Scentsational weight loss
A GUIDE TO THE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR LOSING WEIGHT & FEELING GREAT
By: Jill Lebofsky
My disclosure statement: I am not a medical professional. My
information is a combination of my own personal research &
use of essential oils and the results of my health coaching &
Pilates clients use of the essential oils with their weight loss.
Some oils may interact with medication like grapefruit and
wintergreen so consult with your doctor if you have any
concerns. Everybody’s body reacts differently to food, exercise
and the essential oils therefore these are my own
recommendations and do not guarantee weight loss. OK
business out of the way.
I know we all want it but unfortunately there is no magic
wand or miracle pill when it comes to weight loss. The only
way to lose weight in a healthy way that can be maintained
for a lifetime is through adopting a new way of eating that
focuses on fresh, whole foods like vegetables and fruits,
beans and whole grains. May not sound as fun as a double
cheeseburger and fries but eating less processed foods and
foods without dangerous additives and preservatives is key to
your success. Adopting an active lifestyle is also important.
Finding activities that you enjoy comes first. Look for things to
do that get your body moving and your heart pumping. Look
to increase your strength and flexibility to maintain a healthy,
fit body.
Eating well and moving more is the foundation for long
term weight management. But what about in the short
term? What about when its 2pm and the vending machine
is calling? Or when the refrigerator spontaneously opens at
11pm every night and delivers ice cream. Or when we are
doing pretty well with our weight loss regimen but not seeing
the results we were hoping for? Sometimes a healthy boost
is needed, a helping hand to lose the unwanted pounds.
Essential oils are to me the 3rd part of the weight loss trilogy.
These little drops from nature can amplify and accelerate
your weight loss goals in a healthy, safe manner and at the
same time provide unexpected, additional wellness
benefits.
So here is a quick overview of what essential oils are. They
are plant derived, natural health and healing enhancers. They
are the liquid that is generally distilled from the leaves, flowers,
stem, bark, root of plant and are highly concentrated and
often times will need to be paired with a carrier oil, especially
for topical use and ingestion. A little goes a long way.
Essential oils are minute molecules that are easily and quickly
absorbed. Each oil has a unique chemical composition that
interacts with the body. Not all essential oils sold are created
equal. There are different qualities of essential oils and I am
only recommending a very high quality, therapeutic grade oil
for weight loss. I also recommend one that is both organic and
GMO free. You will be possibly ingesting or topically using the
oils and you want to be safe. Check label before ingestion.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT SUCCESS
These are some of my favorite oils to help curb the
cravings, control appetite, detoxify the body, digest fat,
boost metabolism, improve digestion, and balance mood.
Grapefruit- It is one of the best EO’s (essential oils) for weight
loss. It helps suppress appetite, increase energy and prevent
water retention. It lessens the appearance of cellulite as well
as prevents bloating, and dissolves fat. Toxicity in the body
can increase your weight due to holding on to unwanted
substances in your fat cells. When your fat cells swell so do
you. Grapefruit oil helps to cleanse and detoxify your body
from excess toxins and fat. It also has antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. Grapefruit has been known to
interact with some medications especially blood pressure
medication so check with your doctor before using if
needed. I find Grapefruit oil repeats on me so if ingesting I
suggest start with less drops and increase as tolerated.
Peppermint- It is my favorite EO in general. But for weight loss
it is great for curbing cravings and decreasing your
appetite. It works on the part of the brain that triggers the
feeling of being full. It has been found more effective than
any other scent for creating serotonin in the brain
responsible for craving sweets. It’s also good for a lot of
digestive issues. I use it on my belly after a big meal all the
time. It helps with candida which can effect weight
management and weight gain. As a bonus, it is packed
with nutrients like Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin C and
minerals like potassium, iron, magnesium which helps to
nourish the body and make you feel good. It also cools your
body down so good to use during exercise.
Lemon-I love this EO for weight management, increasing
energy and improving my mood. Lemon, another citrus oil,
also has d-limonene, Vitamin C and other minerals that can
help with digestion, detoxification of the fat cells and
balancing your metabolism. A few whiffs can help to curb
your appetite. I have had many people do nothing else
different then add a few drops of lemon oil to their daily
water and break through their weight loss plateaus.
Bergamot-This EO is perfect for the stress eater. For those
people who stress triggers poor eating choices and those
that internalize their stress, creating excess cortisol
responsible for belly fat. It can work even better if you pair it
with Lavender oil. Bergamot is so effective because of its
high content of polyphenols which are also found in green
tea. This high content helps to oxidize the fat, boost
metabolism and prevent absorption of cholesterol. It helps
control the bad cholesterol. It has a calming effect on the
body and mind.
Cinnamon Bark- This EO promotes that feeling of fullness that
lets you know you have had enough to eat. It helps to
prevent weight gain by enhancing the effects of the other
weight loss EO’s. It has been found to be very effective
against fighting candida which can contribute to weight
gain. It also may be good for improving gut health and
stimulating the immune system. It is also known for its antiinflammatory use and can even increase your libido. Now
that’s a fun way to burn calories! And I just love the scent.
Sandalwood- This EO is another stress buster. It helps you get
past negative feelings and behaviors so your daily stress
triggers lose their power. This is a favorite for many to unwind
and think clearly to make good food choices.
HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS TO PROMOTE YOUR
WEIGHT LOSS AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
You can use these oils topically, by inhalation
or by ingestion.
Topically- When essential oils are absorbed through the skin
or lungs, they enter the blood stream and are distributed
throughout the body, where their chemical molecular parts
can interact with other bodily systems. A carrier oil like
coconut oil, grape seed oil or jojoba oil mixed with the
essential oil is a must when using topically to dilute the oils
due to their potency and quick absorption. Best place to
rub your oils depends on the oil but one way is directly on
the target area. Also, on the feet which absorbs the oils
easily and it is an area least likely to be sensitive. There are
specific Vita-Flex points on your feet that correlate to
certain body parts. You can also apply to your neck or
wrists. Warming or massaging the skin first may increase
absorption.
Ways To Use Oils Topically For Weight Loss:
Rub a few drops of Grapefruit, Cypress or Lemongrass oil
with 1-2 ounces of a carrier oil on the target area to reduce
the appearance of cellulite. Massage and don’t wash off.
Rub a few drops of lemon oil on to areas where fat
accumulates for a daily detox.
Petrochemical Detox- Removes synthetic petrochemicals
and heavy metals from your fat cells. 10 drops of Ledum
mixed into a bottle of Citrus Fresh rubbed into target area.
Followed by ingestion of 15 drops of Grapefruit oil daily for 3
weeks.
Add to Epsom salts 4-5 drops of lemon, grapefruit,
sandalwood oils and add to a warm bath making sure
everything mixes thoroughly.
Bergamot can be massaged with a carrier oil on to the feet
and neck to relax and relieve stress.
Sandalwood can be massaged into the stomach and
bottoms of feet.
Add a drop of lemon oil to inside of wrists to energize.
Cellulite Bath – I have not tried this but it sounded
interesting. 5 drops of each into a warm bath- grapefruit,
ginger, orange, lemon and sandalwood. Also add a cup of
apple cider vinegar and make sure oils are dispersed well.
Soak for 30 minutes.
A few drops of Peppermint oil in water is great to take along
in a spray bottle during hot, outdoor activities to spritz on
yourself to cool off and continue to do your exercise.
Inhalation- Science has shown and we all know, a smell can
either trigger us to eat something or not eat something. A
fragrant odor like coffee can trigger a craving when you
weren’t even thinking about it. Or you smell fresh baked
bread and are reminded of your grandmother’s kitchen
and feel comforted. When you smell an essential oil, cilia
and receptor cells in the nose receive the aroma and send
signals to the limbic system of the brain, which is the center
of memory and emotion. It also is connected to areas of the
brain that control blood pressure, heart rate, breathing,
hormone balance, and more. Inhaling the right oils for you
can be powerful in curbing appetite and boosting mood.
Inhalation is also good if you are sensitive to the oils
topically.
Ways To Use Inhaling The Oils For Weight Loss:
Using a diffuser or a diffuser necklace can help keep you on
track with a whiff. We do adapt to smells though, even bad
ones so it is important to change up the oils you are
diffusing.
You can also just sniff the bottle, although diffusing has
shown to be most effective. I know if I’m hungry and am not
able to eat for a bit I take a whiff of peppermint and am
good to go.
Add a few drops of lemon or peppermint to the bottom of
the shower and inhale the aroma to curb morning cravings.
Place a few drops of any of the oils into a handkerchief and
inhale when needed.
Inhale or diffuse Cinnamon before a meal to eat less.
Ingestion- Therapeutic grade oils should be safe for taking
internally in a glass of water or in a capsule but you must
read the label first or contact the company to make sure.
There is some debate about taking the oils internally in large
amounts so I say interchange it with other methods to keep
moderation. My recommendations for purchasing oils that I
use and know are safe for ingestion are found at the end of
the guide. When using oils internally with water, make sure
to use glass not plastic cups. The oils pull the toxins from the
plastic out, not what you want. Also if using capsules use the
amount of drops you want then fill the rest up with a carrier
oil like coconut oil. Capsules can be made ahead and
frozen for convenience I’d say up to a week but watch to
see if they breakdown.
Ways To Use Ingestion of Oils For Weight Loss
Weight Loss Trio- 2-3 drops each of peppermint, lemon &
grapefruit oil with 12 drops of coconut oil or until capsule is
topped off. Also can use directly in water. You may need to
coat your lips with a carrier oil because you may feel a slight
burn. I recommend starting with one drop each and building
up.
A few drops of Lemon oil in water every morning for a
gentle daily cleanse.
A few drops of Cinnamon mixed with honey in warm water
in the morning and before bed.
Mix either 1-2 drops of Sandalwood or Bergamot oil with 4 oz
of coconut milk or in 1 tsp. of honey to relax.
2-4 Peppermint drops in water to decrease appetite and
aid in digestion.
Essential oils are a natural fit to help boost your weight loss
and to live a healthy, toxin free lifestyle. I would start
experimenting with the different oils and how you use them
to find out what works best for you.
I use Young Living Essential Oils. Their seed to seal promise
assures me that I am getting the highest quality, therapeutic
grade, essential oils I can, making it safe with no chemical
additives.
Learn more about Young Living oils and browse the product
guide https://static.youngliving.com/enUS/PDFS/2014_ProductGuide.pdf
To purchase Young Living Essential Oils follow this
https://www.youngliving.com/signup/?site=US&sponsorid=1
813326&enrollerid=1813326 and sign up as a wholesale
member and receive 25% off your products (no future
obligation) or you can sign up and purchase as a retail
member. Make sure to use the #1813326 as the sponsor and
enroller ID. For more information you may contact Jill at
772-631-5906 or uhealthyu@yahoo.com
REFERENCES:
http://www.grassfedgirl.com/6-essential-oils-for-weight-loss/
http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/best-essential-oils-for-weight-loss/
http://www.intoxicatedonlife.com/2014/02/24/skeptics-guide-essential-oils-work/
http://www.gritman.com/EO_Papers/Weightloss.html