How Meditation May Help with Weight Loss

Meditation is gaining popularity with times. What most people may not be aware of  is its ability to have a positive impact on weight loss. efforts. Scientific research on the effects of meditation on the brain indicate that meditation helps the rational brain to curb the emotional brain more effectively. The rational brain is also known as the cold system. The emotional brain is our primitive reptilian brain, also known as the hot system.

Some individuals may be helped by counting from 1 to 10 when faced with an emotional impulse. This was elaborated in an earlier article on the reptilian brain.

Counting 1 to 10 may help certain individuals curb an emotional impulse such as eating junk food. A person who meditates will more easily and effectively overcome this emotional impulse. Someone who does not meditate could still use the  technique of counting from 1 to 10  but will require more will power. Meditation may actually increase the ability of the rational brain to more effectively curb the emotional brain.  This means less will power is required to accomplish the same task.

This obviously would lead to better self-discipline as far as compliance to a weight loss program is concerned. When trying to lose weight, one not only needs to curb a negative impulses but also overcome inertia and lethargy to do exercise on a regular interval. Here the emotional brain, which is designed for survival, has to be overcome with will power to take action. Meditation reduces the amount of willpower required. Therefore the chances of success in complying with the exercise requirements are higher.

The emotional brain tries to sabotage any weight loss efforts. Meditation increases clarity of thought of the rational brain. As such one could more clearly recall the reasons as to why they are trying to lose weight in the first place. This will lead to better compliance and better results.

Instead of just hard work, it may make more sense to work smart by incorporating meditation into a weight loss program.

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[Via http://correct-weight-loss.net]

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