Dr. Posner's Blog
The Serotonin-Plus Weight Loss Program Blog: Buffets
December 18, 2011 - 0 Comments »
Last night I took my daughter out for a graduation celebration and we went to the Gaylord Hotel at the National Harbor. What an amazing Christmas decor…the lights, fountains, trees…I highly recommend visiting the Gaylord to see how magnificent it is. The place was packed and the only viable restaurant choice for us was the buffet. Yep, the “ALL YOU CAN EAT” type of restaurant that I warn my patients to avoid. Taklng a step back and looking at the choices, there is no question that you can remain true to the “protein and vegetable” choices. There was beef, lots of salads, fish and chicken choices. Broccoli and asparagus was also offered. The obvious derailing foods however were the breads, potatoes and of course, the dessert bar. Pretty much everyone around us finished off their meal with a dessert. Why? Human nature…it was there and already “paid for”. Had there been an extra charge for the dessert I would bet that more than 90% if the patrons would have taken a pass. et yourself up for success when choosing restaurants…and if you cannot control your human nature side, then bypass buffets.
The Serotonin-Plus Weight Loss Program Blog: Aiming High, But Realistic
December 17, 2011 - 0 Comments »
What we weighed in high school is not a number we should strive for when we get above the mid 30s in age. It is not realistic. When you set goals for your weight loss, make them realistic, achievable and sustainable. Do not look at the BMI charts as these are only guidelines and do not take into account bone structure and build. Challenge yourself to reach for a healthy weight that your will look great and feel great at. Set yourself up for success by setting your sights on a goal weight that makes sense.
The Serotonin-Plus Weight Loss Program Blog: Habits
December 16, 2011 - 0 Comments »
A very powerful human trait is the development of habits. From which shoe you put on first in the morning to when you shut off your light to go to sleep to many other behavior patterns, most of our actions are habitual. Clearly, our eating and exercise behaviors fall into habitual patterns as well. Unfortunately, habits tend to fall more into what feels good/comfortable as opposed to what takes effort and is not “fun”. Giving up carbohydrates, restricting alcohol and going to the gym is not considered “fun” for most, and therefore these behaviors are hard to become habitual in nature. However, for long term weight loss, these habits need to become permanent. These new habits lead to a longer, healthier and happier life. Embrace these new behaviors and make them habitual.
The Serotonin-Plus Weight Loss Program Blog: Aerobic conditioning
December 15, 2011 - 0 Comments »
When a person is overweight and/or not exercising, the exercise tolerance is minimal. Only short amounts of exertion will cause shortness of breath and lack of energy. If someone is exercising and working our regularly, even if there is much weight present, tolerance is still good. An example of this is an NFL offensive lineman weighing 340 pounds. With weight loss comes renewed energy and there is no question that exercise tolerance improves. Even if someone is not in training, lugging around 30-100 less pounds is much easier on the body. There are two ends of the equation as this relates to weight loss: calories coming in and calories you are burning off. Work on both ends of the equation and they will actually help each other.
The Serotonin-Plus Weight Loss Program Blog: “I am too busy”
December 14, 2011 - 0 Comments »
On a daily basis, we query our patients as to whether they have counted the portions recommended in our dietary plan, whether they have had their snacks, whether they created time for exercise, and often, the refrain we hear is “I am too busy”. There is no doubt whatsoever that our area is high-intensity and between commutes, work, children responsibilities etc, there is precious little time to even breathe during the day no less focus on our efforts to lose weight. But I will pose this question: If God forbid, a life-altering medical problem occurred such as a cancer diagnosis, heart attack, stroke, diabetes diagnosis …would you then have much time available to address these issues because you are no longer able to work? The answer is that at that point you would not be too busy to focus on yourself. My point here: MAKE THE TIME to do the things you need to do to PREVENT a life-altering medical problem from occurring. Your success in losing weight will increase the chances dramatically of NOT having to face these issues. Do not wait unit, it is too late. Be proactive NOW.
