Bipolar and overweight :(

I am trying to keep track for diabetic reasons. There is a study that says weight can cause higher blood sugars. Try to find natural foods you like. The more processed stuff will cause high blood sugars and can make you act like you have a tape worm. Good luck!

I've definitely had issues due to meds as well. I saw that you have a 4-year-old, my son will be 3 just after Christmas. I try to get as much excercise with him as I can, going for walks, playing at the park, swimming, etc... My biggest enemy has been soda and qucik and easy (unnutritous) meals. For me I just had to cut every beverage other than water out. I add flavor to my water by blending fruits and vegtabels into my water. My faves are cucumber, melon, or grapefruit. Then I have to have quick stuff on hand, so I always have an apple, banana, carrots, and oranges on hand. I try to keep to 1200 calories a day, yet I am always eating because most of my calories come from fruits and vegtables, and I do feel satisfied. I still crave the junk, but for me I know that I can't have just a little because I will keep wanting more. Is it possible that you are not eating enough filling foods during they day? I know when I was on risperadal and remron, it didn't matter what I ate I was ALWAYS hungry and I gained a ton of weight. Feel free to message me if you want to chat, good luck!!!

My recent weight gain was due to my new medication change, and I was told the same. I need to lose the weight. So I completely understand your situation. Feel free to add me if you'd like hun! I am always here for support! Hope you're doing well!

My doc said that if we ever need to, we can add topamax. She uses it as an add-on to meds that made her patients gain weight. You might ask your doc about that. The bad thing about topamax is that is has some pretty heavy duty side effects (hair loss, memory loss, etc.).

I too am bipolar and very recently found out I'm diabetic as well. I know I've been on meds in the past that are known to put weight on. It's tough. If you make friends on her, there are some very supportive people. It's hard to keep with it if you don't have the emotional support and we're all here because we struggle sometimes. If you get in the habit of logging all your food and exercise it will give you insight on what your habits are.
Welcome to MFP!

I suffer with bipolar too, and I find it incredibly hard to regulate my eating when my emotions are haywire. I find it's all strongly connected. When I'm incredibly low I generally binge, and binge a lot, but it's when I'm feeling better I eat hardly anything and suffer with eating disorders because of this. Then even when I'm on a high I have the odd moment when I feel so good I eat everything in sight because I don't care.

Basically, it's a lot harder for people with our disorder to not suffer with weight issues. And medication does play havoc.

From my nutritionist, the main things I have taken away are:

Eating six times a day, small and often is imperative. When you regulate your eating (roughly every two hours) you won't be hungry so you are less likely to overindulge when you go to eat next. Alternate main meals with snacks. One rule is, never miss a meal and try to stick to set times. Honestly, I love it. I've lost ten pounds in three weeks just doing this!

Exercise little and often. Can start with a small walk a few times a week then build it up. You're aiming for 20 minutes 4/5 times a week of moderate exercise. When I exercise my eating always becomes more structured and you become more aware of what you're eating.

Identify a trigger food and try to cut down on it. Mine is dairy, as soon as a little touches my lips I'm through a whole block of cheese !

Stay hydrated. 2L a day, of as much water/squash as you can.

Finally, become more aware of what foods you are eating and the content in them. What good old my fitnesspal is great for! Basically fill up on good foods. So consult the lovely food triangle at the end here, eating lean meats such as chicken etc, carbs (because women get incredibly cranky without carbs, where men can live without it easily), fruit and veg, you know the rest! Use processed foods sparingly but remember to treat yourself every now and then.

Hope this helps anyone like it's helped me

Food triangle> http://www.healthfiend.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/foods-pyramid.gif
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