I chose dietetics and nutrition because they study the set of rules that guide the human nutrition by integrating a cultural dimension linked to food practices. Dietetics and nutrition are the most natural means to maintain or regain one’s weight, to preserve or improve one’s health. Moreover, this professional practice intervenes in various sectors and allows a wide choice of exercises (private, clinical, hospital, interventions in professional and school environments, implementation of educational projects…) while being linked to the medical and paramedical field for which I have a particular interest.
At the same time, I turned to hypnosis, specializing in eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, addictions…). It is for me an essential field for the quality and the follow-ups of my dietetic care. This set allows a balance of body and mind healthily and sustainably, avoiding drastic diets, deprivation, and facilitating the achievement of its objectives.
In the practice of Ericksonian hypnosis, which is a form of hypnosis of suggestibility, I simply accompany myself to find the necessary resources within oneself through rich and personalized sessions. I work on all kinds of addictions (alcohol, tobacco, food…), sleep disorders, stress, self-confidence, trauma, chronic pain, support for specific populations (pregnant women, athletes…), but also and simply on emotional well-being by working with the body and mind.
The consultations last one hour. We establish together a data collection and then a food plan adapted to the objectives set beforehand. Following this, a hypnosis session related to food can be proposed. Obviously, it will be necessary to establish regular follow-ups with or without associated hypnosis sessions according to the patient’s request.
The most common eating disorders encountered in Mauritius are, without hesitation, compulsive eating, that is to say: a state of mind that induces the intake of food more or less fatty/sweet and caloric outside meals. But also, dietary imbalances with a bad diet, too rich, poor in fiber, thus generating metabolic disorders: overweight, obesity, diabetes, cholesterol …
For the people who work from home, I would advise the people working from home to eat complete and balanced meals at regular mealtime and to avoid snacking. It is important to remember to drink enough water between meals and allow yourself a healthy snack if necessary. My last piece of advice is to practice regular physical activity to avoid a sedentary lifestyle and therefore gain weight.
8 rules to follow for a healthy and balanced diet
1: Limit processed foods
Limit the food of industrial origin, source of sugar, and additives. In addition, these foods are often pre-digested, extruded, excessively heated, soft, which can lead to health problems in the long run. It is also important to know that processed foods can contain high levels of undesirable and toxic substances.
2: Eat more than half of your food in plant form
This rule states that more than half of your food, by weight, should be consumed in the form of raw, dried, fermented, or cooked plant foods; this diet is perfectly in tune with our digestive physiology and our intestinal microbiota, i.e. the “good” bacteria that live within us and contribute to our health. By following this rule, you also optimize your fiber intake. Found in fresh or dried vegetables and fruit, cereals, and pulses, fiber influences blood sugar levels and transit.
3: Choose foods with low-calorie density
Calorie density is the number of calories per gram of food. Choose foods with low-calorie density, i.e. those that provide you with a lot of matter but few calories: soups, salads, raw vegetables, fruits, plants in general. You’ll feel fuller faster.
4: Choose foods with high nutritional density
The more nutritionally dense a food is, the more vitamins and minerals it contains for a given number of calories. This means that by eating them rather than others that provide empty “calories”, you are providing your body with the micronutrients it needs to perform at its best. Examples of empty calories: sodas, chocolate bars, chips, crackers, refined foods, fast food.
5: Choose food rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants in food help protect cells and tissues from the aggression of toxic particles – free radicals, partly responsible for aging and degenerative diseases. Antioxidants are present in many foods: red fruits, nuts, hazelnuts…
6: Choose foods with a low glycemic index
Foods with a low glycemic index (GI) do not raise blood sugar very much. Compared to other foods with a high GI, this means that they prevent weight gain, slow down aging and prevent diabetes and certain cancers. So choose foods and even meals with a low or moderate GI.
7: Balance dietary fats
Some fats limit inflammation, prevent bad cholesterol and help keep your spirits up. We, therefore, prefer vegetable fats (rapeseed, sunflower, olive, nuts, avocado, oleaginous fruits) and good animal fats (fatty fish).
8: Reduce sodium
The current diet is too rich in table salt. This can lead to high blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Avoid adding too much salt to your dishes and prefer to add herbs and spices to enhance the taste. Watch out for cheeses, cold cuts, and canned food rich in salt.
