The Sagging Economy Can Sag Your Waistline States Ferguson & Associates Hypnotherapy

St. Charles, MO, June 25, 2008 --(PR.com)-- As the economy turns for the worse so can eating habits because when people feel bad, they eat to feel better. The weight loss industry generates $40 billion per year yet all those diet pills, plans and pre-packaged foods will only treat the symptoms, not the cause of emotional over eating and weight gain.

“We are taught as children that food will help us feel better” said Drew Ferguson, a Certified Hypnotherapist specializing in health issues. “Think back; you come home from a bad day at school, there’s Mom and oh, goody, she’s going to help you feel better. How…usually with cookies or your favorite snack. You may no longer live at home with mom, but that bag of cookies is still there after your hard day at work.”

It’s estimated that up to 75% of the time people eat it is because of emotions, not hunger and nutrition. “We let our clients know that an occasional dive into comfort food can be a welcome respite. It’s when they emotionally over eat for 3 weeks or longer that a habit for weight gain is beginning” says Dawn Ferguson, co-owner of Ferguson & Associates Hypnotherapy LLC.

So, what to do when rising gas prices set up emotional over eating? According to the Ferguson’s there are 3 steps that can help with emotional over eating.

1. Know emotional eating triggers before they show up. If going to the grocery store gives the client acid indigestion that can only be soothed by ice cream, the first step is awareness.

2. When something trips that emotional trigger, choose to do a physical activity for a minimum of 60 seconds before indulging. Corresponding the activity with the emotion can help the over eater; angry or upset- toss around a pillow, lonely- call a friend, stressed- take a walk. Participating in a healthy physical activity before indulging can interrupt the emotional eating habit.

3. Find a support buddy or group. “Clients emotionally over eat because their emotions have no healthy outlet. Finding someone who can listen to them and encourage them to meet their goals can be what they are missing. This won’t be found in the bottom of a bag of cookies” states Dawn Ferguson.

Ferguson & Associates Hypnotherapy LLC sponsors a Free Women’s Weight Reduction Group that meets monthly at their St. Charles office, 2101 Collier Corporate Parkway, St. Charles, MO 63303. They also conduct private weight reduction/health improvement sessions for men and women.

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