Mindset
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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.…
So much in life is outside of our control such as where we are born, who our parents are and our genetic makeup. When taking a family history, I always ask about my patient’s family members and whether or not others in the family have weight problems. If your family members have also struggled with…
Although you may think restricting eating and setting up strict food rules would help you lose weight, it really only leaves you feeling deprived. And in the long run, strict dieting along with a limited eating plan can also be a recipe for weight regain. Here’s why it’s time to drop the diet deprivation mindset:…
