Meditation and Weight Loss

   Three years ago, if someone had told me that just breathing deeply would help me to lose all of my pregnancy weight and then some, I would have laughed at them. Breathing? What does breathing have to do with weightloss? Well, I can now tell you as I sit here 35 pounds thinner then I was three years ago that deep breathing or meditation can be the thing that helps you to lose those stubburn pounds.

   I know this sounds like an infommercial, but really just taking 15 to 20 minutes a day and doing some breathing exercises or being still with your breath can aid your weightloss efforts. How? Well, first off, some of us are overweight because we eat too much and don't exercise enough. All of us have the best intentions to eat healthier and get off the couch, but we lack the motivation. That's where meditation can come in. Taking 15 minutes each day to concentrate on your breath, slow down your chattering mind, can help you to find that motivation and kick start your weightloss journey. Stress is a well known factor in weight gain. Stress releases the chemical Cortisol which aids in increasing belly fat. Meditation helps to ease stress and lower Cortisol levels. It's that simple. Less stress, less stressful eating. less weight. And with less stress, you are apt to make better food choices and have more energy for possibly taking that walk you have been putting off. Here are some pointers to get you started:

1. Find 15 minutes in your day to sit alone and breathe. Start with a simple breathing pattern. Inhale for a silent slow count of four, exhale for a silent slow count of eight and continue the pattern concentrating on your breath and the counting.

2. Why not try a walking meditation. Burn calories, reduce stress and reduce Cortisol levels. As you go for your daily walk, concentrate on each step. Feel each part of your foot as it hits the pavement or trail, feel the sensation of your foot pushing off the ground and the other making contact. Clear your mind as you occupy your thoughts with your steps.

3. Lastly, when you find yourself in stressful situations, take the time to breathe your way through it. The more you remember to do it, the easier it will get and you will start to notice the cumulative affect.

I recommend going out and finding some books on meditation or finding some websites that can teach you some different ways to slow down and breathe. You will reach your weight loss and fitness goals one deep breath at a time.