Have you been trying for a long time for that weight loss you have always wanted? Do you struggle with your food cravings and weight control?We imagine you have tried every diet available and none succeeded; well, if this is you, then read on as you find out about a brilliant medical therapy that can support your weight loss goals.The medical therapy we are talking about is Hypnotherapy. This is a therapeutic medical treatment that is used in a wide range of psychological and physical issues that many endure.While many would have seen the likes of Paul McKenna on the television using Hypnosis to get the participants to engage in silly activities, many of you may not know that there is a more important use of Hypnosis. Can you truly say to yourself that you knew Hypnosis was used as a medical treatment? Truth is many don’t.Hypnosis started out in life some two hundred years ago and from its beginnings medical practitioners saw the importance it could have in medicine. At the outset, medical professionals used Hypnosis as a therapy for Psychological issues; initially these issues were called Hysteria.Today we see Hypnosis still in use in medicine and it is now called Hypnotherapy. While in the old days anyone could learn Hypnosis and use it medically, today this is not the case.Anyone who wishes to become a medical practitioner using Hypnotherapy has to undergo training and become registered. This requires being educated and gaining certification in Hypnotherapy; something easier said than done. After this, the individual needs to be registered with the British Medical Association to be allowed to practise medically.Now that you know about Hypnotherapy, you are probably wondering how it can help you with your weight loss and how it can help you control your weight and cravings. Well the truth is that it can really help if carried out properly.Hypnotherapy is all about putting the patient in a relaxed and suggestive state, one where the Hypnotherapist can use gentle but suggestive language to get you to feel different about your dieting. This still sounds a little cryptic but this is because Hypnotherapists don’t give their training away and the actual information given to patients under hypnosis is part of the patient confidentiality agreement.One method we do know Hypnotherapists carry out weight loss is through something known as the Hypno-band. The Hypno-band is for those who have a very high BMI and regular weight loss Hypnotherapy does not work.The Hypno-band use in Hypnotherapy is a surgery-free way of making the patient feel they have a gastric band fitted. Through the power of Hypnosis, a Hypnotherapist can make the patient feel like they have a Hypnotic gastric band, or virtual gastric band fitted on their stomach, this makes the patient eat smaller amounts without having to go under a surgeon’s knife.While the Hypno-band is only used for extreme problems of obesity, it is a clear indication of the work that a Hypnotherapist can carry out for those wishing to lose weight.If you have been struggling with your weight or find that you are classed as clinically obese by medical professionals, why not look at alternative avenues to support your weight loss such as Hypnotherapy? If you live in the UK, there are many different Hypnotherapists that could help you and you are sure to find someone local to where you live that can support your weight loss through the power of Hypnotherapy.Just think about that end goal of losing the weight you wish, Hypnotherapy could help you get there.
Get Slim With Atkins Diet Plan
The Atkins’ diet has been a craze for a couple of decades. Here’s how you can gain from it.
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All of you who are reading this article right now have definitely been on a diet at some point or the other of your lives. The battle of the bulge is an ongoing problem and we are always on the lookout for various means to win this war.
Along with exercise, our diet and nutrition also plays an important role in reducing our weight. Hence, this obsession persists in all of us to undertake some form of dieting. But going on a diet is definitely not an easy thing. What to eat and what to stay away from is always a perennial problem.
One of my friends told me that she ate the normal menu which she cooked for the family, but her weight loss recipe is “portion control.” This is a really simple diet plan. In this plan, you cut down on the portion of food you consume. For example, if you usually have two pieces of toast for breakfast, you should eat only one piece. If you normally eat two cups of rice for lunch, cut it down to one cup. In this way, you are automatically reducing your calorie intake by half.
Another popular method of dieting is to stop all intake of fatty foods and sugar. In this diet, you cut down on your oil, butter and ghee intake which automatically reduces your fat deposits.
While I was leafing through a magazine, I read about one of our Hollywood celebrities following the Atkins’ diet. This immediately aroused my curiosity about the diet. Though I have heard about the diet many times, I had no inside knowledge about it. So, I immediately set to work on it and found out certain basic facts’ about the Atkins diet which I want to share with my readers.
The Atkins’ diet made its first appearance in 1972 and was invented by its namesake, Dr Atkins. According to him, this method enables us to lose weight by inducing a change in metabolism. Our body burns both fat and carbohydrates to provide energy. If we reduce the intake of carbohydrates significantly, our body starts burning only fat to provide energy. This method is called “lipolysis”, which in turn induces ketosis. In ketosis, our body burns fat as fuel. Atkins also felt that ketosis will affect insulin production which will result in less fat being formed. And, once your body enters ketosis, your cravings for carbohydrates will reduce significantly which, in turn, will reduce your body weight.
The major difference between Atkins’ diet and other types of diet is that, while most diets restrict calorie, intake, the Atkins’ plan encourages us to eat more. While most of the diets recommend low fat, high carbohydrate intake, Atkins’ does just the opposite. Instead of carbohydrate and sugar, this diet wants us to consume plenty of fat and protein.
The core principle of the Atkins’ diet is that, by limiting carbohydrates, our body is forced to burn its stored fat, rather than carbs for fuel.
The Atkins’ diet has a four carbohydrates stage plan induction, ongoing weight loss, pre-maintenance and lifetime maintenance. With the help of these four stages, you can reduce as well as maintain your weight throughout your life.
Induction – phase 1: This phase lasts for two weeks, by the end of which you can obtain significant results. Another point is that, in this diet plan you can begin at any of the phase. But it is recommended to start with induction. As you cut back on your carbohydrates significantly in this phase, you will jump start your weight loss programme. In this phase, only 20 gm of carbohydrates are allowed and hence your weight loss is significant. As you drastically cut down on carbohydrates your body shifts into high gear and starts burning fat. This takes about 48 hours to occur and you may feel hungry and irritated for the first three-four days. But don’t worry, as soon as your fat starts getting converted to fuel, you will feel fit as a fiddle. Induction will strengthen your immune system and also improve our long-term health.
Ongoing Weight Loss (OWL) phase 2: In this phase, the weight loss pace slows down as you add nutrient-rich carbohydrates to your diet. During this period, you will boost your body’s ability to burn fats as well as understand your body better. You will find the right amount of carbohydrates which you can consume and still lose weight. Your body will also prepare itself for permanent weight management. The amount of carbohydrates which you can eat is increased to 25 gm per day for the first week and increased in five gm instalment for the next few weeks. If your weight loss is significant, you can increase your carbohydrate intake. A person has to be on OWL till he or she is within three-five kg of their goal weight.
Pre-maintenance – (phase 3): Pre-maintenance is a practice run for lifetime maintenance. In this phase, you are fast approaching your target. As long as you continue to lose weight, you can increase your weekly allotment of carbohydrates by another 10 gm. You will be in this phase till you reach your goal and stay on it for one month. The ultimate goal here is to achieve a state of balance called Atkins’ Carbohydrate Equilibrium (ACE). The ACE is your individual level of carbohydrate intake wherein you neither gain nor lose weight.
Lifetime maintenance phase 4: In this phase, you have to focus on your individual ACE and strive to stay within two kg of your ideal weight for the rest of your life. By following a sensible eating plan, you gain energy, better health and confidence in yourself.
By following these four phases, you not only achieve your dream weight but are also able to maintain it throughout your life. You can learn more about this diet by reading the book, Dr Atkins’ New Diet Revolution. But, as with any other diet, this plan also has its pros and cons. The good point is that this diet recommends exercise as a vital part of the weight loss programme. Another point to be noted is that you cannot start on carbohydrates after you lose weight as this will result in your gaining back all that you have lost.
Medical experts advise that people who have gout, kidney problems, diabetes or are pregnant women should not follow this diet plan. As this diet is very stringent, do consult your doctor/dietician for proper advice.
Your dietician will provide you with a proper menu chart as to what should be eaten, in what quantities, etc, based on your eating habits and general lifestyle.
Happy dieting and hoping to see slimmer and fitter readers.
The Crucial Role of Personal Trainers in Achieving Fitness Goals
Personal trainers do much more than just supervise workouts; they are pivotal in crafting personalized fitness strategies, ensuring correct exercise execution, and providing motivational support. This comprehensive approach helps clients effectively target muscle groups and achieve specific fitness goals. In a world where self-motivation wanes and the allure of quick results often leads to disappointment, personal trainers stand as essential guides in the journey to wellness.
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Understanding the Multifaceted Role of Personal Trainers
Initial Evaluation and Goal Setting
A personal trainer begins by assessing a client’s physical condition and understanding their fitness objectives. This initial evaluation is crucial as it helps in crafting a tailored workout plan that aligns with the client’s goals, whether it’s weight loss, muscle building, or improving general health.
Tailored Workout Plans
Contrary to common belief, not all exercises are suitable for everyone. Personal trainers develop customized workout plans based on the assessment results, considering factors like age, weight, health conditions, and fitness level. This personalized approach helps in maximizing effectiveness and minimizing the risk of injury.
Correct Exercise Techniques
One of the primary responsibilities of personal trainers is to ensure that exercises are performed correctly. Incorrect techniques can not only hinder muscle growth but also lead to injuries. Trainers provide immediate feedback and adjustments, ensuring that clients get the most out of each session without harming their bodies.
Motivation and Support
Maintaining motivation is one of the biggest challenges in any fitness journey. Personal trainers are skilled in strategies to keep motivation high. They set realistic, incremental goals that make the end results seem more attainable. Moreover, they provide the necessary encouragement and accountability many people need to stay committed to their fitness routines.
Nutritional Guidance
Often overlooked, nutrition is a critical component of fitness. Personal trainers provide guidance on proper nutrition to complement the physical training regimen. This might include advice on macronutrient balance, calorie intake, and meal timing, tailored to enhance the results of their clients’ workout plans.
The Impact of Personal Training: By the Numbers
Recent studies underscore the effectiveness of personal training. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, individuals who work with personal trainers achieve significantly greater improvements in body composition, muscular strength, and aerobic capacity compared to those who work out alone NIH Study on Personal Training.
Furthermore, a survey by the American Council on Exercise revealed that over 75% of individuals who engage in personal training believe it helps them stay committed to their fitness program and achieve their health and fitness goals more effectively ACE Fitness Survey.
Conclusion
The role of a personal trainer extends far beyond mere exercise supervision. They are integral in setting realistic goals, creating personalized workout plans, teaching correct exercise techniques, providing motivational support, and offering nutritional advice. For those serious about achieving their fitness goals, the investment in a personal trainer can be transformative, providing not just physical but also psychological benefits. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gym-goer, a personal trainer can be the catalyst you need to achieve your fitness aspirations efficiently and safely.