Mindset

Tips to Improve Health Care Encounter when Talking about Weight

By Dr. Kushner / March 27, 2022 /

If you’re someone who struggles with weight, you may also struggle talking about weight with your health care provider. I know this because for the past 40 years I have talked to thousands of patients about weight and have seen firsthand how difficult this conversation can be for many individuals. Difficulties can range from people…

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Health Behavior Flexibility is Good for Your Weight & Health

By Dr. Kushner / January 29, 2022 /

Do you approach improving your weight and health with a more flexible or inflexible mindset? If you’re unsure, here are some questions to ask yourself: Are you someone who has strict rules you tell yourself you must follow? Do you have a long list of forbidden foods that you must not eat? Do you feel…

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Keeping Healthy Lifestyle Focus in Times of Stress

By Dr. Kushner / December 22, 2021 /

In my practice, stress and coping are topics I regularly address. I try and help patients see the connection between their life stressors, coping skills and overall health. The goal is to help patients cope more healthfully and keep the positive focus they need to maintain their healthy lifestyle habits. If life stressors impair your…

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Weight Loss Success Depends on Finding and Keeping Motivation

By Dr. Kushner / November 2, 2021 /

Whether you have in internal drive to lose weight to improve self-confidence or feel better, or you are encouraged to lose weight by your health care provider to improve your diabetes or hypertension, sustained motivation is a key factor for long-term success. However, it’s not uncommon for motivation to wax and wane at different points…

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From Deprivation Dieting to Enjoying a Healthier Lifestyle

By Dr. Kushner / October 19, 2021 /

Strict diet rules are hard to follow for long periods of time. Examples may include banning all carbs from your diet or never allowing yourself to enjoy treat-type foods ever again. Because losing weight and getting healthier are really important to you, you may challenge yourself to follow these rules in hopes that this time…

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Want to Get Help from your Primary Care Provider to Lose Weight? Just Ask!

By Dr. Kushner / October 10, 2021 /

I always ask my new patients how they came to see me. More often than not, they say they asked their primary care provider for help to lose weight. Your primary care provider (PCP) may not be an expert in weight management, but he or she is likely to be an expert in knowing about…

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Self-Weighing Without Self-Judgement

By Dr. Kushner / September 3, 2021 /

Self-monitoring is one of the most important behavioral strategies for improving the healthfulness of your lifestyle. If, for example, you want to lower your blood pressure, you may purchase a blood pressure monitor so you can self-monitor at home. Reaching a health goal is easier to accomplish if you measure it on a regular basis.…

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Treat Yourself Better to Better Manage Weight

By Dr. Kushner / August 14, 2021 /

Emotions can be high for anyone experiencing lifelong struggles managing weight. At the same time, common feelings of self-doubt or blame along with self-critical thinking can keep you feeling bad about yourself while also sapping the energy you need to better manage weight and improve your health habits. When it comes to weight management, we…

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Take the First Step to a Heathier Life

By Dr. Kushner / June 23, 2021 /

When it comes to boosting the healthfulness of your lifestyle, sometimes the first step you take may be the hardest one. With so much conflicting information in the media on the best ways to lose weight and get healthier, you are likely to be confused. You may be asking yourself some common questions: Are all…

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The Food-Mood Connection and Your Health

By Dr. Kushner / June 5, 2021 /

As reported in the New York Times, new research in the field of nutritional psychiatry is linking the foods you eat with one’s mood and mental health. Though this field is in its infancy, it’s intriguing to think that choosing healthier foods could not only boost your health but may also make you feel better.…

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