Today, I have a special treat for you. I have invited Dr. Awad, the founder of VibrantMD, to share some of her invaluable strategies for weight loss. As a family medicine physician and certified weight loss coach, Dr. Awad specializes in guiding women over 50 toward achieving their weight loss goals. Although her expertise primarily focuses on this demographic, the topic is applicable to any adults looking to enhance their health and lose weight.
Highlights from our chat:
- Embracing Discomfort: There’s a lot of food, everywhere. There is a wide variety of food options available for consumption. We can categorize them as occasional food (sometimes food) and everyday choices (most of the time food). However, in a culture where food is readily accessible – during your daily commute, in the office break room, or even when offered by well-meaning friends and family – it can be challenging to resist eating when not truly hungry. Dr. Awad shares tips today on how to embrace the discomfort of saying “no” and explains that this is the opposite of fighting cravings or wishing for willpower.
- Prioritize Your Health and Needs: Many women tend to put others’ needs before their own, Dr. Awad emphasizes that prioritizing personal health and well-being is not selfish, but rather an act of self-care.
- Overeating vs. Food Waste: This topic arises frequently with both Dr. Shah’s and Dr. Awad’s clients. Sometimes, we tend to overeat out of a desire to avoid food waste. However, the food left on our plates won’t alleviate the issue of global hunger. There are more effective approaches to address the challenge of global hunger, and by us overconsuming fooddoes not provide a comprehensive solution to these complex issues. Our food choices only affect us individually. To reduce overeating of food, we can take a small step by leaving some food uneaten on our plates. This simple act can help us realize that the portions we tend to choose are often more than what we truly need.
- Boundaries and Food Pushers: Dr. Awad touches on how to work with food pushers– those people who offering us food constantly. When people offer you food, it may be a heartfelt expression of their love for you. Accepting the food to take home can serve as a gesture of gratitude, acknowledging their affection. However, once you bring the food home, you have the option to either dispose of it or determine what you would like to do with it. She also emphasizes the significance of establishing boundaries with individuals who try to control your food choices. After all, is it truly acceptable for someone to dictate what and how much you consume?
Make sure to check out Dr. Awad on social media at heatherawadmd.com, and listen to her podcast, The Vibrant MD. You won’t want to miss out on her valuable insights and advice.
If you’re ready to take your health journey to the next level, I’m here to help. Let’s have a conversation about your health goals.
Book an appointment with me today. Together, we can transform your health dreams into an achievable reality.
