Brides-to-Be: Try the "Metaphysical Diet"
It's wedding season and brides all around the world are focused on one of the most important aspects of the big day - looking fabulous! I just learned about "The Metaphysical Diet," from Steven E. Hodes, M.D., and thought you might like to try!
Dr. Steve is a board certified gastroenterologist with over 25 years private practice and author of the forthcoming book, Meta-Physician On Call. He’s devoted himself to speaking and writing about metaphysics and healing, with an eye toward helping people regain their health, strength and the ability to explore life’s challenges from as more spiritual perspective.
He's given us permission to share his practical, yet spiritual tips for weight loss.
Try The Metaphysical Diet
By Steven E. Hodes, M.D.
As a gastroenterologist, people ask me for diet advice constantly. They want to know the fastest, easiest way to slim down. Sorry to say, there is no “magic pill.”
The solution to the problem of weight control involves understanding the interaction of body, mind and spirit. Even with this awareness, however, it is necessary to understand and examine the practical and scientifically based perspective on managing weight.
I am not a fan of ‘fad’ diets. There are basic scientific truths which govern the way our bodies function and we should be aware of them: consumption of more calories than one can expend in physical activity results in weight gain. Conversely, the opposite is true for weight loss. Fat contains more calories than protein or carbohydrates -- Per gram of weight – that’s why fatty foods make us fatter.
There is an element of truth behind the anti-carbohydrate mania we see in today’s diets—elevation of blood sugar activates insulin which adds fat to our bodies - but I do not agree with the extreme version of the Atkins diet in which carbohydrates are regarded as “poison.”
Our problem with weight control in this country is actually quite simple—we eat too much!
The amount of food we consume at each meal, and in between, equates with an inordinate, inappropriate amount of calories. If the basic science behind weight control is so simple, why are so many of us overweight? I believe it works like this:
When we feel energetically depleted—physically, emotionally, spiritually—we often seek to restore our sense of well-being and energy through eating. It is the simplest most basic of all human activities. Unfortunately, food will not restore what we are missing – if the real malady is we are physically fatigued, emotionally frustrated or depleted, or spiritually spent.
Some of us are just worn out by carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders and we are under the illusion we can only find solace in comfort food and over-eating. Thus, we pack on physical and metaphysical weight. If you are ready to let go of physical and energetic obesity, here is my special metaphysical diet.
Dr. Steve’s Prescriptions:
Begin your day with a cup of gratitude. It can be instant, or something you’ve brewed all night by going to sleep with gratitude in your thoughts and dreams. Awaken with the awareness that this new day is a gift to you, an opportunity to transform your self and your life in everyway possible.
Enjoy a plateful of possibility. If you could create a day filled with anything your heart’s desires, what would it be? It begins with an empty plate that you can fill with your intentions. Be open to what will fulfill your true needs.
Have a spoonful of metaphysical medicine. Realize that the emptiness that you are trying to fill with food is a sign that you need to examine those aspects of your life that are depleting you of energy—is it time to change jobs, relationships, goals? Or is the problem your attitude about each one of them? The only way to satiate this ‘hunger’ is to make positive changes and create new goals.
Fill your bowl with silence. Clear you mind of worries for a moment. Just be still and savor the silence. Don't speak or turn on the TV or radio or iPod. Don't blast your mind with diverting sounds or fill your morning with chaos. Allow the time to fearlessly meditate and still your mind.
Welcome a guest to the table—your spiritual Self. Your spiritual nature is too often pushed aside by the chaos of your mind. The hassles of existence drown out the still, small voice within. Allow your Higher Self to come to the table and help begin your day with a sense of balance.
Take each bite with mindfulness. Stay present as you eat. Be aware of each bite, how your muscles move, how your teeth chew. Be aware of the taste. Feel the food sliding down your throat, into your esophagus, and toward your gut. Visualize life-giving energy in each morsel of food. Be aware of each mouthful—feel yourself filling your inner needs with grace and light. You will become aware of how much less food your really need to be satiated. Breathe in and out and pay attention to your breath as well.
Add this mindful approach to your health and weight control program and your will find yourself becoming much slimmer--in mind and body.
Contact Dr. Steve at www.meta-md.com.
© Steven E. Hodes, M.D
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