Do Hugs Help You Lose Weight? - The Compassionate Side of Weight Loss

Do Hugs Help You Lose Weight? - The Compassionate Side of Weight Loss!

Hugs, just like people, come in all shapes and sizes! There are Great Big BEAR HUGSSS that warm you and, in a moment, share heartfelt feelings that mere words can not convey. There are delicate little Grandma hugs where patience and the wisdom of the years is given freely with love and gentleness.

Lovers hug and the bonds of commitment and understanding are shared on a level like no other. There are hugs from the little arms of grandchildren that cause a grandparents heart to overflow with the unconditional and pure love that is offered. Parents swoon at the first hugs of their children as their tiny arms wrap around their neck relaying the safety and trust they feel while in their arms. Ball players hug when congratulations are in order and teachers hug to say well done. Even our animals hug us by jumping in our laps, wagging their tails or licking our face just to let us know they are glad we are home.READ MORE TO FIND WHY HUGS WERE IMPORTANT TO MY WEIGHT LOSS...

Physical hugs bring warmth, caring, compassion and a human connection with another person. Virtual hugs are much the same in that a warm huggy-feely connection is made with someone via the Internet. That person may be in the same city or half way around the world. The joy it brings to find hugs when you open your profile doesn't seem to be impacted whether they are from new acquaintances or tenured friends; the feeling of caring is conveyed and it brings a smile to your heart!

In leaving a virtual hug, it literally means that another person cared enough to share their most precious commodity, the moments of their life, in supporting you. Whether the sentiments are to wish you a wonderful day, to say they're sorry you're sad or to encourage you to keep working to accomplish your goals, it is supportive and nurtures your inner self.

The power of hugs was absolutely crucial in my weight loss success! It provided the nurturing my soul needed to heal and the validation that I mattered. They sustained me and gave me hope while I was struggling to learn how to forgive myself, care for myself and take care of myself. They let me know I was not alone. As I began to unlock the corners of my heart, those hugs allowed me to feel again. Through the friendships that were formed and the feelings that were conveyed, I learned I could survive the joys and the pains of life and I no longer chose to meet my emotional needs through food.

As I've shared this revelation and the beauty of hugs with others, it has come as a great surprise to many people. Following my participation at a Health 2.0 Conference in March, I had the unique opportunity to visit with a variety of people from the healthcare and Internet community. There was a focus on understanding the user experience and I had the pleasure of talking with a couple of company decision makers following the meeting. When asked if hugs were really crucial to my success, I emphatically said, "Yes!"

My mother has tried to understand this but, being a person that does not need hugs, she does not know how in the world a hug can compell someone to lose weight. Further, and with all sincerity, she can't see that there is any value to a virtual hug and simply says, "Oh, get real!" Don't get me wrong, my mom has a huge heart and a tremendous capacity for love. She cared for my dad 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for more than 10 years. The fortitude of that kind of love is real; she just doesn't need or miss hugs.

So now, given the views of my mom, the surprise of others, the reactions of a few decision makers, the very fact that I do not believe I would have succeeded without them, I posed these questions to a group of friends who are involved in a support group : "Are hugs important to your success? Do you like them, want them, need them?" You can read their thoughts here.

This video link was provided by one of our newest members when she wrote "think everyone likes hugs so here is a huge group hug for you all(((((((((((((((((((((((((((hug)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))." We thank her for her sparkling contribution and welcome her sincerely. We ask you to watch the entire video. It is Awesome!!! I was sad, then smiling, then really, really smiling and then clapping and laughing out loud ... followed by tears of happiness!!!

So, don't listen to me. I am one person who truly values hugs and the benefits of them. (I still look forward to hugs!)

However, you may want to listen to those in a weight loss group and the value they place on hugs ... as we are the ones walking this journey together!