These changes can be a lot to take in, and they don’t happen overnight. Whether you have a lot of dietary changes to make or just a couple, take your time. Introduce one thing every week or two. By giving yourself time to acclimate to one new habit at a time, you’re far more likely to adhere to the new routine than if you try to upend everything at once.
And remember, it’s not a fad diet that’s over in a month; these are lifestyle changes you’re making for a healthier, happier you. There’s no rush.
Write it Down
Doing things consistently can be really difficult for me, but one thing I’ve learned to do every single day is to keep track of what I eat and how much I move, even if I do too much eating and not enough moving.
I’ll admit that I took the easy way out – my activity, food, and even sleep are recorded in an app that I can access from my phone, tablet, and computer. I have an activity tracker that automatically uploads my activity and sleep data, and even adjusts my daily calorie goal if I’ve been really active (or not active enough).
There are so many great apps and programs for tracking food and activity these days that almost everyone has access to at least one, if not a handful. But if you like to keep it analog, a simple notebook or memo pad does the trick.
Make sure that whatever you use – app, notebook, etc. – is always available to you. The fewer excuses you give yourself not to track it, the more you’ll pay attention. Long-term records of sleep, activity, and eating patterns can also be really valuable information to share with your psychiatrist or therapist. You may even be able to spot an oncoming episode by watching for changes in these patterns.
It’s all About You
In the end, there’s no one standard formula for fighting the weight gain that many people experience with bipolar disorder. It comes down to finding what works for you, and working it into your life in such a way that you can keep doing it without a lot of added stress.
Whether it’s a step counter, a strict dietary regimen, or just keeping track of what you eat and when you exercise, you need to find a way to make it your own – and to own it. Accept the good and the bad, and remember that it won’t change overnight. You’re in this for the long haul.
I’ve lost three kilos out of that 15 over the last two or so months; I’m in charge of my body again, I’ve figured out what suits me best, and I really like the way that feels.
