Guided imagery, a mind/body technique used for decades, is now increasingly being used in weight management programs. “Oh, right!” I can hear some of you saying, “I’m going to use my mind to lose weight? I don’t think so!” Don’t be too quick to write off this powerful visualization practice; research has proven it works and I’ve been observing my clients using it successfully for the last five years.
Guided imagery is a mind-body intervention aimed at incorporating the “power of the mind” to assist the body to lose weight and it fits perfectly with the non-diet approach to releasing weight that I recommend. Read on to find out more about this powerful technique.
Guided imagery defined:
The primary aim of guided imagery is to “gently guide” you to a state where your mind is calm, silent and still. Then, through imagery, either created internally or by following along on an imagery tape/CD, the mind communicates with the body. Imagery is the biological connection between the mind and body. A visualization where you see yourself releasing weight, programs the subconscious mind to do what you want later after the imagery session is over.
It has been proven over and over again that what you are imagining right now will be what your life gives you in the future. Very often our mental image is in conflict with what we want to accomplish. However, if you align your mental image with your intentions and affirmations, you create a powerful roadmap for your subconscious to deliver to you everything that you want and more.
“As a man thinketh, so he is.” We become what we think or say. So do you think that someone who makes statements like “I can’t lose weight.” or “A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips” can listen to a guided imagery CD and then lose weight? No, of course not. I see so many people sabotage their efforts inadvertently by repeating old sayings like these without giving any thought to the affect they are having on their efforts!
In order to BE healthy and release weight, you must align all parts of yourself, including your words and vision of who you are. You must be able to see yourself as you want to be, believe in your ability to be successful, speak it, feel the emotions you will be feeling once you have achieved your goals and then hold that vision in your mind. Then over time, among other things, you’ll notice you begin to crave healthy foods and possibly desire to exercise more frequently, thus enabling you to BE more and more health conscious.
Guided imagery works:
Guided imagery, in general, has been used by athletes since the 1980s and researchers have found the study of why and how it works very interesting. They’ve discovered that your brain does NOT know the difference between you vividly imagining something or actually doing that same activity.
So, in effect, you are training your brain, in advance, to do the activity that you desire. It could be executing a perfect golf swing, making a sale, meeting new contacts at a networking event or releasing the excess fat from your cells.
In fact, current published research supports the use of guided imagery for weight loss. Several studies suggest that people that listen to a weight loss guided imagery tape or CD, while participating in a weight reduction program, lose an average of twice as many pounds as their counterparts that listen to music only.
My clients that used a guided imagery CD during a 9 day cleanse that I occasionally recommend, consistently lost 3 more pounds during the 9 days than their counterparts who choose not to use guided imagery. So this technique can help you release unwanted pounds easily and effortlessly.
Guided imagery tips:
It is best to listen to guided imagery for at least 20 minutes daily, for 21 days, to ensure that you’re absorbing all of the information. It does not matter if you fall asleep while listening, the images are still received by your subconscious. As you keep forming these pleasant mental pictures, seeing yourself energetic and at your goal weight, you’ll find yourself more motivated to make them a reality.
To prepare for your listening experience, loosen your clothing, take off your shoes and sit comfortably in a chair or lie down on your bed. Dim the lights, if you prefer. Close your eyes and take in a few deep breaths. Start your guided imagery CD/tape. As you relax your mind and body, you become more receptive to the mental stimuli given and less critical of the information as it filters into your subconscious.
Guided imagery continues working:
My clients use their image of themselves at their goal weight to help stay on track and make healthy choices. You can do that, too. The image should invoke all of your senses in helping you to achieve your weight management goal. Consequently, the more vividly you imagine, the more powerful its impact. Try this, when you are in a situation where you are about to eat something you know is not the best choice, relax for about 30 seconds and recall your guided imagery. Remember what you looked like and how you felt at your goal weight. Then say an affirmation, such as “I make healthy food choices.” about 10 times. In fact, many people do this every time they sit down to eat. This tip can help you eat more sensibly and reinforce your commitment to releasing weight.
Guided imagery success:
I’ve used the Transformations Trilogy – Body CD to support my clients’ efforts at releasing weight and have found it to be a very effective tool. Some comments from regular listeners include:
“The messages come back to me during the day….when I’m about to reach for something I shouldn’t have, I hear myself say “I make healthy food choices. So I stop myself.”
“This is also helping my self-esteem. I’m starting to see myself as I want to be again.”
“I look forward to this every evening. When I miss it, I can really see a difference.”
“This imagery CD has even helped me sleep better. I find that I sleep like a rock after listening.”
