Refuse To Regain

New York Soda Ban: Gone But Not Forgotten

by Barbara Berkeley, MD In the war for the way America eats, the most recent battle went to Big Soda. Citing "personal freedoms" the Coke and Pepsi folks raised their glasses to Thursday's court decision that overturned the New York City limit on soft drink size. How much would you like to bet that those happy executives were not toasting with the sugar-filled products they sell? Heck no. They want to live long enough to spend their fortunes. To be... Read more →

Are You a White Knuckle Maintainer? Tips for Letting Go

by Barbara Berkeley, MD The debate continues and probably always will. Is regain inevitable after weight loss? Does our body inevitably sabotage efforts to keep weight stable? Is the only way to avoid this "fat fate" a jaw clenching, moment to moment fixation on every habit and morsel? Are all maintainers clinging to a cliff by their fingernails ready to plunge as the result of a single tremor, a momentary gust of wind? Dr. Rudolph Leibel of Columbia University is... Read more →

1 IN 3 ADULTS HAVE BLOOD SUGAR DISORDER. Who cares? Very few.

by Barbara Berkeley, MD Diabetes is decimating us. This week, the CDC reports a sharp escalation in blood sugar problems, a rising tide of deadly disease. This should come as no suprise as this medical equivalent of global warming has been predicted for some years. What continues to be a surprise is the utter lack of concern about what is happening to us and to our children. Are we really so busy shopping, texting and watching America's Got Talent? Let's... Read more →

"Just Another Ten Pounds" or How to Know When Your Weight Loss is Over

by Barbara Berkeley, MD Patients who undergo psychoanalysis engage with their psychiatrists intensely, often for years. When the time comes for treatment to end, the therapist initiates a "termination phase": a time period that allows for examination of what has been accomplished and prepares the patient for separation. Here is a bit about termination from a psychiatry website: "Most experienced psychotherapists are trained to start the termination process early — far earlier than most clients are probably used to or... Read more →

Diet Deterioration: How to Pull Out of It

by Barbara Berkeley, MD The things that keep us healthy and fit feel so good when we do them. So why do we always find ourselves returning to bad habits and struggling with our resolve? There are a number of reasons. First, we are inextricably intertwined with our culture. We swim in it, breathe it and are fully surrounded by it. Unfortunately for those who want to stay healthy, our culture does not promote health. Instead, it does everything it... Read more →