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A few thoughts for weight adjustment in the New Year



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As most of you may know, I have to keep a serious eye on my weight, it goes on in an instant and takes ages to lose. It's not so much about my appearance, much more about keeping my knees pain free, my heart and lung health in good shape and avoiding visceral fat. I no longer think of eating as a 'diet', more developing and maintaining a 'healthy' way of eating and avoiding the cravings created by such foods as sugar, wheat, dairy and some of the chemicals found in our food today ..... ignore the marketing my friends, listen to your body.


I would say one thing that resonates with me, and that is:


  • DON'T think of avoiding certain foods as DEPRIVATION of any kind

  • DO think of it as honouring and supporting your body, as a kind of DEVOTION to self-care


I'm writing this on 27th December and after only 2 days of 'Christmas eating', I find myself bloated, joints aching, mood low and joints beginning to hurt ...... that's after only 48 hours of my mouth going rogue!


What works for me is to weigh-in every Saturday morning with a Slimming World group. Some great friends, lots of laughter and that weekly 'check in' prevents me from fooling myself about any weight gain, bringing me 'back to base' each week and keeping me motivated and inspired.


I can hear some of you 'groan' as groups are not for everyone, I get that: As a true Metal element personality, I'm not really a 'group' person either, it surprised me therefore how I not only find it supports my weight but is also something I really enjoy ..... over the past couple of years it's become one of my favourite habits and one I will continue in the years to come to maintain a healthy weight.


Lots of other 'habits' I enjoy , I'll blog more about them during the year, but to hopefully inspire you at this time of year, here are a few to consider, to get you thinking:


Healthy eating and weight adjustment for women—especially as we move along our personal timeline—is not about punishment, restriction, or chasing youth. It’s about listening deeply to the body, supporting our energy systems, calming the brain, and nourishing ourselves wisely.


From an Energy Medicine perspective, weight challenges are often signals, not failures. They can reflect stress, hormonal shifts, emotional holding patterns, digestive sluggishness, or disrupted energy flow.


Read through the following ideas and select those that appeal to you, and explore more: As always, it’s wise to listen to your own system and consult a healthcare professional, especially if you are managing diabetes or taking medication


Shift the Goal: Balance, Not Battle


Weight regulation works best when the nervous system feels safe.


Dieting framed as control or deprivation activates stress hormones (especially cortisol), which encourage fat storage, particularly around the middle.

Talk to your body, it will hear you ... .always positive, for example...


“My body knows how to balance itself.”

“I lovingly release excess weight. My body knows how to balance itself.”

"It is now safe for me to let go of my excess weight, all is well"

"It is now safe for me to be slim, fit and healthy - I'm finding it easy to make healthy choices!"


Make up an oil mix of a carrier of your choice and a few drops of Lavender essential oil, rub into each wrist and inhale while making your statement or even before meals or when 'tempted' by foods you are trying to avoid.


 

Eat for Blood Sugar Calm - the 'quiet helper'


Blood sugar swings drive cravings, fatigue, mood changes, and belly weight. Many women unknowingly under-eat protein or skip meals, sending the body into survival mode.


Look at how you structure your meals and ensure there is a good mixture of fibre, fat and protein.


If blood sugar swings are part of your story—cravings, energy crashes, feeling “hangry,” or weight gathering around the middle—it can be helpful to explore Chromium Picolinate as part of a broader self-care approach.


Chromium is a trace mineral that plays a role in how the body responds to insulin, helping glucose move from the bloodstream into the cells where it can be used for energy.


When chromium levels are low, the body may struggle to regulate blood sugar efficiently, which can contribute to cravings and metabolic stress.


Chromium picolinate is a well-absorbed form that some women find supportive for steady energy, reduced sugar cravings, and improved blood sugar balance when combined with regular meals, adequate protein, and stress reduction.


Supporting blood sugar is also about calming the nervous system—because stress hormones can override even the best nutrition. Chromium is not a quick fix, but rather a quiet helper, working best alongside mindful eating, movement, hydration, and practices that signal safety to the body.


It's not for everyone, but useful if you are a chocoholic! Another tip if this is your challenge: Geranium balances blood sugar tendencies, hormones and emotional swings. So a few drops of the essential oil in a carrier of your choice and rub on your hands before .....


..... Hold Neurovascular points on the forehead for 1–2 minutes before meals to calm the stress response and improve digestion. Smile, breathe and say:


“I nourish my body regularly, and it responds with steady energy.”

 

TEST BEFORE YOU INGEST


One woman’s superfood is another woman’s inflammation trigger.

Food testing allows the body—not trends—to decide.

I use the jug test to identify what my body is going to metabolise well and what's going to stress it.

I've written a lot about testing, so do explore my previous blogs .....

My favourite test is the jug test ....



 

Heal the Digestive Fire


A sluggish metabolism often begins in the gut. As we age, stomach acid and enzyme production may decline.


Support digestion naturally:


  • Slow, mindful eating

  • chew, chew, chew!

  • explore enzyme supplements (energy test them)


“My digestion is strong, efficient, and supportive.”


 

Reset the Brain–Body Loop


The brain plays a powerful role in weight regulation.

Long-standing beliefs like “I gain weight easily” or “Nothing works for me” become neurological grooves.

Compose an affirmation that feels right for you to jump out of that groove. Repetition + movement rewires old patterns. ....

For example ....

:“I release old beliefs. My body responds to nourishment.”

 

Rosemary essential oil: Supports brain clarity, new neural pathways, and motivation.


This is a very useful way of reprogramming and getting 'in the zone' ...

 

Reduce Cortisol


Chronic stress is one of the biggest drivers of midlife weight gain.


Daily cortisol-lowering habits:

Energy Medicine tool: Trace the Triple Warmer meridian backwards, this will take the overwhelm out of the system, signal safety and shift the body out of fight-or-flight.


Affirmation to use could be: “It is safe for me to relax. My body releases stress easily.”


Frankincense Calms the stress response and supports hormonal balance.

How to use: Apply to temples or inhale during meridian tracing.

 

Honour Hormonal Wisdom


Hormonal changes affect insulin sensitivity, fat storage, and appetite.

This is not a flaw—it’s biology.

Hormone-supportive eating:

  • Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage)

  • Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, seeds)

  • Adequate protein

Avoid extreme fasting or very low-calorie plans—they can undermine hormonal balance..

Affirmation: “I respect my changing body and support it wisely.”

Essential Oil: Clary Sage A classic oil for women—supports estrogen balance and acceptance of life phases.


 Hydration Is Metabolic Medicine


Dehydration slows metabolism and mimics hunger.

Many cravings are actually thirst.

Click on this link for some inspiration, of particular interest is taking a pinch of Celtic Sea Salt before you drink ....


Trace the Kidney meridian to support fluid balance, vitality, and weight regulation.

“I hydrate myself fully. My body flows with ease.”


 

Move to Signal Safety, Not Punishment


The body responds best to joyful, rhythmic movement. But the key here is MOVING, find a way that you enjoy and that you will DO. For example the simplicity of a good walk, either outside or inside on a treadmill should not be underestimated.


Ideally start with Donna Eden's CROSS CRAWL, movement that crosses the midline improves brain integration and metabolic efficiency. and tap K27 points (click on this first link) . https://www.madisonking.com/post/k27-the-ultimate-storehouse

https://www.madisonking.com/post/wise-woman-walking-a-recap click on this blog and explore the links within it.


Affirmation: “I move my body with pleasure, and it responds with vitality.”


Work with Emotional Weight


Unprocessed emotions often settle in the body.

Weight can act as protection, insulation, or grounding.

Gentle inquiry:

  • What does this weight do for me?

  • What might shift if I felt safer?


Energy Medicine support: Hold the Spleen meridian source point to release worry, overthinking, and emotional holding. It's located on both feet, just above the bunion joint (above = the ankle side not the toe side).

Affirmation: “I no longer need excess weight for protection. I am safe.”

Essential Oil: Patchouli Grounding, comforting, and supportive for emotional holding.

How to use: Apply to soles of feet and the Spleen 3 source points (diluted).

 

TAPPING SPLEEN 21 POINTS is a great way to mobilise your metabolism: https://www.madisonking.com/post/spleen-thumping-the-great-embrace


Sleep

Poor sleep disrupts hunger hormones (ghrelin and leptin) and increases cravings.

Sleep-supporting habits:

  • Eat dinner earlier

  • Reduce evening sugar

  • Dim lights at night

Click on this link for my online SLEEP class: https://www.madisonking.com/product-page/sleep-matters


Affirmation: “I rest deeply, and my body restores its balance.”

Roman Chamomile Supports sleep, emotional soothing, and hormone regulation.

How to use: Diffuse at bedtime or apply to wrists.



A magic ingredient to achieving your goals


Our bodies respond best to consistency, kindness, and trust.

Weight regulation is a relationship, not a project.

When energy flows, digestion improves, stress settles, and the body naturally finds its balance.

This is not about shrinking yourself—it’s about inhabiting your body fully, with respect for its rhythms, history, and wisdom.


I hope these thoughts have got you pondering.

I will post a blog once a month to try and keep us all motivated!


with gentle wishes for a healthy 2026 xxx Maddie


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