self compassion

Changing Hearts & Minds about Obesity

Dr. Robert Kushner October 11, 2023 No Comments

I recently attended the Obesity Action Coalition’s (OAC) Your Weight Matters 2023- Engage conference in Orlando. No matter how long I’ve been practicing, I continue to be inspired by those who share personal weight journey stories that include both their struggles and successes. Throughout the weekend, we heard inspiring stories from former professional football players,

Weight Journey Reflections can Help you Move Forward

Dr. Robert Kushner September 17, 2023 No Comments

Before I help patients develop a personalized weight loss plan, I want to better understand each person’s weight journey – and how they got to where they are today. I have a technique I’ve used where I ask patients to plot their weight at different times of their life. For most patients, they are able

Treat Yourself Better – You Deserve it!

Dr. Robert Kushner July 21, 2023 No Comments

When I see patients who are doing well following their new healthy lifestyle behaviors but complain that the scale isn’t budging fast enough, I ask them to make a list. On one side are all the positives they’ve been experiencing with their newfound healthier lifestyle such as being more active, easier to sit in an

Track Weight in a Healthy Way

Dr. Robert Kushner November 1, 2022 No Comments

Monitoring your weight, diet and physical activity are some of the most successful strategies seen across multiple weight-loss studies. Self-monitoring keeps you accountable and aware of how key behaviors are impacting your health. If weight loss is one of your health goals, then tracking weight on a regular basis is encouraged. However, weight tracking should

From Deprivation Dieting to Enjoying a Healthier Lifestyle

Dr. Robert Kushner October 19, 2021 No Comments

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-Weighing Without Self-Judgement

Dr. Robert Kushner September 3, 2021 No Comments

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.

Treat Yourself Better to Better Manage Weight

Dr. Robert Kushner August 14, 2021 No Comments

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

Better Self Care, Better Health

Dr. Robert Kushner February 2, 2021 No Comments

You’re already probably used to taking care of others – your children, an ailing parent, a friend or even your pet. Now it’s time to start treating yourself better too. In my 40 + years treating patients, I’ve found that those who make time for self-care, do better managing weight and boosting health than those

Don’t Deprive Yourself, Give to Yourself: 5 Ways to Give your Weight Loss Program a Boost

Dr. Robert Kushner January 12, 2020 No Comments

It’s the time of year when articles with diet deprivation tips abound, telling you to ‘ban all sugar from your diet’ or ‘eat all foods between noon and 8 PM’. And because losing weight and getting healthier are really important to you, you challenge yourself to follow these rules in hopes that this year will

3 Ways to Fit Self Care into Your Busy Life

Dr. Robert Kushner November 8, 2019 No Comments

When helping patients manage their weight, self-care is a topic that comes up daily. That’s because way too often women especially are great caregivers for everyone but themselves. Taking care of yourself is not being selfish. It’s also a reminder that your health and happiness are worth the time and effort. Self care can include