If you’re like millions of Americans, the start of 2013 means it’s time to get serious about shedding those excess pounds. Losing weight is one of the top New Year’s resolutions people make every year. In fact, about 38 percent of those who make New Year’s resolutions include weight-related goals on their list. While people may feel enthusiastic early in the process, many of them give up on themselves and their dreams for a slimmer body in a short period of time regardless of the weight loss or exercise strategy they try.
You can avoid being one of the people whose goals fall by the wayside by learning how to use emotional freedom techniques (EFT) — also called tapping. EFT is a self-help technique that uses ancient acupressure principles and modern psychology to provide relief from a host of emotional and physical problems. When using EFT, you'll say some simple statements that relate to the issue you’re working on while tapping on some of the body’s acupressure and acupuncture points.
You can use EFT to target some of the negative feelings and beliefs that make it so difficult to lose weight and eliminate or reduce the power they have over you.
Some of the issues you can tap on include:
- Feelings about your body
- Blaming yourself for gaining weight
- Childhood messages about weight
- Painful experiences you’ve had because of your weight
- Limiting beliefs that keep you overweight
- How those excess pounds might be protecting you
- Cravings
- Resistance to exercise
- Lack of motivation
You can learn to use EFT instead of food to manage uncomfortable emotions and to tap in positive statements to help energize your efforts. EFT works with any diet or fitness program. Some people who use EFT don’t follow any specific weight loss plan they just naturally make healthier choices.
Here’s an example of a tapping script you can use to manage cravings. You can change any of the statements to better reflect what you think and feel. Start with three set up statements that acknowledge your cravings and affirm the way you’d rather feel. Then say the remaining statements while tapping through the EFT points. Tap on each point 7-9 times. (Click here to see a diagram of the tapping points.) Continue tapping on the negative emotions and feelings you have until your cravings start diminishing. Then you can progress to the positive statements.
Even though I want to eat this right now, I know I don’t really need it.
Even though this craving feels overwhelming, I can accept that I’m struggling with this.
Even though I usually give in when I feel these cravings, I’m going to tap through these feelings.
This craving feels overwhelming.
I feel like I really need to eat this right now.
It won’t really make a difference, will it?
I often give in when I have these cravings.
I feel like I have no control.
I hate feeling this way.
When I give in, I usually feel bad about myself.
I really want to eat this right now.
(Positive round)
The craving is already fading.
I don’t have to eat this right now.
I can feel better physically and emotionally without eating this.
I’m listening to my body.
I’m ready to make healthier choices.
It's exciting to know I don’t have to give in.
I’m so proud of myself for tapping though this craving.
I don’t even want to eat that right now.
The Center for Health Promotion at Concord Hospital is offering a Lose Weight with EFT class to help you start the year off right. You can learn EFT and get the support you need to make 2013 the year you stick with your New Year’s resolution and take charge of your weight!
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