Meditation For Weight Loss By Megan Roosevelt, RDN & Founder of HealthyGroceryGirl.com Alarm - email - gym - coffee - commute - email - lunch meeting - email - commute - dinner - family - tv - snack - sleep - REPEAT… does this sound like your day, everyday? There is no denying that we are busy! Exercise and nutrition are key to a healthy weight and lifestyle, but did you know that meditation can also be a powerful weight loss tool? Meditation has been shown to assist in healthy weight loss not only because it can lower your blood pressure and help you de-stress, but also because it allows time for you to reflect on the choices you made that day and/or are going to make later in the day and week. We are often stuck in the hamster wheel of life, and taking time to slow down & be mindful about our choices can impact quality of life in a substantial way. If you’re new to meditation it may seem boring, or you may question how you could sit still without your phone for more than 5 minutes, or you may not feel confident that you are doing it correctly. The beauty of meditation is that it is your own practice and you can meditate when, where and how it works for you. Start by picking a place where you won’t be distracted. Sit in a position that is comfortable to you. Close your eyes. How are you? How do you feel? Are your shoulders tense? Relax your shoulders. Are you holding your breath? Take in a deep breath, let it go and repeat. Did you just just start thinking about your to-do list? Are you wondering how long you’ve been sitting here already? Let it go. What is important to you in life right now? What you are struggling with? If you are feeling tired, weak & stressed try replacing those feelings with positive words such as “I am strong, I am peaceful and I have stamina”. Repeat these words over and over to yourself. Do you notice any changes in how you feel or how you are sitting? You may find that you can only practice for a few minutes, and that’s ok! With consistency it will come easier and you may find yourself sneaking in moments of meditation throughout your day, such as when commuting to work or pausing for a meal. Meditation does not have to be sitting pretzel-style on the floor surrounded by candles and repeating affirmations… which you can totally do, too! The beauty of meditation is that you can do it almost anywhere; commuting to work, sitting in traffic, in the elevator, waiting in line at the grocery store or in the bathtub. Meditation is less about location and a specific position, and more about focusing on your breath, letting go of stressful thoughts and focusing on how you feel. Take time to consider positive thoughts or words and visualize what you want to accomplish or how you want to feel. If you’re still feeling unsure, try a guided meditation app. Listen to peaceful music, let your mind go blank and let go of stress or negative thoughts. Remember, meditation is about reducing stress, so don’t stress about doing it right! Meditation is a personal practice and as with nutrition & exercise, meditate in a way that is realistic for you. Consistency is what makes meditation a great weight loss tool, because over time it can help develop body awareness and improve mindfulness, which extends to mindful eating and overall healthier actions throughout the day. Get started with meditation today, and see just how amazing you can feel!