Weight loss is more than just a physical transformation; it's a journey that encompasses both the body and the soul.
My journey began with a moment of self-reflection, a realization that my physical health was intricately linked to my overall well-being. The last time I had lost weight was close to 10 years ago, when I basically ran every night and followed a strict diet regime. Since then, the perseverance slowed down, coupled by sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits and my weight has taken a huge U-Turn.
I yearned for change. Starting my journey towards a healthier life wasn't about counting calories or hitting the gym every day. It began with a simple realization: I wanted to feel better in my own skin. I hope to achieve a healthier and happier version of myself, this time round with an aromatic ally – essential oils. Essential oils, with their uplifting and motivating aromas, became my companions in the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. I've discovered that beyond the physical aspects of weight loss, managing appetite and emotional well-being plays a crucial role in achieving a balanced and sustainable journey.
Looking into the fundamentals of weight loss, like snacking too much, not getting enough sleep, and dealing with stress, I've explored how essential oils, when coupled with lifestyle changes, can be a holistic approach to achieving my own fitness goals.
Citrus oils like grapefruit and lime helped greatly in my overall diet. It might sound surprising, but these simple scents actually helped me eat less. Research has shown that inhaling these oils might make you less hungry [1]. The fresh and lively smells lifted me up and made me feel full, stopping me from snacking when I didn't need to. Funny as it sounds, it's like my nose controlling my cravings.
Emotional eating, often triggered by stress, is a formidable obstacle on the path to weight loss.
When stress steered me towards emotional eating, Lavender essential oil, with its calming powers, came to my rescue. Inhaling its sweet floral smell was like taking the stress sensors off my head. Fundamentally, calming stress and anxiety makes it easier to resist grabbing snacks for comfort. Getting enough sleep is like a secret weapon in weight loss, and diffusing lavender at night helps me catch those Zs.
Peppermint oil is like a superhero for stopping those cravings, especially for sweets. It helps you control the urge to eat too much. There's even a study that found smelling peppermint oil every 2 hours really works in making you less hungry and wanting snacks less [2]. People in the study were able to eat fewer calories, which is great for losing weight.
The cooling menthol in peppermint is like a natural muscle relaxer and stress-buster. It helps you relax when you're feeling anxious. Since stress can make you gain weight, peppermint is like a double hero – it stops cravings and helps you stay calm. It's a win-win!
And here's a bonus: I swim a lot and do resistance training. Mixing up a peppermint body wash adds an extra burst of refreshment to my routine. Applying peppermint diluted with fractionated coconut oil directly on my muscles acts like a soothing massage for those post-workout aches.
Using essential oils for weight loss is like creating a pleasant melody for your well-being. These lovely scents not only smell good but also help you be mindful about what you eat. As you try different essential oils on your weight loss journey, pick the ones you like, and let their gentle smells guide you to a healthier way of eating. May your journey be filled with nice scents, and may these essential oils help you reach your weight loss goals.
References:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073409/
[2] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/247357832_Effects_of_peppermint_scent_on_appetite_control_and_caloric_intake