Experiencing food cravings post-bariatric surgery is quite common. However, these cravings can pose a challenge for those committed to maintaining a nutritious diet. It’s comforting to know that these cravings are often linked to chemical imbalances in the body, and understanding this can greatly assist in controlling them. Decoding the Science of Cravings Extensive research […]

Navigating the path to healthier eating, can often be challenging, especially when faced with persistent sugar cravings after bariatric surgery. Understanding the science behind these cravings is key to managing them effectively. This article delves into the hormonal and blood glucose factors that drive our desire for sugar, and offers strategies for controlling these cravings. […]

Food addiction is a complex phenomenon that affects many individuals. Understanding the science behind food addictions can shed light on the underlying mechanisms and contribute to effective strategies for managing this condition. Studies have confirmed that food addictions are real and can lead to obesity as a result of uncontrolled eating. The science behind food […]

Eating too fast can make you gain weight after bariatric surgery and can be bad for your overall health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle after surgery is not just about how much you eat, but the pace at which you eat. Throughout the bariatric process, we will teach patients to have a healthy relationship with food and […]

Bariatric physical therapy is crucial to the whole process of weight loss surgery. Research shows that patients who undergo bariatric surgery need a consistent source of physical activity counseling, which we believe can be fulfilled by a physical therapist. This blog will delve deeper into physical therapy and the importance of activity in your weight loss journey.  […]

For bariatric patients, a low-carb diet is the most recommended way of eating to lose weight and maintain your weight loss after bariatric surgery. Hopefully, you have learned the importance of a low-carb diet at your bariatric program. However, if you are searching for resources online about getting started, this is a great place to look.  […]

Getting enough sleep each night is critical to your overall health and impacts many of your bodily functions—including your mood, mental clarity, immune system, and disease risk factor. Furthermore, sleep also plays a vital role in managing your weight as it influences your hormones and metabolism.  Yet, not only can a lack of sleep lead […]

Exercise is essential for keeping your body moving and functioning, especially after bariatric surgery. Several studies show that the body was designed to move and works best when it is active; otherwise, a sedentary lifestyle can weaken the muscles, heart, and lungs and lead to bone deterioration, joint stiffness, and more. Unfortunately, many people lack the motivation […]

Loose skin after weight loss surgery is inevitable if you have lost a significant amount of weight. Although there are many benefits to bariatric surgery, including improved health, longer life expectancy, more mobility, fewer health complications, and extreme weight loss, of course, there is the risk of having loose skin after weight loss surgery. With […]

Being healthy isn’t something reserved simply for those with a high bank balance. While you do have to invest in yourself, managing your weight, lowering stress levels, and treating your body well don’t have to take a toll on you, your work, or your family. In fact, some things, such as changing careers to lower […]

A detox can help you feel refreshed, boost your energy, and reset your body as the summer months are upon us. And, luckily, detoxing at home can take many different forms. Here are some easy ways you can remove toxins from your body at home. 

Sleep is the foundation of nearly every aspect of your health, from your focus, your mood, your energy levels, and your correlation to diseases. So not only is it essential to get enough sleep each night, but it is also important to get good quality rest so your body can heal and repair itself.  If […]

Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine has many benefits, including aiding in weight loss, alleviating joint pain, and improving your mood. If you are new to working out, you may feel intimidated and unsure where or how to begin. In this blog, we will go into everything you need to know about how to […]

For over 15 years, I have worked with people who want to lose weight and avoid weight regain. For the same number of years, I have heard the most baffling words from these same people: “I don’t know how.” 

Did you set a New Year’s Resolution? If you’re like most people who set resolutions, the chances are good that you’ve already thrown it in the trash along with last year’s calendar. Studies make it crystal clear that almost 200 million Americans declare resolutions related to money, health, career, self-improvement, family, and love. 

In last week’s blog, I shared the basics of habit formation. You consciously choose a behavior that you want to make part of your life without having to overthink it. Habits are usually paired with an environmental cue. After following that cue and action, over time, a habit will be formed. This is understood to […]

We all have numerous healthy daily habits, which (hopefully) include things like showering, brushing teeth, eating meals at regular times, and washing our hands after using the bathroom (especially now with COVID). People can also develop unproductive habits such as biting their nails, twirling their hair around a particular finger, or saying “um” many times […]

Halloween is a season of candy and sugared goodies. And as a bariatric patient, this can be quite frightful. It can be hard to resist the temptation to open the bag of mini chocolate bars you planned on giving out to trick-or-treaters. And it can be even harder not to pick out your favorite treats […]

Today, we’re back with a list of cardio workouts you can do at home to get your sweat on! Whatever your fitness goals – losing weight, toning, coming back from an injury – these workouts will get your blood flowing and calories burning. Here are just a few of our favorite at-home workouts.

Your heart is one of the most important muscles in your body. Although many people don’t look at it as a muscle because they can not artificially see it. Targeting your heart rate zone during exercise is a great “muscle building” attribute you can bring to the table. Simply put, your heart rate is the […]

Motivation is the set of forces that activate, guide and maintain our behaviors in order to meet a goal. In other words, motivation is the reason(s) behind why you do what you do. The word motivation comes from a Latin word that means “to move”, therefore motivation implies effort and action—as in doing.

The alarm goes off at 5:15 AM. I drudgingly roll out of bed (after snoozing for 15 minutes) and slip into my workout clothes. As I lace up my sneakers, I think of every excuse not to go to the gym—”I worked out hard yesterday. I am sore. I have a long day at work today. I […]

True story: A friend of mine had bariatric surgery. Her husband came to her hospital room the morning after her surgery with a box of donuts. They weren’t for her, of course, but he wanted something to munch on while she was recuperating.

Do you want to reduce body fat, increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently? Strength training, here we come! As a bariatric patient, lean muscle mass quickly diminishes the more you lose. You’re not only losing fat, but you’re also losing muscle. 

For most people, especially us southerners, July 4th is spent enjoying a long weekend filled with grilling out, drinking beer, soaking up the sun, and sharing laughs with family and friends. As glorious as this may sound, holidays can lead to anxious feelings for bariatric patients though, as they are typically surrounded by food. And […]

Is this feeling really hunger? It may sound a bit odd, but many people genuinely cannot tell if they’re physically hungry or if what they’re experiencing is a misleading hunger signal. A what? Misleading… Hunger… Signal. Sometimes you think you’re hungry, and you may even experience physiological signs that feel like genuine physical hunger. Still, you ate an adequate meal […]

It’s late on Thursday night. You’ve worked all day, the kids are in bed and now it’s time for you to study. The professor has assigned a lengthy reading assignment. You sit down and barely make it to the third page before you’re fidgeting, distracted, and … bored by the content. Mindlessly, you set the […]

Stress eating, or “emotional eating” seems to be as common a problem as mosquitos at a Fourth of July picnic! In fact, when I work with patients who are struggling with weight regain, the majority of them attribute the increase in pounds to “stress.” I remind each of them, in a playful, yet serious way, […]

Along with Lysol wipes and toilet paper, home gym equipment is in popular demand. With the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have transformed the space in the corner of their living room to their home gym—myself included. Finding the motivation to workout is made much easier when you have the right equipment for your goals. So, we […]

We have all been spending a lot of time at home lately as a result of the COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place orders. With gyms closed and some public parks, it can be challenging to motivate yourself to workout and stay active during this time of quarantine.

As coronavirus continues to spread across the country, many employees are working from home. Although there are advantages to not having to go into the office—like never having to get out of your jammies—there are some challenges that can arise. Here are our tips to stay healthy during your workday and to avoid boredom eating.

How often have you asked someone how they are doing and they respond by saying, “busy”? We live in a time when being busy is cool. Busy means making time for work, errands, family obligations, and of course binging on your favorite Netflix show. And oftentimes, what is sacrificed is your sleep and, in turn, […]

Exercise after bariatric surgery is important to ensure you maintain your weight loss and can help you achieve the body you have dreamed of. If you have been relatively inactive in the past, the thought of walking into a gym can be daunting. Similarly, a gym membership may not fit into your monthly budget. But […]

Self talk is a powerful tool you can incorporate into your plan for losing weight and for keeping it off. Positive self talk is one of the most important gifts that you can give yourself not only in this process, but to change your life for the better in every area. Self talk isn’t usually discussed in weight […]

We all want to be healthier, but knowing how can be challenging. There is too much conflicting advice out there, and too many fads, miracle cures, and wellness trends to keep track of. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there is alot of health advice that simply boils down to “eat well and work […]

The gym can be an intimidating place, especially for those patients who haven’t worked out since high school gym class. And the idea of jumping into a workout routine is a scary thought. “What if I fail? What if I make a fool of myself? I am ashamed of how out of shape I really […]

Hobbies are a wonderful way to spend your free time while allowing your mind to recharge. Engaging in a fun leisure activity can actually improve your mental health by staving off boredom and helping you avoid bad eating habits. This is why picking up a hobby is highly recommended for people suffering from depression, anxiety […]

Exercise is a very important part of living a healthy lifestyle and is recommended to many of our patients as it promotes weight loss, preserves your muscle mass, and improves your mood. But is it true that working out on an empty stomach can help you burn fat faster? In this blog, I am going […]

I think it is safe to say that we all desire to find our inner peace and zen. And you may be able to achieve just that by practicing yoga—a mind and body practice that dates back to 5,000 years ago. Yoga is a form of exercise that combines breathing techniques, meditation, relaxation, strength, flexibility, […]

Unlike high intensity interval training, pilates is a form of exercise that reduces impact on the joints through slow and controlled movements. Pilates is great for strengthening your muscles, improving flexibility, and bettering your posture. In most cases, pilates is a full body workout that helps you move better in your everyday life while preventing […]

High intensity interval training, more casually known as HIIT, is becoming a more popular exercise because of its high effectiveness and little time required. In 2017, HIIT was among the top fitness trends and has only been maintaining its popularity.

You probably read this title and thought to yourself, “What the heck is LISS?”. LISS stands for low intensity steady state and is a form of cardio exercise in which you exert a steady amount of energy over a period of time. And as you may be able to guess, the movements are low intensity, […]

We have all heard fitness professionals talk about the “best time to workout” yet do they really know when we should be hitting the gym? Finding that perfect time to workout is more of a personal preference than it is a science-backed and proven phenomenon.

Last month I talked about why we crave certain foods. Whether it be sugar, salt, carbs, or chocolate, there is often a reason we have an uncontrollable desire that leads to us yearning for that particular food group. This is often times a result of some chemical imbalance in our body, such as a magnesium […]

Let’s be honest—the most daunting part of working out is the thought of working out. For most people, finding time to hit the gym means waking up at the crack of dawn to go before work or finding the energy to get a good sweat in after work. So, it is no surprise that the […]

Are you a sugar addict or do you love your salty, crunchy chips? We have all experienced a time when we feel like we can’t control our cravings and they just “take over” and the next thing we know is we have cleaned out our entire pantry looking to satisfy the craving. Although this could […]

Quick! You only have 30 minutes to get a good sweat session in before heading to work. What do you do: A) Jump right into your workout or B) take 5 minutes to loosen your joints and get your heart rate up?

Many people go into the new year with unclear or grandiose resolutions— “Lose weight and exercise every day.” Does this sound familiar? Most often, we create these crazy resolutions because we have just finished binge eating all the Christmas cookies and mashed potatoes we can consume. So why not go cold-turkey and eliminate all junk […]

Just like that, the holidays have come and gone. And if you are anything like the millions of other Americans, you probably put on a little weight as a result of all the glorious sweets and treats. On average, Americans will gain 1.3 pounds by the time January 1st rolls around and some will continue […]

“Hi, I’m Connie and I truly am a grateful, recovering addict.” When I first attended 12-Step meetings and heard people saying they were “grateful recovering” addicts, I thought to myself, “Why in the world are they grateful for being an addict?” Twenty-nine years into my own recovery, I can tell you why people who are in a […]

There are three main types of exercises: strength training, cardio, and stretching. Each of these is unique in their own way and are essential for maximizing your fitness level and preventing injury. You have probably heard that cardio is a great way to lose weight and get lean. Today I am going to dive into […]

Food addiction is a very serious and real problem. Not simply because it leads to weight gain, but because in most cases it is a result of some psychological battle that the patient is dealing with. The problem is more than just the food. In a way, you could say that food is a symptom of […]

As a certified personal trainer, you can imagine how important I believe exercise is for your health. Many patients complain that their weight has prohibited them from being as active as they should. They, therefore, do not get to experience all the benefits of regular exercise such as increased energy, decreased stress, and improved moods. […]

In the world of medical doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists and other medical and mental health professionals, there’s a debate, of course, about the concept of “food addiction.” Without question, scientific research shows addictive behavior regarding sugar consumption in animals. But what about humans? Brain scans of humans specifically show similar patterns for people “under the influence” […]

As I prepare to become a certified personal trainer, I am asked by many patients how to exercise for weight loss. There is a common belief that cardio is the way to go if you are looking to torch those calories and lose fat. However, what most people fail to recognize (even the average Jane […]

Over the past couple of weeks, I have covered topics surrounding the idea of food freedom. We have looked at how to feel freedom from obsessing over what you eat and how much you are consuming using the idea of “meaningful matters” as well as using lists. Today, I want to touch on the ultimate […]

Food Freedom suggests being able to live your life without the burden of thinking about, obsessing over, and focusing on food all the time. One way to enjoy food freedom as a post-op patient is to use a food list. Keep in mind that weight loss surgery helps you lose weight in the initial months […]

Think for a minute about your relationship with food. If food were a person, would you think of that relationship as being a healthy one? And what would other people who really knew how you and food behaved around one another think?

“Dieting” sounds so … restrictive. Most people, when they “go on a diet” describe feeling deprived. You’ve probably been taught somewhere along the road that your thoughts lead to feelings and together, thoughts and feelings influence behavior. If a person is thinking about what foods they are banned from, and feel restricted and deprived, and […]

The great thing about the New Year is it is a time for change. It is a time when we evaluate all the things we don’t like about ourselves, whether physically or emotionally, and set goals for positive self-improvement. However, it is easy to lose the momentum you had at the start of January.

Binge eating. Over eating, “What was I thinking?” eating. And, “I can’t believe I did that (again?)” eating. You’ll most likely deal with one or more of these eating experiences along your journey toward sustained good health.

For anyone who has tried to change their eating habits or even eat “in moderation” for that matter, knows that it can be hard to say no to that chocolate brownie that “has your name all over it”. What is even harder, is trying to stick to your healthy eating during the holidays. From Thanksgiving dinner […]

Food is more than just calories. Food is information that influences your genes. Food is fuel that propels you through your day. However, so many of the patients at Live Healthy MD view food as the “enemy”. They see food as the one that made them “get to this point” or, on the other hand, the […]

Have you ever felt “hungry” an hour after eating a full meal? Do you often times find yourself munching after dinner just because it “sounds good”? Well, you are not alone! Many of us confuse head hunger with physical hunger, which can lead to weight gain and other health related problems due to the type and amount […]