Behavioral and lifestyle changes help people control their weight. Psychologists can assist with these changes, either alone in private practice or as part of a health care team.
Limit sugary foods and beverages and eat more whole grains. Avoid processed foods, which are high in salt and fat. Try sitting down to eat meals and snacks and avoiding distractions like TV and computers.
Stress Management
Stress is a natural reaction that happens when you encounter change or challenges. It’s a healthy part of life, but it can become a problem if it isn’t managed well. Stress management techniques include meditation, yoga, controlled breathing and visualization. These techniques may help prevent or ease the symptoms of stress, such as chest pain and a racing heart.
Chronic high stress levels can cause weight gain, slowed metabolism and cravings for food that is rich in calories, fat and sugar. In addition, high stress levels can also affect sleep which is important for a healthy body.
Learning to manage stress can help you lose weight and keep it off in the long-term. There are a variety of stress management classes available at the Wellness & Integrative Health Department that focus on meditation, mindful eating and breath work to lower cortisol levels. These classes last eight-to-12 weeks and can help you learn how to control your stress level and change your mindset about how you approach the everyday stresses in your life.