What is the Virtual Gastric Band and can hypnosis really help me to lose weight?

These are two of the most common questions I hear.

I have worked with thousands of people since starting my practice in 2011 so I have seen my fair share of success stories. Before my first experience with hypnosis I was a skeptic. It sounded too good to be true, however the results were astounding and I enrolled in a course to become a qualified hypnotherapist shortly after (which turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made!)

I now use hypnosis with clients daily and founded the Mind Body College where I train others to become a qualified practitioner.
Hypnosis is a powerful and effective way to create rapid, permanent change and throughout this article I will answer many frequently asked questions to assist you in feeling confident about taking that first step!

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a style of coaching that speaks directly with your unconscious mind. Our unconscious mind controls about 95% of our life including all physical processes within the body like digestion and breathing. The unconscious mind plays a role in determining how well we respond to stress, how we store emotions and memories and it controls many of our behaviours (including undesired ones). The prime objective of the unconscious mind is to protect us and keep us safe.

During a hypnosis session you will be guided into a relaxed state, your mind will be active and alert the entire time and YOU will be in control. The hypnotherapist is just a guide.

As you enter this relaxed state we can begin to speak directly with your unconscious mind, we can provide your mind with new ways of thinking, new ideas and new strategies so it can continue to help you in a way that allows you to get what you want.
When it comes to weight loss, many of the suggestions are taken onboard by the unconscious quickly and naturally which is what allows many people to make immediate, profound change.

After the initial session, clients often report that it was easy for them to create changes which in the past, they had always struggled to make.
Changes like; eating less, eating for health and nutrition rather than for comfort or as a reward, craving less unhelpful food and thinking less about food and eating become automatic behaviours.
Hypnosis is also a powerful way to help you manage stress which in turn, improves your resilience and allows you to have more control over your behaviours.

Who is Hypnosis for?

Hypnosis is for anyone who is ready to change. People of all ages respond well to hypnosis and EVERYONE can be hypnotised.

Some people are concerned that they cannot be hypnotised because they have a “strong mind” or find it difficult to “switch off”.

When working with a flexible practitioner, these things can be used to your advantage and you will find that you have a beautifully pleasant experience. Personally, I have not found these concerns to be a problem.

Can I do Sessions Online?
​
YES!

2020 has been the year of doing things differently. In March this year I began offering zoom consultations, I was hesitant at first but pleased to discover the results were just as fantastic. The comfort of being in your own environment coupled with not having to travel has made hypnosis more accessible to more people.

There are a few key things that will make your online consultation a huge success:

1. Make sure you are in an area of your house which is comfortable and quiet
2. Ask your family not to disturb you while you are in session
3. Ensure you are positioned in a way where I will be able to see you clearly during trance work
4. Aim to use comfortable, stereo headphones to maximise your experience

To date, I have not had any technical issues during a hypnosis session, however, if something was to happen you can easily bring yourself back to full awareness at anytime you like. Remember, YOU are in control.

What is the Virtual Gastric Band (VGB)

The VGB is one of the many techniques I use throughout a hypnotherapy for weight loss program.

This technique works by suggesting to your unconscious mind that a little band has been secured around the top part of your stomach.

Because the goal of the unconscious mind is to protect you and keep you safe (and because the unconscious mind doesn’t know what is real or imagined!) the safest thing for it to do is to reduce your appetite so you can begin to eat in accordance with the suggestions.

Unlike the surgical gastric band, there are NO unwanted side effects. Most people report that they feel fuller a lot faster, that they find themselves leaving food behind on their plate AND they think less about snacking in between meals.

What Other Techniques do you use?

In addition to hypnosis I use:

Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) - This is a style of conversational hypnosis that allows people to create rapid, permanent change without formal trance work.

Time Line Therapy® (TLT) - This is a powerful technique that can help people to release negative emotions and limiting beliefs. Quite often we hold onto beliefs that make our lives harder than they need to be, beliefs like “it’s hard for me to lose weight” “I always fall off the wagon” or “I will never get to my goal”. TLT is an efficient and permanent way to release these beliefs.

Nutrition Coaching - All hypnotherapy program include nutrition coaching and holistic weight loss support. I always work to ensure ALL underlying issues are addressed so your results can be long lasting. Some of the underlying issues we will work on include:

• Gut Health Issues
• Hormone Imbalance (thyroid, insulin, estrogen, etc)
• Fatigue
• Metabolic Issues
• Inflammation
• And more!

Functional Testing - As a naturopath and Gastric Band Hypnosis in Adelaide I have access to functional health testing. These tests give us a better insight into your health and can help us to uncover deeper issues.
If you have ever been told by your doctor that your blood results are “all good” but you feel otherwise, functional testing can help us to uncover what is really going on.

Is There Anything I Need to do Outside of the Session?

Yes.

In addition to the work we do in session you will be asked to listen to a hypnosis audio daily. The unconscious mind thrives on clear instructions and repetition. Daily use of the audio is a powerful way to ensure you achieve your result in the easiest way possible.

In addition to the hypnosis audio, you may be required to do other tasks that will support you in achieving your goal.
If you have any other questions, reach out and contact me. There are no silly questions and I am always happy to help.

If you are ready to achieve your health and weight loss goals, go ahead and book a free discovery call so you can learn more about how I can help

BOOK NOW

You can also tune into my podcast where I discuss hypnotherapy and all things weight loss. Check it out here: The Holistic Weight Loss Podcast

In the meantime, here is some feedback from some very successful clients!

“By the time I met Christina I was at my wits end! Endless fad diets, no energy, poor health and lack of self esteem. With her combined approach with a healthy eating plan and Virtual Gastric Banding hypnotherapy I have noticed great results in a very short period of time from losing kg to feeling so much better in myself. I highly recommend Christina, she is truly a caring professional (Hard to find nowadays) and non judgemental.

Christina I'm so excited having you to help me along my journey.  Your continual support and encouragement is empowering.

Thank you”

Denise M. - 5 Star Google Review
“I was stuck, not eating badly but couldn't get started to get motivated to stay on track. Thought I'd try the virtual gastric banding and from the first session was motivated and everything seemed to click into place. Christina is a great listener and very positive about helping and reassuring you that you can do it. Not only have I shifted kilos I am motivated, can say "no thanks",  feel great and am getting closer and closer to being the best I can be. The combination of hypnotherapy and eating plan works. Thank you Christina!”

Glenda W. - 5 Star Google Review

“I was at a point where I had tried every type of diet and shake going when I came across Christina's virtual gastric banding hypnosis. I decided to give it a try and it has worked wonders for me. Not only have I lost weight I have also changed my eating habits.
Christina has been very encouraging and supportive in my journey guiding and encouraging me. I still have a way to go but I feel so much more confident in being able to continue my weight loss journey and being able to enjoy the changes Christina has helped make in my life.
I know my grandkids will enjoy me being able to do more with them. Life is definitely looking brighter thanks to these changes I have been able to make.”

Tracey W. - 5 Star Google Review

“All I can say is WOW! Making that first contact with Christina was the best decision I have ever made. From the first phone call she was caring, professional and knowledgeable. Five weeks on I feel like a different person. I have a new passion for life, I feel energetic and in control of my future not to mention healthier and lighter. This has by far been the easiest and most effective diet I have ever been on. Christina has been a fantastic support and I look forward to our chats. She makes me feel so comfortable, it’s like I have known her my whole life. I would highly recommend Christina and Renew Health to anyone wanting to take control of their life and change old habits. I look forward to working with Christina as I continue on my journey.”

Nicole B. 5 Star Google Review

START TODAY

​Sure cutting out processed sugar and reducing certain carbohydrates is going to be good for your health, but the standard "20g of carbs per day" keto diet is not for everyone.

I have been helping people to make the switch to low-carb and ketogenic eating since 2012.
Over the past few years, there has been a huge surge in the popularity of keto diets and this has led to an abundance of information begin shared online.

Unfortunately, I've seen many clients follow the info found online only to find themselves feeling hungry, grumpy and craving carbs. This is because a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work when it comes to making diet and lifestyle changes.

So why should you hire a keto coach?

1. Receive Professional Guidance

Knowing that you are following a plan that is right for your body allows you to move forward with confidence. During a consultation I aim to coach and educate clients about their health and what impact certain changes can have on their health so they can make empowered choices.

Understanding how your body works can help you to achieve a healthy weight and maintain it long term.

Many people feel overwhelmed, confused and frustrated with the conflicting info that can be found online. My goal is to simplify the process as much as possible and provide you with easy-to-follow guidelines.

I also aim to provide easy to understand information about low-carb eating and the science behind how it can improve your health.

2. Ensure ALL Underlying Issues are Addressed

When working with clients I take special care to ensure you are receiving all of the essential nutrients you need to achieve optimal thyroid function, optimal adrenal function, proper digestion and more.

When working with clients, I use my background in naturopathic medicine to assess your current state of health.  I will talk to you about your current diet, lifestyle and goals. I will also talk to you about your symptoms which helps me to develop insight into what underlying issues could be contributing to weight issues.

Your symptoms and cravings can also provide us with insight into your carb tolerance, and this allows us to understand what type of low-carb plan is going to suit you best.

There are many underlying factors that can prevent easy weight loss including:

• Hormone Health (low thyroid, high estrogen, low or high cortisol)
• Metabolic Health (high cholesterol, high insulin)
• Liver Health (poor detox ability, fatty liver)
• Digestive Health (lack of digestive enzymes/acidity, dysbiosis, candida, SIBO)
• Lymphatic Health (poor lymphatic detox)
• Cellular Health (nutritional deficiencies, heavy metal toxicity)

When working with clients, I always use a holistic approach which allows us to address these issues and more.

3. Success Through Accountability

Accountability is a huge factor that contributes to long term success. I typically check in with clients fortnightly or monthly to ensure you remain focused on your goal and motivated to achieve it. Check-ins also allow me to review your food diary and additional changes can be made to your eating plan to optimise results and increase flexibility (if desired).

Accountability after your goal weight is achieved also helps people to maintain their new, healthy weight long term. I check in with many clients once every 3-6 months once a goal weight is achieved and these clients often report that they find this support to be helpful and effective.

If you would like some professional guidance from an experienced practitioner, reach out and contact me. You can use the link below to schedule an appointment or a free discovery call where you can learn more about how I can help.

​In clinic and online / phone appointments are available Tuesday - Saturday.

Book An Appointment HERE

​Eating less and moving more might be the secret to weight loss success for some, but for a majority of the clients I see in clinic, this approach simply does not work.

Certain underlying health complications can change the way our body responds to the food we eat. Instead of sending us the appropriate hunger signals at the right time, and storing only what we need, the body can begin to do some pretty interesting and frustrating things.

Below is a list of some of the most common underlying issues that can contribute to stubborn weight gain. In no particular order of prevalence, these are just a few of the problems I see day to day in clinic.

• Hormonal Imbalance: estrogen dominance, low progesterone, high androgens, high cortisol & low cortisol, low thyroid function, elevated insulin & insulin resistance, leptin resistance

 

• Nutrient Issues: key essential nutrient deficiencies, imbalances in key nutrient ratios

 

• Detox Issues: heavy metal toxicity, sluggish liver function

 

• Gut Health Complications: acidity issues, bacterial overgrowth, food intolerance, microbiome dysfunction

Quite often more than one of these imbalances can create complications at the same time making healthy weight loss frustrating and complicated.

Weight gain is often just a symptom of a deeper issue, it is a message from our body. As a naturopath, I'm trained to assist my clients to uncover the root cause of their symptoms, including weight gain and together we work to resolve the cause. A healthy weight will be reached as a result of changing the diet and lifestyle to support the healing of the underlying imbalance.

If the underlying issue is not revealed, certain diets can actually do more harm than good. For example, a calorie restricted diet for a hypothyroid sufferer can further damage the metabolism, a strict, "no-carb" keto diet for someone with gut health issues will further perpetuate the gut health issues and prolonged fasting methods for someone suffering with cortisol issues can create severe problems with energy levels and blood sugar balance. This is why it is so important to seek professional help before embarking on a weight loss journey.

So how do we uncover the underlying issue?

During an initial consultation I use careful questioning to uncover what symptoms are characteristic of certain imbalances and at times, I may request certain tests to confirm suspected imbalances.

Once the imbalance is revealed we begin to change the diet to remove foods that are contributing to the imbalance and increase helpful foods that will promote better health and weight loss.

For stubborn underlying imbalances like insulin resistance, poor gut health, thyroid issues and adrenal fatigue, I may prescribe key nutrients or herbs to help support the reduction of the symptoms associated with these issues.

How long do these problems take to resolve?

The sooner you uncover an imbalance, the better it is. Some hormonal imbalances can be stubborn, especially if there are certain lifestyle or environmental factors contributing to the problem.

Weight loss results can often be achieved quite quickly but it is important to understand that weight loss is just the exterior result. Correcting the issues under the surface will ensure your results become long lasting.

How do I get started?

Take the first step towards a healthier you today by booking a free discovery call. During the call we can get to know each other which will help you to decide whether or not I am the right person to help you.

From there we will book an initial consultation where you will receive everything you need to get started.

Book your call today!

​Six weeks ago I began to feel a little bit fed up with how I was feeling. I was mentally and physically fatigued, struggling to get out of bed and experiencing that dreaded 3:00 pm slump.

I knew I needed to do something immediately as I've experienced a history of severe, chronic fatigue in my teens and early 20's and I certainly didn't want to fall back into that old feeling of not being able to function.

As a Naturopath I tend to live a fairly healthy and balanced lifestyle. I listen to my body and rest when I need to. I eat a wide variety of veggies and enjoy treat foods in moderation so I was a little stuck as to where to start.

I decided to try the Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), a test I had known about for a while but never had any first-hand experience with. I snipped off a hair sample, sent it away and 3 weeks later my results came back.

As soon as I began to review my results I realised just how close I was to experiencing complete burnout.

I knew I had been feeling a little extra overwhelmed and stressed recently but I didn't realise what effect it was having on my body.

The test revealed that I had a "slow metabolic type" which was certainly something I wanted to bring back into balance ASAP.

The essential minerals my body needed to support healthy adrenal function and healthy thyroid hormone production were completely depleted!

Certain mineral levels were excessively high which suggested I was not absorbing or utilising those minerals effectively and key mineral ratios within my body were severely out of balance creating a number of symptoms that I just began to believe were "normal".

After reviewing my HTMA results I immediately began to implement some changes.

I started by making a few changes to my diet and planning my meals in advance.

I looked at my digestive health to ensure I could digest and absorb the deficient nutrients effectively.

I looked at what herbs and minerals I needed to take to support my thyroid and adrenals so that I could bring my body back into balance as efficiently as possible. I also made a list of diet and lifestyle changes that I would need to continue to engage in long term, to ensure I stay healthy and energetic once I stop taking the herbs and nutrients I had prescribed.

After two weeks of following the protocol I created for myself I felt very much the same. Feeling mildly disheartened I consulted with a fellow naturopath who assured me I was on the right track (because we all need a little reassurance at times) and that it would take longer than 2 weeks to notice a significant improvement.

Another 2 weeks had passed and I began to wake up feeling like a different person!

My mind was clearer, I started writing articles again and actually finishing them!! I had more physical energy and more motivation to exercise. My digestive system felt like it had improved, my mood was elevated. I started craving fruit in the morning rather than coffee and I found it much easier to drink more water. 

Based on my experience with the HTMA and the protocol I followed afterwards, I believe I had such a profound shift in how I was feeling because I uncovered the imbalances BEFORE they created a serious issue. I use a few other pathology tests to support my findings and to provide me with more pieces of the puzzle. But for me, the HTMA was by far the most useful set of results. It provided me with key information about what other tests might be useful and what changes I could implement immediately.

My advice for anyone who is feeling flat, tired, unmotivated, bloated or sluggish would be to chat to me or your own practitioner about the HTMA and how it may be able to help you uncover some of the underlying issues that may be holding you back from feeling your best.

Results take approximately 3 weeks to come back so do not wait until you are at your witts end to seek help, start today!

Reach out and contact me any time via email [email protected] or you can book a free discovery call HERE.

During your discovery call you will have an opportunity to discuss your health challenges and goals. I will then explain how I am able to help you which will assist you in deciding if we are a good fit.

You can learn more about the Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis Test HERE

The keto diet works for weight loss by reducing carbohydrate intake to the point where the body is encouraged to begin using stored and dietary fat as a source of energy.

In order to do this, most meals will consist of protein, healthy fats, low-carb vegetables and maybe even a small amount of low-carb fruit.

In an effort to keep carbohydrate intake as low as possible, many people will reduce their fruit and vegetable intake while increasing their protein and fat intake.

This is where the problem starts..

Within our digestive system lives billions of bacteria (microbes), good and bad.

Good bacteria play several roles in creating optimal health. They keep our gut wall healthy, they reduce inflammation, they improve or glucose balance and ward of type 2 diabetes. Good bacteria improve our gut motility (so we can stay regular) AND best of all, they regulate and reduce our appetite leading us to crave less and eat less.

These good bacteria have a direct effect on the hormones related to hunger and satiety and stimulate the hormone (leptin) to signal to us that we have had enough to eat.

There are also billions of "not so" beneficial bacteria in our digestive system. Bacteria that can increase your risk of IBS, leaky gut syndrome, bowel cancer, bacteria that can cause you to gain weight, increase your histamine production (hello hay fever!) and produce by-products that can have a harmful effect on our health in other ways too.

What we eat on a daily basis has a direct effect on our gut bacteria.

Our good bacteria feeds on plant fibre and resistant starch, the bad bacteria predominantly feeds on protein and the mucous lining of our gut wall (ouch!)

So do we all ditch keto and become vegan? Not quite..

When following a keto diet, it is important to ensure you are eating adequate amounts of vegetables and FIBRE!

In fact, the current recommended amount of fibre we should be consuming each day is 28g for women and 38g for men.

To put that into perspective 1 cup of raw broccoli contains about 1.2g of fibre. 1 punnet of strawberries (250g) contains about 6g of fibre. 1 cup of cucumber contains approximately 1g of fibre and 1 serving of steak, chicken or fish contains 0g of fibre!

So, are you meeting the reccomended fibre requirements each day?

Failing to enjoy a wide variety of fruits and vegetables not only affects the health of your microbiome (gut bacteria) and ability to lose weight, it can also have a severely negative effect on your mental and emotional health too. 

Many of the microbes that are capable of producing serotonin require fibre to survive so when we start ourselves of fibre, our serotonin levels suffer too. Low serotonin levels are linked to feeling of anxiety, depression, low motivation and cravings for foods that make us "feel nice".

Constipation is a common side effect experienced on the keto diet and simply taking a laxative or eating more fat in an attempt to move the bowels is like putting a band aid over a bullet wound! We must look at fibre intake and support the bowel to do what it does best.

Now I know eating more fibre isn't the glamorous weight loss solution anyone is looking for but it might just be the one thing that you're lacking that has been holding you back!

If you're struggling to reach your daily fibre requirements using fruits and vegetables alone, you can look at supplementing your diet with psyllium husks, chia seeds or flaxseeds to give you a fibre boost. 

The take home message for today is...

Do not be afraid of eating more vegetables on your keto diet. Meeting your fibre requirements is equally as important for weight loss (if not more) as it is to remain in ketosis.

My top tips to support easy weight loss on a keto diet include:

• Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to keep your microbiome happy, healthy and diverse
• Ensure you are eating adequate fibre each day
• Drink 2L (minimum) of water each day
• Keep your healthy fats to a sensible serving size

If you are unsure about how to introduce more fibre and vegetables into your diet without affecting your weight loss results, contact me for some personalised guidance and support.

All of my low-carb and ketogenic programs are nutritionally balanced to ensure you achieve optimal results. My goal is to help my clients achieve their weight loss goals while improving their health and well-being, reach out and contact me today!

Book an appointment HERE

I have been assisting my clients to reach and maintain a healthy weight through low-carb and keto eating since 2012 and during this time have seen hundreds of amazing health transformations take place!

Low-carb and ketogenic diets have had a recent surge in popularity and with that has come some bad press, so today I want to explain what you can expect when you choose me as your health and wellness practitioner!

I will be covering my most frequently asked questions below:

How does it work?

During the initial consultation, I always start by having a chat about your current diet, lifestyle and state of health. We will also chat about your health history and goals. Once I have a good understanding of these things I will begin to discuss some of the gentle and easy changes you can begin to implement.

Together we will decide if a keto or low-carb diet is right for you and I will provide you with the appropriate food list, meal plan and recipe guide. As we work through the food list and meal plan I will talk to you about how you can implement the changes easily and effortlessly without disrupting your current routine. I will assist you to understand how you can make family friendly meals, prep food in advance to save time AND still enjoy a social life.

When you begin your new plan I will ask you to keep a food diary so we can review this during your follow up consultation. I will ask you what you found easy and enjoyable and if there is anything you would like to change. Together we can tweak the plan to ensure you continue to achieve fantastic results while thoroughly enjoying your new lifestyle!

What kind of results can I expect to achieve?

Weight loss results CAN be rapid on a low-carb or ketogenic plan but faster isn’t always better. Every client responds differently to their plan. Some people prefer to enjoy a wider variety of foods which allows them to achieve slower yet steady results while others want to know exactly what to do to get the fastest and safest results possible. Either way, I can help.

If your desired outcome is not being achieved efficiently enough through diet changes alone, we can look at specific herbs and nutrients that will assist the body with the process. There are several herbs and nutrients available that can improve the metabolic rate (safely), improve liver function and assist the body to use fat for fuel.

We will also look at addressing any underlying hormonal issues that may have contributed to the weight gain or held you back in the past.

Do you offer online consultations?

YES! I now offer phone, zoom (skype) or facetime consultations. You can book an online consultation HERE

When you book your consultation you will have the option to request your preferred contact method and once we have established what plan is going to work best for you, I will email you all of the relevant information (meal plans, food lists & recipes)

I use an online, practitioner only supplement order and delivery system if you do require any herbs or nutrients to assist you with the process.

If you do require any pathology testing or further investigation into health concerns, we can arrange this easily via the online portal.

Payments for phone or online consultations are processed via stripe or paypal at the end of the consultation. Both options are safe and secure and no payment information is kept on file.

How do I book a consultation?

You can book an initial consultation OR a free discovery call HERE

What are your fees?

Fee structure can be found HERE

What do I do once I achieve my goal?

Although low-carb and ketogenic eating can be a healthy, sustainable way of life, some people do choose to re-introduce more carbs and variety once they achieve their goal. Many people fear that the weight will simply come back once they start eating carbs again but this is NOT true.

Once you achieve your goal or if you decide you would like to re-introduce certain foods while you are still on your weight loss journey, I will guide you through this process to ensure you continue to achieve success.

So if you are ready to take that first step to a healthier you, go ahead and reach out today! I would love to assist you and I am confident I can help you to achieve your goals!

Christina Ettore | Naturopath | Weight Loss Coach

"Christina is amazing! She is so easy to talk to and is extremely understanding and non-judgemental. She makes me feel comfortable, is a great listener and always happy to talk and explain any questions I may have.

I would highly recommend her to anyone who would like to lose weight and become a healthier, more confident person."

Hannah 5 Star Google Review

"Just a general thank you Christina for being part of my journey over the past 7 months.

With Christina's support and guidance I have successfully lost 24kgs and I'm well on my way to my goal of reducing my Body Weight by 30%.

Christina has helped me follow a Ketogenic approach to increasing my fitness, reducing unhealthy body weight and my reliance on prescription medications.

Prior to this journey (which was supported and encouraged by my GP) I was advised that I was in the embrace of Type 2 Diabetes and that i would need to start Metformin medication. Now, following blood glucose fasting tests my GP is now confident that I'm no longer 'at risk'.

Whilst I'm now self-managing my lifestyle and our journey together has concluded I know that should I have any questions in the future I only need to ring up for a chat.

Thanks so much Christina"

Craig 5 Star Google Review

It is characterised by an excessive amount of fat being stored throughout the lower half of the body (typically the calves, thighs and buttocks) and for some people, if left untreated, can begin to develop in the abdomen and arms too.


The affected areas often feel tender and bruise easily. The fat under the skin will also look "lumpy". As the excess fat begins to build up, the lymphatic system can become affected which often leads to a condition called lymphedema. This creates even more discomfort and pain.


Medical science is unsure as to what causes this condition. Some data suggests that genetics and female hormones play a role as the condition usually develops around puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Most people affected by this condition usually have family members with lipedema too.


Despite genetics playing a potential role in this condition, there are some interventions that can help!


We are often lead to believe that if a condition is genetic that there is nothing we can do but that is not true. Our diet, lifestyle and nutrient consumption has a direct effect on the way our genes express.


Adopting a low-carb diet can help to reduce the pain, swelling and inflammation associated with lipedema. If this proves to assist the condition you may choose to take it a step further and engage in a ketogenic style of eating to further reduce any discomfort. Ketogenic eating can also help to reduce some of the fatty deposits and prevent further deposits from developing.


A ketogenic diet will help your body to enter a state called ketosis. When this occurs, the body begins to send stored fat to the liver for processing. The fat is converted into ketones and those ketones are used for fuel.


Ketogenic diets are known to promote rapid fat loss and can provide many lipedema sufferers with relief from their condition.


Ketogenic eating can also help to balance the female hormones that may be contributing to the condition.


Certain herbs and nutrients can improve the appearance of lipedema while providing relief from pain and discomfort. If hormones have played a role in the development of lipedema, herbs can also help to balance the hormones which in turn, can prevent further fatty deposits from developing.


Gentle exercise is always recommended, it is important to keep the body moving to maintain mobility, flexibility and healthy circulation.


Lymphatic massage is helpful when lipedema is present with lymphedema, this style of massage can help to "flush" the lymphatic system which can improve the appearance of fluid retention in the limbs.

​Intermittent fasting is a fantastic way to support healthy, sustained weight loss. There are many different styles of fasting and some work better than others when it comes to weight loss. There are numerous health benefits associated with fasting but there are a few things you should know before you start.

1. Fasting is NOT for everybody.

If you are elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, suffer from adrenal fatigue or have experienced a diagnosed or un-diagnosed eating disorder DO NOT FAST. I screen my clients very carefully before I suggest or encourage fasting and I ensure they feel well supported and informed before they commence. I always recommend a gentle introduction into fasting with most clients starting with the 16:8 method.

2. Fasting is NOT starving.

If you are starving hungry during your fast you are doing it wrong. Listen to your body and eat when the hunger signal arrives.

3. Fasting and keto are friends!

Although fasting works well without any additional diet changes, I find it much easier and more enjoyable to follow when I'm eating low-carb.

Reason being, when you fast your body begins to turn fat into ketones. These ketones become your primary source of energy during a fast which is why most people report that they feel so energised and focused during a fast.

If you break your fast with a big bowl of carbs it is likely that your body will go back to using glucose for energy but if you break your fast with veggies, healthy fats and lean protein, your body can remain in ketosis and you can continue to feel your best!

How does Fasting for Weight Loss Work?

Fasting for weight loss works in two main ways. The style of fasting that I personally use and recommend is the 16:8. I stop eating at approximately 8pm in the evening and aim to break my fast at 12pm.

At times I find I am not hungry at all (depending on what I had for dinner) so I may fast a little longer, while other times I'm ready to eat by 10am so I do. The amount of exercise and style of exercise I engage in can also have an effect on my hunger levels and ability to fast with ease so I always make sure I listen to my body.

16:8 Intermittent Fasting assists Weight Loss by:

4. Creating a calorie deficit

Most people who engage in the 16:8 fasting method find themselves going without breakfast and breaking their fast with lunch, perfect for those who aren't hungry in the morning! Having a cut off time in the evening also helps to curb unnecessary snacking and most people report a significant drop in hunger levels which in turn leads to a calorie deficit.

5. Improving the insulin response

Fasting gives the body an opportunity to become more sensitive to the effects of insulin. Increased sensitivity means an appropriate amount of insulin is released in response to the food you eat (rather than too much which is often the case).  Lowered insulin release + healthy eating = effective weight loss

In Conculsion

Fasting is a fantastic way to accelerate your weight loss results. Fasting is not suited to everyone so please, always seek professional advice before you commence a fast.

​Reach out and contact me any time for advice or support. 

An appropriate level of stomach acid is critical to a properly-functioning physiology and absolutely essential to regulating our body weight and promoting fat-loss.

Achieving optimal levels of stomach acidity is something I work on with every weight loss client. The symptoms of low stomach acidity include but are not limited to:

• Bloating
• Reflux (commonly thought to be caused by too much acid which is not often the case)
• Headaches
• Nausea after eating
• Aversion to meat or an inability to digest meat
• Fatigue
• Candida overgrowth
• Vitamin & mineral deficiency
• Diarrhea and/or constipation

When stomach acidity is low it can be difficult to breakdown and digest food which leads to increased hunger despite being full. This occurs because the body has not received the nutrients it requires so it prompts you to eat more.

Low stomach acidity can lead to a condition known as "leaky gut syndrome" which creates inflammation in the body. Inflammation leads to systemic stress, prolonged stress causes weight gain.

A sluggish gut leads to a sluggish metabolism so we must ensure that our gut is secreting normal levels of digestive juices and maintaining a healthy level of gastric acidity.

Digestive juice and stomach acid stimulate the breakdown and absorption of essential nutrients that play a key role in fat loss. Any deficiencies will down-regulate the overall functioning of our body, decrease our metabolism, trigger cravings and cause fatigue along with other stubborn, chronic issues.

How to Increase Stomach Acid Safely and Naturally

There are many things you can do to increase stomach acid levels gently and safely.

Himalayan salt is an easy addition. Adequate salt intake is essential for the production of hydrochloric acid in the gut. Low levels of HCL can lead to bloating, fatigue, sluggish feelings (mentally and physically) and an inability to digest meat. Himalayan salt contains many other essential minerals and is a better choice than white salt.

Apple cider vinegar is a remedy I recommend to almost every one I see. ACV can help to increase stomach acidity while creating a happy environment for a wider variety of good bacteria to flourish. My general recommendation is 1 tsp in a small amount of water 30 minutes before meals. Choose an apple cider vinegar that contains the "mother".

Avoid foods that you know cause heartburn or reflux. These foods are having a direct negative effect on your stomach's ability to achieve and maintain optimal acid levels.

It is best to avoid drinking liquids at meal times but if you must drink water at meal times choose warm water or room temperature water

Chew your food slowly and thoroughly. Digestion begins in the mouth and will stimulate your stomach to secrete those essential digestive juices.

In conclusion

Optimal levels of stomach acid are essential for good health and easy weight loss. Reach out any time for guidance on how you can heal your gut and become your healthiest self today!