Latest news with #hypnotherapy
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
I was sick of trying fad diets and not losing weight but now I've shed FIVE STONE without fat jabs or silly eating plans
A MUM who shed five stone through gastric band hypnotherapy has described the treatment as life-changing – saying it completely rewired her brain. Laura Bell dropped from a dress size 22 to a 14 without surgery or fad diets. 7 7 The 42-year-old, from Hertfordshire, spent years yo-yo-dieting and even considering going under the knife. Before committing to gastric band surgery, the mum-of-three decided to try hypnosis instead after a chance encounter with a hypnotherapy teacher. Incredibly, the therapy was a major success – seeing her go from 18.5st to 13.5st in a year. 'I was actually thinking about having a gastric band and surgery," Laura said. 'I thought, before having the gastric band, I'll try hypnosis.' Gastric band hypnosis is a therapy that uses guided relaxation and visualisation to make someone's mind believe they've actually had a gastric band fitted. It aims to help people feel full with smaller portions and change their eating habits. The four gastric band hypnosis sessions, which cost around £500, were spread over a week – and Laura says she saw immediate results. Each face-to-face session included deep relaxation, calming music and vivid visualisations – including the sounds and smells of the hospital. Laura explained: 'When you're doing the suggestions during the gastric band one, you envision you having the actual surgery. I lost almost a stone in just six days and here's the exact list of delicious meals I ate which never left me hungry 'The smell of Dettol to help you visualise being in hospital.' During the hypnosis, new suggestions were planted – like only eating until full and ditching snacks and alcohol. Laura added: 'When you're in the space between falling asleep – the bit where someone can plant new suggestions in your mind – such as you're going to drink more water, you're only going to eat until you're full, not use your tummy as a waste bin. 'When you wake up, your brain automatically believes that.' After just one session, Laura found herself reaching for soup instead of pizza at lunch. The mum says the technique left her only wanting small food portions and her cravings completely disappeared. 7 7 She said: 'We went for lunch and I went for the soup and not a pizza. I didn't want anything more. 'I'm not even thinking about crisps, cake or chocolate. I'm not interested. 'I've stopped drinking alcohol for the last year or so – it's empty calories. If I'm not having any of the other stuff, why would I have alcohol?' Laura now goes to the gym three to four times a week and says her energy has soared. She said: 'I feel like I've had a glow-up, my energy is so much better, and what I'm able to do with the children is so much better.' 7 7 But she still listens to monthly recordings from her hypnosis sessions to keep her mindset topped up. She said: 'I listen to them mainly once a month just to keep me topped up. 'Once the gastric band is done, then that is done.' Laura discovered the programme through a client as part of her work in strategy for small businesses. The hypnotherapy teacher invited her to join a workshop as part of her own self-care. Inspired by her own experience, Laura went on to become a qualified clinical hypnotherapist herself. What is gastric band hypnosis? GASTRIC band hypnosis is a psychological technique used for weight loss. It's a form of hypnotherapy that aims to convince the subconscious mind that you've had a gastric band surgically fitted around your stomach, even though no actual surgery takes place. The aims of sessions are to reduce portion sizes, encourage healthier eating habits and decrease food cravings, especially for unhealthy foods. Sessions are typically conducted by a trained hypnotherapist. Each face-to-face session includes deep relaxation, calming music and vivid visualisations – including that your stomach is now smaller and that you will feel full after eating less food. She now runs her own business helping others change their relationship with food. Laura said: 'I was at a pretty bad place when I started my hypnosis journey. 'I thought, enough was enough. I was going into my 40s, I was a mum of three co-parenting. 'I needed to do something that worked once and for all. 'I always yo-yoed with weight. 'I wanted to do something that would change my relationship with food forever where I could do it on autopilot and wasn't following a routine or anything.' Now Laura believes she's finally cracked it. She said: 'The hypnosis undoes all the things you've been told through tradition and society. 'It means when you are losing weight, you're doing it on autopilot, you're not even thinking about it. 'I've had a similar experience to if I'd had the actual gastric sleeve. 'I only eat when I'm hungry. 'I only have small portions and that was immediate – straight after I had my first session. 'I've forgotten my body shape has changed. 'I still buy the wrong size clothes or look at things and think there's no way I'm going to fit into them – but I do. 'It's been life-changing, to say the least.' How cutting out sugar can help you lose weight It might sound obvious, but cutting out sugar can help you lose weight - and this is why Reduced alorie intake: Sugar is calorie-dense but not nutrient-dense, meaning it provides a lot of calories without making you feel full. By cutting out sugar, you naturally reduce your overall caloric intake, which can create a calorie deficit and lead to weight loss. Lower Insulin Levels: Consuming sugar, especially in large amounts, causes spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to increased insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that promotes fat storage. By reducing sugar intake, you can help stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, making it easier for your body to burn fat. Decreased Cravings: Sugar can be addictive and lead to cravings for more sugary foods. By cutting it out, you may find that your cravings for unhealthy, high-calorie foods decrease, making it easier to stick to a healthier diet. Improved Satiety: Foods high in sugar are often low in fiber and protein, which are essential for feeling full and satisfied. By replacing sugary foods with more nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, you can increase your satiety and reduce overall calorie consumption. Better Nutrient Intake: When you cut out sugary foods, you often make room for more nutritious foods. This can improve your overall diet quality, providing your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally, which can support weight loss efforts. Reduced Fat Storage: High sugar intake, particularly from fructose, can lead to increased fat production in the liver, contributing to weight gain and obesity. Cutting out sugar helps to reduce this effect. Enhanced Metabolism: Reducing sugar can improve metabolic health, including better insulin sensitivity and lower risk of metabolic syndrome, which can facilitate weight loss. By cutting out sugar and replacing it with healthier options, you can create a more balanced and sustainable diet that supports weight loss and overall well-being.
Telegraph
28-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
I spent a month improving my gut health to see if it would calm my anxiety
The phrases 'gut instinct' and 'trust your gut' are born from so much more than a metaphorical flutter in your stomach. In fact, they have roots in the ancient understanding of the gut as a centre of instinct and emotion, with the ancient Greeks believing that the stomach was the seat of emotion. The idea of 'gut feeling' refers to our enteric nervous system – a complex network of neurons that line the walls of the gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes called the 'second brain', this network has over 100 million neurons (which, by the way, is more than your spinal cord) and can sense, process, and respond to information without checking in with your actual brain. Which means that sometimes, your gut really does know what's up before you do. So here is my theory: perhaps, as someone with a high-functioning anxiety disorder, I have been going wrong all these years in treating my 'first' brain, when I should have been treating my second. Since my 20s, I've had a hypersensitive nervous system, with the full spectrum of anxiety symptoms to go with it; adrenaline spikes at the most inconvenient, incongruous times, racing heart, dizzy spells, spiralling thoughts, nausea etc. I've tried pretty much everything to manage it, from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to hypnotherapy, meditation apps to anti-anxiety medication. Some things have worked better than others, but I have come to accept it's going to be an ongoing project, but I'm excited about my next tactic. But what does gut health have to do with anxiety? The connection between our gut and brain – otherwise known as the gut-brain axis – is a well-established but still evolving area of study, and recently it's been suggested that increasing your intake of probiotics – the live bacteria that help maintain a healthy gut microbiome – can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms, effectively acting as a form of nutritional psychiatry. It makes perfect sense when you understand that your gut bacteria can influence the release of the stress hormone cortisol, and a diverse and balanced biome helps produce mood-regulating chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. An imbalance can send distress signals to the brain, potentially fuelling anxiety. Naturally, I decided to test this theory out on myself, but I'd need some expert guidance in the form of registered nutritionist Jessica Shand, who would need a snapshot of my current gut health to get me started. What's happening in my gut? I took a StrideBiome test to establish a baseline for my microbiome. Stride uses advanced DNA sequencing to work out the diversity and balance of your gut bacteria (via an only mildly mortifying DIY stool sample), then produces a lab report with insights into which strains of bacteria you have and which you might be lacking. My results showed a few key imbalances, including low levels of anxiety-reducing strains Bifidobacterium and, most notably, a complete absence of Lactobacillus – another critical calming neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid-(GABA) -producing species that also helps to regulate cortisol, our primary stress hormone. Ah. So this might explain a few things. Armed with this knowledge, Shand helped me work out a gut-brain reset game plan. First up, supplements. She explained that not all probiotics are created equal when it comes to reducing anxiety. 'There are specific strains like the ones you're low on – Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum – that have been shown in some studies to reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve mood,' she told me. 'Research is still ongoing and findings can vary on specific, but these strains in probiotics may help modulate the gut-brain axis by reducing inflammation, influencing neurotransmitter production such as serotonin and dopamine, and enhancing gut lining integrity, all of which are thought to play roles in emotional regulation and therefore anxiety.' What the expert says Shand suggested the Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic, a standout in the probiotic world. It combines both prebiotics (the fibres that feed good bacteria) and probiotics (the beneficial bacteria themselves) in a single formulation. This is important because it ensures the probiotics can survive the journey through my digestive system and reach my colon, where they can actually make a difference to support not just digestive health, but also mental wellbeing. It's designed to replenish those missing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, boosting GABA production (a naturally occurring substance that's made by our bodies and helps promote relaxation and reduce anxiety) and regulating my cortisol response, therefore (potentially) helping to turn down my anxiety at its biological source. Translation: A science-backed shortcut to a more balanced microbiome, which, for someone like me, is wildly appealing. But it's not just about popping a daily pill. To truly support a healthy brain-gut axis, I need to create an environment where the good bacteria can thrive. That means making some dietary and lifestyle tweaks to set me on the best possible path. Having chatted honestly, Shand understands that I am not a card-carrying member of the Intensive Healthy Lifestyle Club, and so her advice is to make realistically achievable changes. To be sustainable, my habits need to be 'better than', rather than drastically overhauled, ie definitely not a strict overhaul that might add to my anxiety overwhelm. What aiming for 'better than' looks like 'Have the coffee! You're a mother of two young kids, just don't have it first thing in the morning as it will spike your cortisol levels,' Shand tells me. 'Drinking it after a protein-rich breakfast is more beneficial as the food intake primes the body and blunts the harsh impact of the caffeine.' This I can do. Even better, swap out the second or even third cup for a Sixways Hormone Balancing Decaf. ('It contains maitake functional mushroom plus inositol and vitamin B6 to support blood sugar balance and hormonal health, and I promise it doesn't taste of mushrooms!') A probiotic-rich diet isn't a million miles away from what I was eating before, but having a solid awareness of what I was consuming, and why, made me much more motivated to stick to it. A lot of the meals and recipes she suggested are already what I like to eat, just with some gut-loving substitutes. Shand advised me to incorporate a variety of plant-based, fibre-rich, and fermented foods into daily meals. Think kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, miso, and live yogurt, (the fermentation produces natural probiotics). Plus prebiotic fibres (the food that good bacteria thrive on), including garlic, onions, and bananas. My usual turkey mince bolognese is good, but a lentil ragu is better for an extra dose of fibre, supporting my digestion and therefore the growth of beneficial bacteria. A potato and spinach curry can be upgraded to a chickpea and cavolo nero, prebiotic one. Both, by the way, are delicious, comforting, hearty – just good, in all senses. So, for the next few weeks, I committed to this gut-reset protocol: Take probiotic supplements on an empty stomach. Eat more (delicious) probiotic-rich food. Cut down on (but not avoid entirely – see above) known gut disruptors like processed foods and alcohol, which can kill the good bacteria I'm trying desperately to cling on to. I struggled with this last step more than I'd like to admit, such is the constant battle of the overly anxious. Shand suggested swapping a mid-week wind-down glass of wine for Motherroot, a sort of sweet-spicy, alcohol-free alternative that actually supports digestion and stabilises blood sugar with a ginger and apple cider vinegar blend. I mix it with soda and actually love it for an after-kids bedtime treat. Also, just the idea that I am putting something good into my body rather than the guilt of another glass of wine does wonders to relieve my morning-after anxiety all on its own. It's not an immediate switch flip, but I stuck to the protocol for three solid months, and as the days turned into weeks, I started to notice subtle but significant shifts in my mood. The first, most notably, at a time when I'd feel the most overstimulated anxiety spike that would present as extreme impatience. Attempting to get my kids out the door so I could make the right train to get me to an important (therefore bonus anxiety-inducing) meeting on time. It was a subtle shift, like a small presence of kindness that allowed me to reason with myself, reason with my kids and extinguish the bomb threat that would've made the whole schedule meltdown. It could also have been the better sleep, which is another notable change. And so it continued. More often than not, mornings felt less like waking up with anxiety as my first involuntary thought, and more like a gradual stretch into the day. The daily urge to doom-scan and look for the things going wrong in my life (it sounds ridiculous, but will be familiar to anyone with anxiety) felt less prominent. I found myself approaching potentially stressful situations with a bit more patience and less catastrophic thinking. The verdict It wasn't always easy to stick to, and yes, I strayed back to the mid-week wine every so often when my resolve slipped. The hardest part is going out with friends because when presented with a menu that someone else is cooking, I will always be driven to order by my heart rather than my gut. And my heart invariably desires the most delicious, usually unhealthy thing. But Shand encouraged me to remember I'm going for 'better than', not gut perfection, so I decided not to let this cause me anxiety in itself. The benefits quickly outweighed any motivational negatives. Interestingly, my gut itself seemed to be responding too. Without getting too graphic, my digestion felt more 'efficient' and my bloating – a near-constant, very unwelcome guest – significantly reduced. While I'm not suggesting that a few spoonfuls of sauerkraut will cure anyone's anxiety disorder, the cumulative impact of the probiotic plus these small changes has been surprisingly profound, perhaps key to this particular project. It's hard to ignore the psychological lift that comes from simply feeling better in your own body and choices. I feel more resilient, a bit more hopeful, and at times when I'd previously noticed otherwise, have a kind of mental clarity. Of course, this is an ongoing journey rather than a magic bullet – it's never going to be as simple as popping a pill and waking up panic-free. Before I'd done this deep dive on my gut health, I knew – like most of us – that alcohol and eating junk food were causing spikes in my anxiety. I'd have a few glasses with friends on a Friday evening and wake up to either a full-blown panic attack or a traitorous guilt. But what this has taught me is how significant small, subtle and consistent dietary changes can be in improving your gut health and anxiety. The challenge becomes making these regular habits. Building a healthy gut is a long game; a mix of the right supplements, diverse plant fibres, fermented foods, and stress management techniques is a constant work in progress. Still, the idea that I might be able to influence my mood from the inside out – to literally feed my happiness – is a compelling one. There's something incredibly empowering about knowing I can influence my mental health whilst improving my overall health, since for me this experiment was about finding a more holistic approach that addresses the root causes rather than just the symptoms. And the logic, the science behind it, helps to act as an anchor too. For now, I'm trusting my gut – in the truest, most biological sense of the phrase – and am optimistic that this approach might be the missing piece in my personal anxiety puzzle. And if nothing else, my digestive system is certainly grateful.
Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Left turn could bear fruit for Greens' next leader
Sometimes in this gig a devotion to truth means you have to write something that makes you feel a bit dirty. Which is why, much as I may wish otherwise, I feel it is my solemn duty to start this column by pointing out that Zack Polanski, a likeable chap who wants to be the next leader of the Green Party, was formerly a Harley Street hypnotherapist who specialised in telling women they could increase the size of their breasts just by thinking about it. We don't really know how well this worked. The only case study I can find is when The Sun sent Kasie (32B) to have a go, apparently quite productively. 'Panic sets in,' she wrote, six days later. 'What if my
Associated Press
11-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
My Fit Mind Founder Jonathan Butler Reveals New Approach to Personal Transformation with BOOST Performance Coaching
Jonathan Butler of My Fit Mind introduces a unique approach to overcoming challenges such as anxiety, imposter syndrome, and low confidence using BOOST Performance Coaching and RTT Therapy. United Kingdom, May 11, 2025 -- Breaking Through Mental Barriers: The Power of BOOST Performance Coaching Jonathan Butler, founder of My Fit Mind, is reshaping the way individuals approach personal transformation. Known for his expertise in combining hypnotherapy with performance coaching, Butler's revolutionary BOOST Performance Coaching method is designed to help people break free from limiting beliefs and emotional barriers. This comprehensive approach offers a transformative experience by focusing on mindset reprogramming and strategic action. Drawing from his own life experiences, including overcoming chronic stress-related health conditions and corporate burnout, Jonathan Butler's coaching process has helped a diverse range of clients, from corporate professionals to athletes, rediscover their potential and step confidently into new chapters of their lives. The BOOST Performance Coaching method integrates neuroscience, behavior change, and elite performance psychology to deliver results that are not only quick but also lasting. Butler emphasizes that true transformation requires both deep belief in oneself and the right tools to make change. Through his work, clients gain access to a practical, actionable roadmap that helps them navigate challenges such as anxiety, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome while building unshakable confidence. An Approach Rooted in Personal Experience What sets Jonathan Butler apart from his peers in the coaching and therapy field is his deep connection to the challenges his clients face. Butler's own battle with burnout, anxiety, and stress-related physical ailments such as IBS, fibromyalgia, and eczema profoundly influenced his professional journey. After traditional treatments provided only temporary relief, Butler discovered the healing power of hypnotherapy, which not only helped him overcome his physical and emotional struggles but also sparked a complete life and career transformation. 'Understanding what it feels like to struggle with these issues gives me a unique perspective on how to help my clients. I don't just teach transformation; I've lived it,' Butler explains. 'When you've experienced deep burnout and physical health challenges, you understand the need for a holistic approach to healing—one that addresses both the mind and the body.' Harnessing the Power of RTT Therapy for Quick Results A critical component of Jonathan Butler's methodology is his use of Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT), a hybrid therapy approach that integrates the best elements of hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy, and neuro-linguistic programming. RTT allows individuals to access the root causes of their issues quickly and efficiently, helping them clear emotional and mental blocks that have been holding them back for years. Many of Butler's clients, including entrepreneurs, senior leaders, and sports professionals, have experienced profound changes in their personal and professional lives through RTT therapy combined with the BOOST Performance Coaching methodology. Whether overcoming anxiety, regaining self-confidence, or unlocking new levels of success, the results speak for themselves. Client Testimonials: A Proven Track Record of Success Jonathan Butler's work has earned praise from clients across various industries. One recent client, a corporate professional, shared their transformative experience: 'Working with Jonathan has been transformational for me. When we started, I was really struggling. I knew I had great experience and ability, but a series of difficult events knocked my belief and confidence. Jonathan helped me recover my belief and get my energy back to a level where other people could see the shift. Within a short time, I was able to land the job I wanted in the type of organization that I wanted to work for. His BOOST coaching methodology combined with hypnosis was invaluable. Where I once saw challenges, I now see opportunities, and I have the belief and know-how to navigate the complex landscape ahead.' Butler's clients often share stories of how his programs helped them overcome obstacles that seemed insurmountable before. His coaching has helped people reignite their passion and purpose, whether they are navigating career transitions or improving their personal lives. Expanding Reach: Online Course for Self-Hypnosis In addition to one-on-one coaching and therapy, Jonathan Butler has developed an online course for Self-Hypnosis, offering individuals the ability to tap into the power of hypnosis and mindset transformation from the comfort of their own homes. This course, part of Butler's continued mission to make his transformative tools more accessible, teaches individuals how to use self-hypnosis to overcome anxiety, build confidence, and unlock their potential. My Fit Mind: Best Online Hypnotherapist in the UK of 2025 We are pleased to share that My Fit Mind, led by Jonathan Butler, has been recognized as the Best Online Hypnotherapist in the UK of 2025. This prestigious recognition reflects Jonathan's expertise in helping individuals navigate challenges such as anxiety, low confidence, and life transitions. Through his integrated approach of mindset coaching and hypnotherapy, Jonathan strives to assist individuals in their personal growth journeys. Working with clients online in over 40 countries has enabled Butler to achieve the same powerful results working online as can be achieved in person. So people can access this deep expertise and experience regardless of where they are. About My Fit Mind Founded by Jonathan Butler, My Fit Mind is a holistic performance coaching and therapy business that helps individuals overcome challenges such as anxiety, low confidence, imposter syndrome, and stress-related physical ailments. Using a blend of hypnotherapy, RTT Therapy, and high-performance coaching methods, My Fit Mind empowers clients to break through limiting beliefs, unlock their potential, and achieve personal and professional success. Jonathan Butler is a certified Hypnotherapist and Hypnotic Coach with years of experience in transforming the lives of individuals and organizations. His approach is rooted in both personal experience and therapeutic expertise, making him a trusted guide for individuals looking to create lasting change. Media Contact Jonathan Butler Founder, My Fit Mind Email: [email protected] Contact Info: Name: Jonathan Butler Email: Send Email Organization: My Fit Mind Website: Release ID: 89159699 If you come across any problems, discrepancies, or concerns related to the content contained within this press release that necessitate action or if a press release requires takedown, we strongly encourage you to reach out without delay by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our committed team will be readily accessible round-the-clock to address your concerns within 8 hours and take appropriate actions to rectify identified issues or support with press release removals. 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