the start, I strongly encourage you to do so as it's a great way to help you stay motivated and encouraged in your new lifestyle.
Source
You can avoid even more with these techniques.
©2010 R.I.S.E. and Regal Hypnosis - Atlanta, GA U.S.A.
(404) 419-6449 www.regalhypnosis.com
This is actually a good idea because fruits and vegetables are more cooling, water energy foods. Meat, including organ meats, flesh, butters and other higher calorie foods are more warming, fire energy foods. So nature designed this into our physiology so we can naturally keep our energies in balance during each season.
With the speed of modern transportation this natural balance has been upset which allows us to consume either high calorie, warming fatty foods or lower calorie cooling foods all year long. So if during the warmer months when our bodies are not working as hard to keep us warm, we are eating the higher calorie foods (meats, butters), etc. then we are packing on more calories while our bodies are not burning as many of those calories off as would normally occur in the cold weather. While it's true that we are less active in the winter, studies have shown that we actually can burn more calories just by keeping warm than previously thought. Studies also show that air conditioning in the summer may also be playing a role in the modern increase in obesity. If we eat too many warming foods during the warm months, then we are causing our bodies to generate too much fire energy when it needs to be cool. Abusing this principle is one reason why so many diseases occur in our civilized world.
Even though there is so much information available about weight loss, the same diet mistakes are being made over and over every day. We are not talking here about little slipups where you ate a slice of pie that was not on the plan, but big mistakes that lead to failure to lose the weight that you want to lose. Understanding these errors can help you develop the attitude that will lead to permanent weight loss for you.
1. The All Or Nothing Attitude
All or nothing dieters will often pick out a complicated diet that is almost impossible for them to maintain. Before beginning, they will search the kitchen for anything that does not fit the plan and throw it in the garbage. They are planning to be the perfect dieter, and so they will be, for one day, three days, seven days or even a couple of weeks. Then, inevitably, something happens that means they cannot keep to the diet one time. Immediately the whole thing is ruined in their eyes and the diet is over. They go to the store and buy all the things that went into the garbage last week and proceed to gain back all the weight that they lost, as fast as possible.
If you are this kind of dieter you need to ask yourself some tough questions. Do you really want to lose weight permanently, or just lose a few pounds so that you can enjoy putting them back on again? The way forward is to make small changes to what you eat so that you have a slow but steady weight loss.
2. The Attitude of Sacrifice
Another common mistake is to view your diet as a period of sacrifice. You do not allow yourself the foods that you enjoy most while you are on your way to your target weight. You may have a great diet plan and be very successful in losing weight, but what happens when you reach your goal? You have not learned to eat 'bad foods' in moderation so as soon as you start, you are likely to go out of control. It is better to include a little of everything in your diet and learn to enjoy it in small quantities. Yes, even chocolate!
By allowing yourself to have your "cheat days" you help to keep yourself from mentally craving or lusting after those foods that you grew up on, this helps prevent binging. I often have some ice cream, some chocolate here and there myself. But I have very small portions when doing so, just a bite or two here and there and that's all. This way I don't feel deprived and don't have that temptation to go nuts after a period of weeks or months and totally overeat and ruin all the progress that I've made.
One thing I did to help facilitate this is that I went to a local store and picked up some very small bowls. These bowls are about the size of a small tea cup saucer and only hold about 8oz of liquid. By keeping portion sizes small but having a variety of food, the mind is tricked into thinking that you're eating a lot of food. You might have 5 or 6 small bowls out on the table, but since each one is small you're not really eating that much food. By reversing the American standard you will find that it is far better to have a mostly vegetable based diet with meat as a side dish.
3. Goal Failure
Setting achievable goals is vital in any weight loss plan. Goals should be clear, realistic and set out in writing. While you probably do have an ideal weight in your mind, unless you are only very slightly overweight it is probably too distant to be useful. A more useful goal would be to lose two pounds per week for the first five weeks and then one pound per week after that. Some weeks you will lose more and some less, some weeks you may even gain, but if you track your progress on a graph you will see that ups and downs are natural and do not stop you progressing steadily toward your major goal.
If you have been making these mistakes, do not worry. The most important point in dieting as in so many other things is to move on. Learn from your failures as well as your success and do not use a mistake as an excuse for giving up. The only way to achieve your goal permanently is to make a commitment to become a healthier person. Remember that eating normally includes eating more some days and less others. Learn to enjoy food in moderation and you have every chance of avoiding these bad diet mistakes.
Taking pictures when you start your weight loss and exercise plan is also another great way to see results. Since weight loss occurs in very small increments you won't really notice results. But if you take before and after pictures every four weeks or so then you will really see how far you've come and this is a great way to stay motivated. While you may not have any desire to take pictures of yourself at the start, I strongly encourage you to do so as it's a great way to help you stay motivated and encouraged in your new lifestyle.
Source
You can avoid even more with these techniques.
©2010 R.I.S.E. and Regal Hypnosis - Atlanta, GA U.S.A.
(404) 419-6449 www.regalhypnosis.com
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