Aromatherapy has a wide variety of uses, such as relieving stress, raising energy levels and stimulating passion. Interestingly, aromatherapy is now being used for a different goal: losing weight. Recent studies have shown that food scents can be used to trick the body into feeling full with less food. As a result, these food scents are leading to successful weight loss. If you would like to lose weight with food scents, there are a few simple steps you should take.
Instructions
Steps To Lose Weight
1. Fill your common areas with a food scent that you love. Although many people think that being surrounded by their favorite foods scents will give them cravings and encourage them to eat more, studies have shown that the opposite is true. A study done at the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago found that food aromas can play a significant role in weight loss. In a study of more than 3,000 people, researchers found that when participants sniffed green apple, banana or peppermint scents when hit with food cravings, they averaged a five-pound weight loss per month. The brain is tricked into believing that you have already eaten the foods. The constant aroma of your favorite foods should help to decrease your food cravings and help you feel full longer. The scents that tend to work best are cinnamon, vanilla, fruits and peppermint.
2. Carry the food scent with you at all times and smell it whenever you are hit by a food craving. There are a variety of food scent products on the market that can be easily carried in a pocket or purse. Carry a small vial of essential oil or a small pouch of scented crystals. Some lip balms are even scented with various food aromas. Whenever you are hit with a food craving, take a few sniffs of the scent.
3. Sprinkle edible scented crystals on your food before eating. The Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation has developed a line of edible crystals that smell like cocoa, malt, spearmint, raspberry, strawberry, banana, taco, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, horseradish, onion and ranch dressing. The foundation claims that by sprinkling these edible crystals on everything you eat, you will trick your brain into thinking that you have eaten more than you actually have. Ultimately, these edible crystals should help you to avoid overeating. If you do not have edible crystals, consider sprinkling your foods with spices. These new scents should overwhelm your olfactory receptors and help you to feel full with less food.
4. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as this will also help with your weight-loss goals. Often, when we think we are hungry, we are simply craving water. Try adding zero-calorie flavor packets to your water. These flavor packets not only add a sweet and refreshing flavor to the water, but also provide a fresh scent. While drinking the flavored water, you are not only quenching your body's thirst, but are also triggering your body's smell receptors, tricking them into believing that you are consuming food.
Tags: edible crystals, food scent, food scents, weight loss, with food, believing that, favorite foods