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What is Holistic Weight Loss?

Helena Reimer
Helena Reimer

Holistic weight loss utilizes different methods of healing that promote natural weight loss by healing both the body and mind. The techniques involve detoxifying the body, hypnotherapy, meditation, exercise, herbal remedies and holistic weight loss supplements. During the program, the body is cleansed from harmful toxins to help jump-start the weight loss process. Then a healthy diet is implemented, which might include the use of diet pills or supplements. The mind is also cleared from negative emotions, stress and other factors that hinder the body's ability to lose weight.

Studies show that a toxic body can slow down the weight loss process and in some cases can make it nearly impossible to lose weight. Therefore, a holistic approach might be helpful because it helps rid the body of those harmful toxins. The colon is usually considered the best place to start, because that is where the most toxins accumulate. After that, other organs such as the kidneys, liver and blood also can be cleansed in order for better health and quicker weight loss results. Weight loss cleansing can be done with a detox diet or a cleansing kit.

Green tea can boost metabolism, which is good for weight loss.
Green tea can boost metabolism, which is good for weight loss.

After the body is cleansed, a healthy diet and plenty of fluids are essential to help keep the body clean. Holistic weight loss supplements or herbal weight loss remedies can be used to help restore nutrients back to the body. Proper nutrients are important because they help the body combat food cravings. Enzyme supplements also help in holistic weight loss, because they can help improve digestion, burn fat and increase energy levels. Herbal weight loss remedies might include green tea, cayenne pepper and bitter orange.

A holistic weight loss plan can rid the body of toxins and help promote weight loss.
A holistic weight loss plan can rid the body of toxins and help promote weight loss.

Hypnotherapy is another holistic approach that can help in natural weight loss. It helps to break unhealthy eating habits and replaces them with healthy habits that will help with weight loss. Studies have shown that stress and emotional problems can determine the choice of foods as well as the amount of food that is consumed. Meditation and hypnotherapy techniques can help eliminate those negative feelings and restore a healthy relationship between emotions and food.

Hypnotherapy can use the hypnotized state to instill a change in thinking concerning unhealthy eating habits.
Hypnotherapy can use the hypnotized state to instill a change in thinking concerning unhealthy eating habits.

Another effective strategy for holistic weight loss is exercise. Breaking a sweat several times per week can help eliminate toxins via the sweating mechanism. Energy levels are also increased, because the body is able to convert food into energy faster with regular exercise. Additionally, exercise can help numb emotional or physical pain by releasing natural endorphins into the body.

Discussion Comments

pleonasm

@pastanaga - A logical approach is what I like best when people are trying to incorporate holistic principles into a weight loss program.

One good thing to remember when approaching weight loss from a holistic angle is that the popular notion of the ideal body shape is probably not going to be your ideal body shape, and weight loss isn't really what you should be aiming for. Health is a much better goal when applying holistic principles, as it is something you can aim for that benefits everything, and it makes sense to use everything to accomplish it.

pastanaga

@irontoenail - Holism is good in theory, but in practice I think the word describes something a little bit too general to be of much use though. Healthy weight loss happens when you eat a nutritious, balanced diet and do a variety of exercise.

Now, some people might just need to stop drinking a large, fancy coffee each day to cut enough calories. Some people might need to go for a walk rather than sit on Facebook for an hour. And some people might need intensive counseling or long sessions of meditation.

Any of these approaches might be included under a holistic banner, as well as other approaches which might not contain so much common sense. Don't feel like you have to do anything that doesn't feel right to you in order to lose weight or be considered holistic.

Holism just means considering and including your whole mind and body in an enterprise and doesn't necessarily mean using the latest herbal supplements or meditation techniques.

irontoenail

I think it's always a very good idea to keep in mind holistic principles no matter what you're trying to achieve, but particularly with anything to do with the body. Even the best weight loss program isn't going to help you in the long term unless you are able to stick to it, and incorporate it into your life and you won't be able to do that unless you change your mind and habits.

It might not amount to quick weight loss, but it will hopefully help you to maintain it over a longer period of time.

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    • Green tea can boost metabolism, which is good for weight loss.
      By: NataliTerr
      Green tea can boost metabolism, which is good for weight loss.
    • A holistic weight loss plan can rid the body of toxins and help promote weight loss.
      By: Elenathewise
      A holistic weight loss plan can rid the body of toxins and help promote weight loss.
    • Hypnotherapy can use the hypnotized state to instill a change in thinking concerning unhealthy eating habits.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Hypnotherapy can use the hypnotized state to instill a change in thinking concerning unhealthy eating habits.
    • Spirulina is a highly nutritious herbal supplement that can be incorporated into a holistic weight loss regime.
      By: monamakela.com
      Spirulina is a highly nutritious herbal supplement that can be incorporated into a holistic weight loss regime.
    • Maintaining healthy eating habits and a routine exercise program will likely aid any weight loss endeavor.
      By: Lsantilli
      Maintaining healthy eating habits and a routine exercise program will likely aid any weight loss endeavor.