I grew up in very poor circumstances - we had a very meagre existence - but one thing we did have, was access to a very good market with not one, but two brilliant sweet stalls selling all manner of sweet, chewy special treats. My mum would go out shopping and come back with sweets for myself and my brother - and if we were upset or ill, had a trip to the dentist or the doctor, we would be rewarded with sweets.
Even today, when I am ill and return from the GP my natural inclination is to stop at the Village Shop and buy something sweet, to"make me feel better" or " because I deserve it".
As a Clinical Hypnotherapist, I know that chocolate and sugar addictions are very common and often the root cause of weight problems, not to mention life threatening conditions such as diabetes. Many people know that they will need help and support to overcome these addictions, but the idea of giving up something so lovely can be a step too far. It is easier to make up excuses than to make a lifestyle change.
When I was first training as a Clinical Hypnotherapist I also took a short course in EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). EFT is a therapy which involves tapping on the meridians of the body ( principally on the face and hand) whilst making positive statements about a problem or perceived problem. I remember that a group of us all tapped for our addiction to chocolate; it took about 10 minutes in total and I didn't touch chocolate again for something like 8-9 months.
This time I have combined EFT with self hypnosis. I have set myself the challenge of having a chocolate free 2012 and so far, so good.
It really is quite difficult to explain my new relationship with chocolate, toffee and Haribos. Whereas before Christmas I was regularly eating a couple of bars of chocolate or a whole bag of toffees ( Morrisons own brand chocolate eclairs being amongst my favourites) per day, I now have no interest in eating them. I do not crave the taste or the texture. The smell has no effect on me whatsoever. I find it easy to say no thanks when offered sweets and feel only disinterest when I am around them.
What I have noticed is that my tastebuds are recovering, so that I enjoy the sweetness of fruits again; mandarins and strawberries have easily replaced the chocolate eclairs. I have also noticed a difference in my skin and general energy levels.
The EFT, combined with self hypnosis, have worked perfectly for me and I would recommend this to anyone who wishes to disassociate themselves from chocolate or any other food issue.
Visit my website http://www.annestagghypnotherapy.co.uk/ for details of how to contact me.
I've done a 50 day challenge without chocolate too! well done on your accomplishment.
ReplyDelete