Visualization for Weight Loss -The Gabriel Method

Part I: The Principles

programmed to do whatever it can to protect you, but the only types of threats your body understands are physical threats, not emotional ones. So when you are upset emotionally, your body actually thinks you are in danger physically . To your body, “threat” means that either something is attack- ing you, or that you are possibly starving or freezing to death. Mental and emotional threats can sometimes produce the same chemical signals in your body that starving and freezing pro- duce. When this happens, your body gets confused into thinking that you need to be fat in order to be safe, thus activating the FAT Programs. Here are some examples of mental and emotional threats that can confuse your body into thinking that being fat can help keep you safe: Mental Starvation: Your body only understands one form of starvation and that is physical starvation, but you can also be starving in a mental or emotional sense. For example, you can be starving for love, fun, joy, intimacy, life experiences, or a deeper spiritual connection. All of these mental and emotional longings can cause the same chemical signals in your brain that physical starvation causes. These signals can all activate the FAT Programs. Fear of Scarcity: The fear of not having enough money or of los- ing something you value can send a message to your body that resources are limited, but the only resource your body under- stands is food. As far as your body is concerned, it’s the only thing you can save. Any fear that resources may become limited is interpreted as fear of famine. If the body thinks a famine is coming, it will want to stock up on as much fat as possible. Emotional Obesity: You may not be aware of it consciously, but if at some level you have made the association that being fat makes you feel safer, or that it is in some way serving an emotional need, you have “emotional obesity.” This is one of those instances where your body is getting it right. In this case, your body really is protecting you; it is making you feel safer emotionally.

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