Meet Melissa De Guardia, Dietitian and Hypnotherapist
I chose dietetics and nutrition because they study the set of rules that guide the human nutrition by integrating a cultural dimension linked to food practices. Dietetics and nutrition are the most natural means to maintain or regain one’s weight, to preserve or improve one’s health. Moreover, this professional practice intervenes in various sectors and allows a wide choice of exercises (private, clinical, hospital, interventions in professional and school environments, implementation of educational projects…) while being linked to the medical and paramedical field for which I have a particular interest.
At the same time, I turned to hypnosis, specializing in eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, addictions…). It is for me an essential field for the quality and the follow-ups of my dietetic care. This set allows a balance of body and mind healthily and sustainably, avoiding drastic diets, deprivation, and facilitating the achievement of its objectives.
In the practice of Ericksonian hypnosis, which is a form of hypnosis of suggestibility, I simply accompany myself to find the necessary resources within oneself through rich and personalized sessions. I work on all kinds of addictions (alcohol, tobacco, food…), sleep disorders, stress, self-confidence, trauma, chronic pain, support for specific populations (pregnant women, athletes…), but also and simply on emotional well-being by working with the body and mind.
The consultations last one hour. We establish together a data collection and then a food plan adapted to the objectives set beforehand. Following this, a hypnosis session related to food can be proposed. Obviously, it will be necessary to establish regular follow-ups with or without associated hypnosis sessions according to the patient’s request.
The most common eating disorders encountered in Mauritius are, without hesitation, compulsive eating, that is to say: a state of mind that induces the intake of food more or less fatty/sweet and caloric outside meals. But also, dietary imbalances with a bad diet, too rich, poor in fiber, thus generating metabolic disorders: overweight, obesity, diabetes, cholesterol …
For the people who work from home, I would advise the people working from home to eat complete and balanced meals at regular mealtime and to avoid snacking. It is important to remember to drink enough water between meals and allow yourself a healthy snack if necessary. My last piece of advice is to practice regular physical activity to avoid a sedentary lifestyle and therefore gain weight.