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Goddess Gift Newsletter
Try a
Metaphysical Diet
By Steven E. Hodes, MD
As a gastroenterologist, people ask me for diet advice
constantly. Whether it’s the patients in my practice or people I meet at
cocktail parties, everyone wants to know if there is a simple solution
to cure weight issues.
Sorry to say, there is no “magic pill” because the
solution to the problem of weight control involves understanding the
interaction of body, mind and spirit. Even with this awareness, however,
it is necessary to understand and examine the practical and
scientifically based perspective on managing our weight.
I am not a fan of ‘fad’ diets. I do not believe that
there is evidence that blood type, body type, astrological signs,
political affiliations, or sexual preferences will determine which diet
to follow. There are basic scientific truths which govern the way our
bodies function and we should be aware of them: consumption of more
calories than one can expend in physical activity results in weight
gain. Conversely, the opposite is true for weight loss.
Certainly there is an element of truth behind the
anti-carbohydrate mania we see in today’s diets—elevation of blood sugar
activates insulin which adds fat to our bodies. But I am not a fan of
the extreme version of the Atkins diet in which carbohydrates are
regarded as poison. This approach essentially creates—ketosis, a
condition in which fats breakdown, releasing acids and ketones which
inhibit one’s appetite but result in an abnormal metabolic state. More
moderate approaches to carbohydrate reduction make sense.
Per gram of weight, fat contains more calories than
protein or carbohydrates. That is why fatty foods make us fatter. Our
problem with weight control in this country is actually quite simple to
understand—we eat too much! The amount of food we consume at each meal
and in between meals equates with an inordinate, inappropriate amount of
calories. Those ‘diets’ for which Americans spend millions of dollars
per year which work essentially allows us to eat everything, even those
‘evil’ carbohydrates and fats, just in smaller quantities.
Fiber is my personally favorite recommendation—it is
filling, it adds bulk to our bowel movements and is a natural ‘colon
cleanser’. Just be aware, it will also turn us into a natural gas
resource!
So if the basic science behind weight control is so
simple, why are so many of us overweight? I believe it works like this:
When we feel energetically depleted—physically,
emotionally, spiritually—we often seek to restore our sense of
well-being and energy through eating. It is the simplest most basic of
all human activities. Unfortunately, eating food will not restore what
we are missing. At times we are just physically fatigued, emotionally
frustrated or depleted, or spiritually spent -- and eating won’t help
that.
Are you worn out by carrying the
weight of the world on your shoulders -- worried about war, peace,
politics and terrorism? Are your own financial worries weighing your
down? Are you having difficulty lifting your frown into a smile without
forcing it? Are you so encumbered by fear and worry that you can only
find solace in comfort food and over-eating?
If you answer yes to even one of the above, it is quite
possible that you are also suffering from and overload of metaphysical
weight. If you are ready to let go of physical and energetic obesity,
here is my special metaphysical diet.
Dr. Steve’s
Prescription:
Begin your
day with a cup of gratitude.
It can be instant, or something you’ve brewed all night by going to
sleep with gratitude in your thoughts and dreams. Awaken with the
awareness that this new day is a gift to you. It is an opportunity to
transform your self and your life in everyway possible.
Enjoy a
plateful of possibility.
If you could create a day filled with anything your heart’s desires,
what would it be? It begins with an empty plate, brimming with the
virtual reality of your intention. Be open to what will fulfill your
true needs.
Have a
spoonful of intention, the metaphysical medicine. Realize
that the emptiness that you are trying to fill with food is a sign that
you need to examine those aspects of your life that are depleting you of
energy—is it time to change jobs, relationships, goals? Or is the
problem your attitude about each one of them? Realize that you will
never satiate this ‘hunger’ with food and that it is time to make
positive changes and create new intentions.
Fill your
bowl with silence.
Clear you
mind of worries for a moment. Just be still and savor the silence.
Don't speak. Don't turn on the TV or radio or iPod. Don't blast your
mind with diverting sounds. Don't be afraid. Allow the time to meditate
and still your mind instead of filling your morning with chaos.
Welcome a
guest to the table—your spiritual Self.
Your
spiritual nature is too often pushed aside by the chaos of your mind.
The hassles of existence drown out the still, small voice within. Allow
your Higher Self to come to the table and help begin your day with a
sense of balance and fullness.
Take each
bite with mindfulness.
Stay present as you eat. Be aware of each bite, how your muscles move,
how your teeth chew. Be aware of the taste. Don’t read, or watch TV or
listen to music or even engage in conversation. Feel the food sliding
down your throat, into your esophagus, and toward the abyss of your gut.
Visualize life-giving energy in each morsel of food. Be aware of each
mouthful—feel yourself filling your inner needs with grace and light.
You will become aware of how much less food your really need to be
satiated. Breathe in and out and pay attention to your breath as well.
Add this
mindful approach to your health and weight control program and your will
find yourself becoming much slimmer--in mind and body.
©
Steven E. Hodes, M.D
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Steven E.
Hodes, M.D. is a board certified gastroenterologist with over 25 years
private practice based in Edison and Old Bridge New Jersey. He received
his medical degree from The Albert
Einstein College of Medicine and
also has a degree in Religious Studies
from
Franklin and Marshall College.
In addition to his
medical practice, he has devoted himself to speaking and writing about
metaphysics and healing, with an eye toward helping people regain their
health, strength and the ability to explore life’s challenges from as
more spiritual perspective. His book, Meta-Physician On Call
,
was recently released. Visit him at www.meta-md.com.
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Goddess Gift
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