FLORIDA PSYCHOLOGIST ON SELF-ESTEEM

” She is skinny, I like her dress, her flowing hair and her fabulous make-up. If only I looked like. ” How many of you are constantly comparing yourselves to other people. By comparing ourselves to others, we are in fact setting ourselves up to feel insecure, have low self-esteem and a poor body image. We are setting ourselves up to feel as a failure and that we are not good enough. We have so much pressure from the media and society to look like a supermodel that we forget about what we do have to offer and in fact how amazing our bodies truly are. Do you wish to continue your life in pursuit of that perfect body or would you rather spend your time and energy enjoying what you have accomplished with friends and family?

In moving toward a sense of wellness, let’s talk about the tools to work on your mind. Let us move you toward understanding, appreciating and accepting your body so that you can finally learn to love who you are and your body shape. These are the three steps toward a happier you.

1. Awareness: It is important to understand how miraculous your body actually is. Biologically and physically, our bodies are masterpieces that perform at a high level every moment.  We also need to appreciate that we consume food to provide fuel for our bodies so that we can function in many different capacities. Think about your body and it’s limitations before you decided to have surgery and the improvements that you have made since then. Learn to practice mindfulness. In other words, we need to begin paying attention and listening to our body’s cues of hunger, fullness, fatigue and pain. This will help us to differentiate between our emotional and physical hunger.

2. Acceptance: We can move toward acceptance of our present situation and what is, rather than dwelling or longing for what is not. To facilitate this, we can begin to think about our positive intrinsic qualities and rehearsing positive statements about ourselves such as, I am a caring person. Be kind to yourself and pay attention to the words you choose in speaking to yourself. Stop verbally abusing yourself! Also, in the same way that we expect normal weight fluctuations with each day or month, we should also realize that we have our own unique genetics and body type.

3. Assistance: Realize that you deserve encouragement when life gets tough and you feel stressed.  It’s okay to reach out to friends, family or professionals for support. Let those close to you know who you are by expressing your needs and wants.

By Heidi R. Cherwony, Psy.D.

FLORIDA PSYCHOLOGIST DISCUSSES TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN WEIGHT LOSS

Being successful in maintenance of weight loss after surgery requires a drastic change in lifestyle. The majority of my patients exploring the idea of bariatric surgery understand only that they will have to make changes to their eating habits and to start exercising. It is important to realize, however, that long term success requires a change to all aspects of our lives. The way we treat ourselves will reflect greatly on our success down the road.

Integrity is the main ingredient to success. Being honest with yourself will help you in learning about yourself and personal growth. If you sneak food behind your spouses back, it does not so much matter that you are lying to your spouse but rather than you are lying to yourself.  If you come in for a follow up visit and fail to share your struggles, you are only cheating yourself the opportunity for guidance and additional support.

Establishing a supportive network is another key ingredient to success and to your happiness. Surround yourself with healthy and successful people and those people who you admire and respect. You may be surprised at how their positive energy rubs off on you.

Many of us are scared to go to a doctor when something does not feel right because we are afraid of what we may find out.  Similarly, we put off going to the dentist or for annual checkups that are a necessary part of preventative health. Being proactive in our healthcare is important and necessary to our general wellbeing.

It is also important to ask questions and to understand fully what instructions or information we are given by doctors before we leave their office.

Become aware and tune into your body.  Sore feet at the end of the day may mean that you have worked too hard and that your legs and feet need to rest. Soaking your feet in warm water, elevating them or staying off your feet can help to replenish them and help them to heal. The alternative option is to continue to push your feet until you wear them down, resulting in a larger problem. The same goes for the rest of your body. If you are sick, take a sick day. The world will go on without you being there.

Slow down and make sure you have time for fun. Balance in life is important. Setting priorities and goals are essential in success. If you are engaging in any behavior to extreme, even exercise, you are neglecting other important parts of your life. Many of my patients who are successful and maintain a healthy weight long term have even changed their careers because they know that their career for example, in the food industry, was not conducive to healthy decision making.

However far out of surgery you are, you must realize that you do have to sacrifice and make changes if you want to be successful for life.  It is a process and may require support or guidance of a friend, supportive family member or professional.

The end results will be worth it!

By Heidi R. Cherwony, Psy.D.

FLORIDA PSYCHOLOGIST ANNOUNCES WEIGHT LOSS CONSULTING

Press Release URL:

http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=115237

Press Release Headline

Florida Psychologist Announces Weight Loss Consulting

Press Release Company:

Florida Psychologist or Florida Weight Loss

Press Release Full Text:

Dr. Heidi Rimer Cherwony, Florida board-certified psychologist, offers professional, weight loss consultation for individuals dealing with the personal challenge of increased body weight. Dr. Cherwony’s website Mind and Body Doctor informs clients about the importance of a total balanced plan for permanent weight loss and long term weight management.

Individuals may arrange consultation with Dr. Cherwony via telephone (561-699-4639) or by selecting one of the convenient and secure online internet options, live chat or email. For Boca Raton residents,

the Mind And Body Doctor office is centrally located near Glades and I-95 at:

2200 NW Corporate Blvd, Suite 311

Boca Raton, Florida, 3343

In today’s fast-paced world, long-term and weight loss rarely go hand in hand. The diet industry is booming, yet weight issues and obesity rates are higher than ever. Related conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are also skyrocketing at alarming rates. Although most of us understand the concept of eating healthy foods and the need to exercise, people often turn to radical changes in short term diet. This leads to immediate weight loss only to be shortly followed by the inevitable weight gain, leaving you even more frustrated and less motivated than when you started.

Achieving long term weight loss is a major focus of the doctor’s goals with her clients. Dr. Cherwony states,

“Remember, weight loss and maintenance is a journey, a lifestyle.

Success is not about achieving an arbitrary number on a scale.”

Rather, we will go on a journey together to achieve your long term health, happiness, calm, balance and high self-esteem that will allow you to live a fuller & much improved life.”