Robin Hornstein, Ph.D.

How To Lose Weight

Did the subject get your attention?  I would imagine it did, as it does mine and many other people as they decide what latest attempt they will make to reshape their bodies into the athletic, feminine, masculine, strong, sexy, thin, skinny, erased idea of a woman or man that is desired.  But there are few steps to true weight loss and maintenance that count.  Two weeks with this plan and you would, if you really are over your BMI or Healthy Weight, see how it can be done.  First, freecycle all of your diet books, including the pages torn from magazines with one week meal plans.  Second, go outside and walk, garden, and breathe; this must be done every day for a good deal of your time.  Third, eat when you are hungry - meaning that empty feeling that growls, and stop when you begin to feel full. Full feels like your tummy is done even if your mouth is not.  Fourth, meditate about life and what you want out of it; is your meditation full of food thoughts?  Ok, so ten years from now you want to be thinking of chocolate cake?  Or would you prefer to have seen a side of yourself, like your inner child of play, finally take that art class and soar?  If you can't do the above without good and bad foods, self loathing and fear, I suggest a support group or therapy to help ease the way.  Eat with gusto, smile with your blessings and find your real thoughts, feelings and dreams.  Robin

Healthy Self and Disordered Eating Self - Let's Talk

Many people who struggle with disordered eating and body image issues recognize this thinking pattern:  I can't, won't, shouldn't, should not have eaten that .... and now I need to make up for it.  This is a prime moment for the healthy self that knows eating when hungry and fueling the body is important should step in.  Food is not the enemy here.  We all realize that when we battle it, and ourselves, we forget to think thoughts and challenge beliefs that we don't deserve our food.  Next time you eat something you want and then feel guilty you could try letting the healthier you ask some questions:  was I hungry, what would happen if I felt full instead of fat, can I let go of the need to "make-up" for the intake of this food?  Try dropping one of your trigger words for a day (for example: fat, bad, wrong, stupid) and substitute a kind word.  Eat when you are hungry and learn to let your healthy self recognize hunger.  If you can't, it may be time to consult a professional for some support.