Self Care
As you move through your weight loss journey, you will encounter two kinds of habits – healthy habits you want to create (such as eating more fruits and vegetables) and less healthful habits you want to stop (such as drinking sugar-sweetened beverages). You will find that it’s more challenging to stop an unhealthy habit than…
As a physician specializing in weight management, I always take a sleep history from my new patients. The quality and amount of daily sleep have emerged as major factors in health and weight management. In fact, a new research study found that increasing the number of hours slept could help decrease food intake and weight.…
Self-care is your ability to give your mind and body what they need in order to stay healthy. This includes eating well, being active, de-stressing, getting enough sleep and engaging in leisure-time activities that bring you joy and help re-charge your batteries. Healthy eating and living are all about finding foods and activities you enjoy…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
