Guest Author - Vivian Nelson Melle

Ever walk into a bakery and want a cupcake even though you had a big breakfast just a few moments before? It is well documented that certain scents have the power to stir your feelings. Lavender has long been used for relaxation while peppermint has shown remarkable abilities to uplift and awaken the senses. So, are there scents that can help us curb our appetite and eleviate binge eating? You can use aromatherapy to help you with your fitness and wellbeing goals.

Most of our cravings come from the olfactory department. Ever go shopping when you are hungry? Those samples they set out feed into our senses. Smelling the toasted tortellini or Bar-B-Que chicken wings sends our mind into a spin believing it needs to eat. We can short the circuit by enjoying the scents without eating.

Baked goods are one of the most soothing scents. When asked about happy smells, people usually report cookies and other baked goods as evoking positive feelings. Having a Sugar Cookie scented candle burning during those times of the day when binge eating is a problem can help get rid of the need to eat in order to satisfy the craving. Apple pie scents and even chocolate work to evoke feel good endorphins without the caloric intake. It's like having a calorie free piece of cake.

Lavender, chamomile and sage have become popular for the relaxing effect they have on the body. Many women report that most of their binge eating seems to result from daily stress. Even scientific research how relevant stress is for weight gain and a woman's ability to loose weight. By allowing relaxation and promoting stress-free activities, it increases a person's chances for successful healthy eating changes.

When you need the get-up-and-go to work out after a long day, the scents of ginger, peppermint, and any citrus can rev you up. These scents have often been used in the morning to get you going, or to keep you going after a long day. They are also useful during sickness as they can add some pep and may even help boost you immune system. Some of the treat-like scents like chocolate mint ice cream and gingerbread cookie, allow you a wake-up and sweet treat to keep you going.

Do you want to feel sexy? Besides clothes, make-up, a great pair of pumps, and a healthy body image, scents can help you feel like a million bucks. The romance evoking scents of sandalwood, rose, and jasmine can help boost a love life or keep one fired up. Yummy scents like cinnamon, chocolate and vanilla have similar boosting qualities. Let's face it, chocolate covered strawberries and kisses from your partner are the perfect pair.

The next time your will-power starts to wane or you need a pick-me-up, use scents to make it through the day. Whether through your hand lotion, candles, or air fresheners, scents can help uplift, relax and power-up your mind.

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