Ask Bex - the answers to your weight loss, slimming,

well-being, fitness and exercise questions

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		Our online support expert Bex gets many questions from people about Thinking Slimmer. Here are a selection of questions and answers which we think you'll find interesting and useful. Once you buy a product and become a VIP member, you can Ask Bex a question and receive a personal emailed reply. We've changed the identities in this selection of genuine questions to protect people's privacy.
		I've been listening to my Slimpod for two weeks, so why haven't I lost any weight yet? Michelle, Norwich
		This is a long term project - your weight probably didn't all go on in a month, so it's not going to come off quickly and it shouldn't do either! This is not a diet and therefore the body is changing.  Some people react quicker than others. You may also notice it less on the scales and more with inch loss as your clothes start to become looser.
		I missed a day on my Slimpod after one week! Will I be ok or do I have to start again!!  Julie, 41, London
		My experience of this is that missing the odd day really doesn’t matter, it’s going to happen to us all at some stage. Just aim to listen consecutively if you can. Simply carry on from where you left off and continue to complete your handbook.
		Does it matter if I don't fill in my success log? Surely it can't be all that important. Alan, Glasgow
		Oh yes, it is very important to fill in your success log every day as you begin to notice encouraging differences in your life. Be patient: after a while those differences will translate into the inch loss you desire. Because the changes in your eating habits are so subtle, it's only when you write them down each day that you can fully appreciate the full effect.
		Hi Bex, I’m fascinated by this whole idea and want to give it a go but can you give me a basic idea of how it works, I need a bit of the ‘why’? Sue 38, Kent
		I know, it does sound amazing doesn’t it? Kind of ‘listen and you’ll win!’ stuff. So, here’s the theory….how we feel about things has very little to do with the thing itself, it mainly comes from within us. That includes how we feel about food. In psychology there is a thing called ‘priming’ which just means that what is on your mind is brought to mind - for example when people are trying for a family, suddenly everyone around them is pregnant! The suggestions that you hear on your pod are created by using a model called Wordweaving that Trevor developed. It primes your unconscious mind to bring to your awareness the things you want to feel and the way you want to behave with food, adjusting your feelings about appetite etc. It’s a bit like retuning a TV so that it no longer picks up the fat channel because it’s tuned to ‘slim’ TV. I could say it’s as simple as that, and for you…it is.
		Hi Bex, I’ve been listening to a Slimpod now for three days, and I already feel different about my eating habits, but I’m not sure if it’s my unconscious mind or if I am just thinking about losing weight and that’s why I’m eating less. I find myself not finishing what’s on my plate and not having a cuppa and a biscuit at 9pm. Surely this isn’t the work of my Slimpod, is it? - Kathleen
		For most people it can be just as quick as that! The behaviour you’re describing is exactly how, in my experience, a lot of people describe the changes. Yes, perhaps you’ve got slimming on your mind but your unconscious mind is really what’s picking up the messages that are taking effect….So yay! Keep on listening, filling out your log and enjoy!
		My eating habits are changing but my weight isn't. Does this mean the Slimpod isn't going to work? Evelyn, New York
		Thinking Slimmer is about re-educating years of unconscious behaviours. When your unconscious mind is in tune with healthy eating with appropriate amounts of food, weight will tend to come off and you get on with your life.  We all like quick results and it’s good to remember that even four to five weeks is a quick turnaround for some people to re-educate the years. Give it more time. In the handbook and on our website we make it clear that the programme you are on is going to take at least 42 days (that's six weeks) before you'll probably notice appreciable weight loss.
		How often would you recommend weighing myself? Trina, 34, Huddersfield
		Here’s the best weight loss advice you’re ever going to get: Throw away the scales and buy yourself a measuring tape! Let your clothes be the guide to how you're achieving your goals, as feeling the way your body’s changing is so much more important than weighing it. Because for many people, their body shape will change quite quickly whereas their weight may take a while to start falling.
		Hello Bex, My question is…how soon will I see results? John 41, Luton
		Everybody is different in the way they respond to suggestion, so the degree of difference and the rate of change will vary from person to person. Often people begin to notice a change after the first listen, others take longer. What is usual is that the longer they listen the greater the effect.
		I am doing Lighter Life and am losing weight. Can I use the Slimpod to help me carry on with Lighter Life or should I give up Lighter Life and just use the Slimpod? Also can I use two Slimpods at once, for example a weight loss and an exercise one? Alison, 34, Southampton
		A Slimpod can certainly be used alongside your Lighter Life programme. What we would say though is that customers must be very open as to how differently they’ll begin to feel as the Slimpod starts to kick in. Thinking Slimmer is very different to other of weight loss programmes, in that we are intending this to become part of people’s everyday life without them paying too much attention to it. It is about re-educating unconscious behaviours to do with food and exercise. When the unconscious mind is in tune with healthy eating with appropriate amounts of food, weight will come off and people get on with their lives. That’s a very different message to the one that Lighter Life focuses on, which can be quite extreme for some people. Also, feel free to listen to an exercise Slimpod alongside a weight loss one. Both will work in tune with each other. Just don’t miss a day for either in the first twenty-one days. Then keep on listening, perhaps to one each night, as the changes will continue to happen. I listened to a weight loss at night and an exercise in the morning when I first began, which suited my lifestyle.
		I have been using the Slimpod now for 10 days every bedtime. I haven’t noticed any difference yet and am concerned I have wasted money. I don’t find it easy to pay attention when listening to the Slimpod because my thoughts drift all the time and don’t know how to correct this. Any advice please? Barbara, 39, Co Tyrone
		Ten days is early to notice significant change. Certainly don’t worry that you’re not paying attention to the language, I often fall asleep to mine now. It still works as your ability to hear doesn’t stop when you sleep.
		Bex, I’ve been listening to your download now for 3 to 4 weeks and have lost nearly 10lbs, so I’m really pleased. I find myself eating healthier options without even thinking about it, which is great. However, this last week I actually gained one pound. Would you suggest this is part of the normal ups and downs of life or am I doing something wrong? Cassandra 27, Luton
		Your weight loss is great news and that amount of weight in that period of time is a really healthy way to make lasting change.  We do all have plateaus and it might be time to up the ante a little and begin to listen to the bonus download which came with your Slimpod. Or you might consider buying one of our exercise Fitpods as well.This adds elements of the next stage in your programme and I think it will help a lot with continuing to move you forward. That was certainly my experience.
		Hello Bex, I can’t quite believe it but as a result of listening to my Slimpods I have got to my ideal weight….I’m so chuffed! The thing I worry about is going back where I came from and I soooo don’t want that. How often should I listen to the download to maintain this fab shape and exercise routine now? Debbie, 32, Radlett
		Hey there, that’s fantastic! I love reading these emails. You can imagine how they make my day. As an average I suppose I would say about once every 4-5 days, but really listen in response to how you’re feeling and behaving. If you notice yourself returning to old habits then increase the listening. But often, by the time you’re at your ideal weight the change is permanent. Let me say that again….the change is permanent.
		Is it good, advisable, ok to listen to the Slimpod at various other times in addition to just before bed? Malcolm, 41, West Bromwich
		Certainly you can listen as many times as you like during the day. You only really need to listen once a day but by listening more, you’re adding to your chances of success.
		Hi Bex, A quick question for you that I guess you get asked a lot.  Trevor has such a lovely voice to listen to that when I listen just before sleep I seem to do just that… fall asleep before the end of the download.  Do you think it's as effective?  I worry that if I'm not listening that it won't work so well? Jackie, Belfast
		A good question and yes, asked by quite a few.  It's one of the wonderful things about this programme - that it really doesn't matter if you fall asleep as your unconscious mind is always listening.  Your ears are the one sense that remain working. It’s why sometimes you wake up in the night quickly without realising why. It’s likely your unconscious has heard something it wants to alert you to. So in this case your unconscious mind is continuing to listen to the suggestions and some research into subliminal learning indicates it may be even more effective than listening while awake. So lie back and relax and continue your mission to a new and healthier lifestyle.
		Hi Bex, This programme is so different to what I've been used to in the past.  Don't get me wrong, I'm seeing and feeling differences but just can't get the hang of not expecting to have to count calories and weigh food.  It's almost impossible to not consider consciously whether something is high in calories or low in calories before I eat it.  Is this spoiling it for me? Annie, in my 40s, Sunderland
		You don't say how long you've been listening to your Slimpod but I would guess if you're seeing and feeling differences it's probably at least 2 to 3 weeks.  I know others have asked about how different this is to previous so-called ‘diets’. I would ask you to relax into whatever you find comfortable doing.  I say this because I'm absolutely sure that as you continue to listen you'll notice more and more how the detail of weights and measures and calories becomes less and less important to you and you'll find yourself naturally eating healthier options.  This is because the new things you're beginning to notice as a result of the work your unconscious mind is doing, will be brought to the foreground of your attention. The old way of counting calories and it being on your mind all the time will just move to the back naturally.
		Dear Bex, I have diabetes.  Is it a good idea for me to listen to your downloads? Alan, 38, Bristol
		Thanks for your question. There is no reason for this to be a problem. You remain in charge of your dietary choices, and self-hypnosis is not contra-indicated for this condition. If you feel more comfortable about beginning this by checking it out with you GP first, then by all means do.
		Hi Bex, I have a twelve year old who, for her height, is overweight. Is this programme safe for children? Cheryl, 32, London
		Yes it is, but do so under the advice of your doctor. Not because this could be harmful, but because children go through phases of growth, and we need to be sure that the weight loss is advisable, and that the issue is handled in a way that doesn’t create a greater problem.
		I have a question about weight loss levelling out.  I've been listening to my Slimpod now for five weeks and I love it.  My whole life has changed.  I've become more active.  I've become a better cook!  Amongst all of this I've lost nearly 12lbs and my husband loves it.  My question is over the last couple of weeks my weight has stayed the same but as a good size 14 I still feel I have weight to lose.  Do you think I've got to the maximum weight loss I can get with your programme? Jess, 43, Southend
		Well done, this is a fantastic achievement. I would point you in the direction of one of the Keep The Weight Loss Going Slimpods now.  Especially since you say you've become more active in your life.  Essentially the same rules apply..…listen and notice the changes becoming more apparent in your life.
		With this change in my lifestyle…….not noticing the unhealthy foods, becoming more active and a freedom to get on with my life, will my body just simply stop losing weight when it thinks it's done?  Do we all have a finishing point? Peter, 47, Salford
		Yes, is the easy answer. The language that’s used within the Slimpods is all about ‘healthy weight loss’ for each individual so your body will come to a natural healthy weight for your frame. That’s what’s the body is designed to do.
		Thanks so much for helping with my earlier question, I'm hoping others would like the answer too.  I’m loving the way that thinking consciously about what I should be eating and what I shouldn't be is less and less a part of my everyday life.  It just seems to happen now without that constant dialogue going on in my head.  My question though is where can I find out about good nutrition now.  I know the basics, I guess everyone does, but I'm keen to know more!  Another first in my life… Angela, 37, Nottingham
		Good question, I love that you’re beginning to think differently about your food and I’m going to point you toward the valuable information within the nutrition pages on our site. You’re right, most people do know the basics but you’ll find loads of information there about how to really enjoy healthy, nutritious food without spending too much time cooking it :) Go girl!
		Hi Bex, How often should I listen to the download when I begin? Siobhan 30, Richmond
		Once a night is sufficient – and I recommend just before you fall asleep because this tends to prime the mind most powerfully. At the same time, listening to it more often in the early days won’t do any harm and may accelerate the effect. The key thing is to not make it a chore although I have listened while I’ve been doing the housework…and it’s still worked.
		I'm really interested in trying Thinking Slimmer as I am almost 13 stone and have been advised I should be about 9 stone 3 lbs as a healthy weight. I have issues with food and like most have really done succeeded with diets. I also struggle with quite extreme asthma however, have been trying to do a WiiFit session at least 3 times a week this year. The WiiFit sessions have resulted in a couple of inches lost on my waist but I seem to be gaining weight which I think is associated with my self-sabotage with food. Not sure whether I should choose the Drop Two Dress Sizes Or More Slimpod or the Drop A Dress Size one, given my lack of success and therefore increased demotivation and lack of belief in weight loss. Maggie, 42, Glasgow
		Yours is a common question and the really good news is that - as a result of it - you’re a perfect candidate for these downloads. The reason for that is they are designed to work on your motivation, unconsciously, while you get on with your life. You have mentioned using the WiiFit and that already shows me that you’re motivated, it just needs fine tuning when it comes to food. You’ll find over a period of time, without you paying too much attention to it, your attitude to food will begin to change. I’d begin with the drop two dress sizes and borrow my trust in this system for a while. Lie back and listen and let it change for you.
		I have just sent for my first Slimpod as  I now weigh 139kgs and am 5' 10" tall so know this is too much. I have Lupus and am in quite a lot of pain in my hip, legs and feet? Even walking is agony. What do you recommend? Sylvie, 41, from Bristol
		There's no doubt exercise can be an important part of losing and maintaining weight loss BUT my recommendation would be that you follow the programme of listening to your first Slimpod and filling out your success diary for the first 21 days and then continue to listen for at least four to eight weeks, before you consider trying one of the exercise ones. Since this is different to other forms of weight loss programmes, in that we are intending this to become part of your everyday life without you paying too much attention to it, it is about re-educating years of unconscious behaviours. When your unconscious mind is in tune with healthy eating with appropriate amounts of food, weight will come off and you get on with your life. When the weight begins to go as a result of you changing your eating habits naturally, then you could perhaps consider checking with your GP about a gentle form of exercise that won't aggravate further your condition. Certainly the language in the exercise pod is all about the safety of choosing a form of exercise that is appropriate and interesting for you, not running a marathon! Good Luck with it, we have so many people reaping benefits that I know it’s possible for you.
		Hi, I completely agree that fat is not just a body shape but a state of mind as I think I’m in a routine of self sabotage. Just when a diet is going well I stray and start to binge eat. I think in some way I have convinced myself that being fat protects me from being hurt but then again I’ve never been slim so I don't know what it feels like. I have at least 5 stone to lose, I go to WeightWatchers but I mainly maintain. Which Slimpod would you suggest for me? I have tried other hypnosis programmes - do I need deprogramming from these - Gillian
		It’s great to hear that you’re open to the mind/body connection as it’s fundamental to the theory behind the Thinking Slimmer programme and it means it’s very likely to work for you.   Thank you for sharing your thoughts about extra weight potentially protecting you, it’s a sensible theory and not uncommon actually. The good news is that the language within the downloads intends to balance that, as many find they gain confidence generally and not just from the weight loss.   This is different to other forms of weight loss programmes, in that we are intending this to become part of your everyday life without you paying too much attention to it; it is about re-educating years of unconscious behaviours. When your unconscious mind is in tune with healthy eating with appropriate amounts of food, weight will come off and you get on with your life.   When I first started listening to my downloads I was a good chunky size 14-16. I’m now a 10-12 and have been for about three years. It took me about 8-10 weeks to get to my target weight. About once a week I still pick one of the downloads and listen to it before I sleep, just to keep me on track.   I’d go for the drop two dress sizes. Make sure you listen every night and fill out your goal setting log. Don’t be concerned that the previous programme using hypnosis needs deprogramming. Commit to this and let’s see where it takes you. I’m always here to further advise, should you need it.