Monday, February 13, 2012

Shrink and Love: Couples “Doin’ it” Together

February is all about the heart. We can’t go anywhere without seeing a Valentine’s Day display. But did you know it’s also American heart month?
Learn about the many benefits of “couples doin’ it together” by watching Ellen Resnick interview Dr Pat Arean about her health and weight loss journey with her husband Don.
Pat discusses the benefits of teaming up with others to increase accountability, and frankly, to make weight loss more fun (including wink, wink…you know.) Martica Heaner, Ph.D., a Manhattan-based exercise physiologist, nutritionist and fitness writer agrees. She says “it may be that the psychological self-confidence that you get from being physically fit, accomplishing fitness goals…or simply losing weight boosts your self-esteem and helps you to feel sexier”.
Pat warns us about one potential pitfall of couples losing weight together, namely, that when one member of the team encourages a splurge it’s harder to resist yourself. But even though they indulge now and then, either she or Don provides the encouragement to get right back on track the next day.

So remember: Activities done together bring your hearts closer, your bodies healthier, and you may even see an increase in your, well, you know…
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!!!

Ellen is a psychotherapist in private practice in San Francisco and Redwood City, California. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and incorporates the use of mindfulness into the treatment of depression, anxiety, and emotional overeating. She runs a holistic weight loss program called Center for Thoughtful Weight Loss, www.thoughtfulweightloss.com. You can email Ellen at ellen@thoughtfulweightloss.com and follow her on Twitter @thoughtfulellen and see her other videos on Youtube channel on Ellenresnick’s channel.
Copyright © 2012 Ellen N. Resnick, LCSW