Jessica Ortner
The Tapping Solution for Weight Loss and Body Confidence is based on a weight loss and body confidence program that I’ve led over 3,000 women through. It’s had amazing results, and I wanted to share the program with as many women as possible, and a book seemed the perfect way to do that. It’s really a new way to lose weight – by looking at the emotions behind the weight, and the stress that we feel when we don’t feel good in our own skin. When we can transform those things, our relationship with ourselves, and with food, exercise – and really our entire lives – change. That’s when we experience long-term weight loss that feels natural.
Why does stress stop you from looking and feeling healthy?
Cortisol, which is often called the "stress hormone,” has been linked to abdominal obesity, slower metabolism, and poor digestion. Stress, as well as emotions, also have a huge impact on our actions. When we don’t process our stress and emotions in a healthy way, we often turn to food, or avoid exercise, because we’re too stressed, anxious, and so on. By processing and releasing that stress while also lowering cortisol levels in the body, which tapping has been shown to do, we can transform the body from the inside out.
Please tell us about the documentary The Tapping Solution.
The Tapping Solution is a documentary about a four-day tapping retreat we did in 2007. The results the retreat attendees had are incredible, but just a sampling of what tapping can do to help people heal from emotional wounds, chronic pain, insomnia, and more. Thanks to the success of that movie, we now host an annual online summit that has helped millions of people around the world, as well as offering online classes, books, and more.
Why is overeating and food cravings associated with emotions rather than need?
When we eat more than our body needs, it’s because we’re searching for a feeling. Research has also shown that cravings are also based in emotions. In one study done in Australia, 89 obese women were followed, and after eight weeks of tapping for just 15 minutes a day, participants had lost an average of 16 pounds without changing their eating or exercise habits.
Why do a lot of people think exercise is a chore and how can you find joy in it?
For many women, exercise feels like a punishment for being fat. We’re not taught to enjoy exercise, we’re taught it’s something we have to do to lose weight. I felt that way myself for many, many years, and it wasn’t until I used tapping to let go of the stress and self-judgment I felt around working out that I began to really enjoy moving my body. It’s completely changed how I see and experience exercise. After years of dreading any and all forms of exercise, I now really look forward to it. It’s become a real source of pleasure and enjoyment in my life, and I’ve seen that same thing happen for so many of my students and clients as well.
How can friends add to your problem?
Change can be hard to handle. When they see your healthy changes, they can often react in an unsupportive way. It’s important to know how to handle their reactions, and tapping is a great way to deal with the anxiety that can come out of those situations. Once they begin tapping, a lot of people find they’re able to have healthier and more supportive friendships.
You have struggled with weight yourself, so how much has it helped you to stay in control of your diet?
I don’t believe in dieting. I now feel calm and confident around food and I naturally gravitate to healthier choices, but at the same time, I allow myself to fully enjoy the times when I indulge in more decadent food.
What is next for you?
I’m excited to continue helping women through my book and my online program. I want every woman to feel beautiful in her own skin.
Jessica Ortner
Author, The Tapping Solution for Weight Loss & Body Confidence
Producer, The Tapping Solution
www.TheTappingSolution.com