Musings by Dr. Michelle Gannon: Psychologist, Wife and Mother
The most popular New Year's Resolution is to "Lose Weight and Get Fit." Ask yourself, do you honestly need to lose weight and exercise more regularly? Or do you need to work on accepting your body more?Why it is so hard for us to accept our bodies? Personally, I exercise regularly, and eat healthy. Usually.
Recently, I pulled out some of the eating plans and diet books that I have on my shelf, and have tried over the years: Calorie Counters, South Beach Diet, Green Smoothies, Intuitive Eating, Vegan, Eating 10 Fruits/Veggies, Atkins, Low Carb, No Sugar, Iphone "Lose it", Cleanses, and so on.
Then I thought about all of the exercise and fitness programs I have tried: running, biking, swimming, gym, aerobics, dance, sculpting, boot camp, spinning, yoga, Pilates, hiking and Bar Method, just to name a few!
My friends, clients and colleagues in Marin and San Francisco all talk about how we want to lose weight. If only we lost weight, we would be happy. Our pants do not fit like they used to. For some of us, it is harder now that we are older. Hormonal changes, thyroid issues and metabolisms are slowing down. If we have children, we blame motherhood for the changes in our body. Many of us do not like how we look, and more importantly we just do not feel good in our bodies.
What are we searching for? I tell my friends that I just want to lose 5 pounds. But, honestly would 5 pounds really make a difference? When I mentioned to my husband that I want to lose 5 pounds, he said, "Why?" and I realized that I ALWAYS WANT TO LOSE 5 POUNDS!
Some people say it is the media's influence. Women strive to be thinner because of unrealistic standards we see with celebrities. Some say we have unrealistic expectations especially as we age. I know that I do not have body dysmorphic thoughts. When I look in the mirror, I know I am not overweight or fat. I just think I would feel look and feel better if I were a little smaller. If my pants fit better. That's all.
If you are going to make behavioral changes, you need to use what works for you personally. I know that as both a psychologist, and as a woman striving to live a healthy lifestyle. I decide it is time to go back to a no-nonsense approach. What has worked for me over the past 25 years: Eating clean and exercising most days. And, I need social support. I am such an extrovert that I am happier and healthier when I share with friends.
Many nutrition experts say that 80% of how our body looks is related to our nutrition. 10% genetics. 10% exercise. The Eat Clean Diet program by Tosca Reno works for me. Lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, water and limited alcohol. Yes, I can still have my coffee, occasional wine and dark chocolate. Pretty simple.
I know that I am happier when I exercise. A study by the Mayo Clinic found Physical Exercise 3 hours per week reduces stress, fatigue, self doubt, irritability and depression. Yet, I know that I am personally happier, less stressed, and more productive when I exercise most days. Many of us rely on physical exercise to help manage our weight, and our moods. Both strength training and cardio are needed, and consistency is essential.
I'm a busy working Mom juggling all of the time. I need to remember "When Mom exercises and is happy…the entire family is happy." It is important to prioritize taking care of myself, especially since I take care of others the rest of the time.
How do you feel about your body? Do you eat clean and healthy? Do you exercise? Are you making New Year's Resolutions? What works for you? We are in this together!
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Dr. Michelle Gannon is a Psychologist specializing in Relationships, Wellness and Women's Issues. She has been in private practice in San Francisco for 20 years helping individuals and couples live more positive and happier lives. She specializes in relationship issues, self esteem, depression, anxiety, family of origin issues, parenthood, career and life transitions. She also helps with work/life balance, health and wellness, body image, intimacy and sexuality, infertility, pregnancy, parenting, friendship, and helping women develop a strong sense of self. Visit her at www.DrMichelleGannon.com and www.MarriagePrep101.com.
Dr. Gannon lives in San Rafael with her husband, two sons, dog and cat.
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