How to break the pattern of yo-yo dieting

There seems to be a new diet every six months or so. For those who struggle with their weight trying the newest fad diet almost seems like a necessity. The hope is that the new diet will be the one to finally stick. However, most people give up within two to three months and wind up gaining even more weight shortly thereafter. Therefore, many struggle to break the pattern of yo-yo dieting.

Why diets fail

Fad diets often fail because they are too restrictive. At face value, diets like the keto diet see to make sense. Cutting down on, or restricting, carbohydrates and increasing protein intake seems logical. But imagine never having a carbohydrate like rice or potatoes ever again in your life. It is just not realistic to expect to maintain that type of restrictive diet. When people eventually add carbohydrates back to their diet, they tend to overdo it.

The right way to lose weight

The formula to losing weight is a simple one. Eat healthier portions of healthy food and exercise regularly. So why does it seem so hard to do just that? The answer is simple as well. We tend to eat for the wrong reasons. Some people eat because they’re stressed or anxious. Others overeat because they believe they must clear their plate. Finally, some people eat because they are bored or lonely. While we understand logically that food does not help to relieve stress or loneliness, some find it impossible to break the pattern.

Emotional Triggers

Breaking these emotional patterns is the key to losing the weight and keeping it off. At some point in our lives, we learn to use food as a distraction. Or perhaps we hold on to what we were taught as children, that we need to eat all our food. These beliefs are so ingrained within us that we find ourselves automatically reaching for unhealthy foods when we are triggered. So how do we break these limiting beliefs and patterns?

Hypnosis to break the pattern of yo-yo dieting

When the word hypnosis comes to mind, most people imagine that they will be programmed, almost like a zombie, to do whatever the hypnotherapist suggests. The truth is the opposite. A skilled certified hypnotist will utilize a technique called regression to identify the experiences that triggered these food patterns. Regression is the exploration of a client’s memories related to their challenge, in this case weight loss. 

How does hypnosis work

Hypnotic trance is a relaxed yet attentive state that patients experience by following the directions of a hypnotherapist. Clients are never asleep and remember most, if not all, of what transpires during the session. After being guided into hypnotic trance the memories that created the emotional eating response are uncovered, and more importantly restructured and let go. The patient gains a new perspective about what happened and now responds appropriately to feelings of anxiety or stress.

Once a client subconsciously understands that they no longer need to clear their plate, the desire to do so fades. Patients call a friend or loved one when they are lonely or bored instead of overeating. They understand that they are adults who control their own destiny and now make healthy choices. As they now make healthy food and exercise choices, they are easily able to lose weight with the help of hypnotherapy. If you or someone you know is tired of losing weight only to gain even more back, hypnosis to break the pattern of yo-yo dieting can help.