Just diagnosed with High Blood Pressure; need to lose

First - Congratulations on taking control of this issue!

I feel your pain . . . I was diagnosed with HB several years ago, initially I was able to get mine down with adding some daily exercise to my schedule but that only lasted about a year. Honestly after taking my first medication and not being able to deal with it and then changing doctors and starting a new medication - I was just done with the hole process. All I could see in my future was more pills for the side-effect and more pills for the side-effects of those pills.

I had enough, I spoke to my doctor and we agreed on a reasonable weight where she would then wean me off the medication (that I never actually took) and off I went. I joined a gym, lost a little and then I found MFP. About two weeks ago I went for my physical and today I have no existing medical conditions, I am no longer pre anything and just overweight (though we agreed that I will more than likely stay overweight according to that lovely BMI scale ) I am proud of myself for taking control of my health so be assured this is something that you can do.

I would suggest taking your time, don’t push yourself – after all you have HB – but seriously don’t rush this process, the changes you make are ones that you need to be ready to live with forever.

Start with small changes, if you take a real good look at what you are currently eating and the nutrition you can see where you can start making small changes in your diet and you may be surprised how thing can snowball from one change to many. Getting active slowly, it can start with just walking and going from there.

Water is important, maybe try sparkling water or try diluting what you are drinking (I know it doesn't sound great, just pretend you had ice in your drink and it melted ) and over time you may be able to stomach water.

The motivation comes from you, and taking control of your health . . . sometimes I want to kick myself for not doing it sooner. I suffered through 2+ years of taking medication that had irreversible side effect, when I could have taken control and gotten my BP under control. Just start small -make small milestone goals if you can walk a mile, work up to walking 3 by the end of the summer - things like that.

I didn't like exercise or water. I'm drinking water now b/c I quit drinking diet Cokes. I like it cold out of the bottle. I'm also discovered Power Aid Zero, no calories, contains vitamins, I get my water intake in like that also. As far as exercising. I'm taking it easy. I walk about 3 days a week. Put on some music and it makes it easier. I too have high blood pressure. Mine has actually gone up since I started tracking my food count. I take my BP meds anyway. Don't want to risk a stroke. Hope this helps. I never thought I could drink water but I began it slowly and now esp after I exercise I want a bottle handy. Good luck

You just took the first step!


Losing weight WILL make a difference. Start slow - don't set your weight loss goals to strict or you may not stick with it. And...remember...there is no forbidden food - just make sure if you have a treat one day to make allowances in the rest of your daily calories for it.

Exercise will help you lose quicker and stay firmer as you lose and water.....well.....I truly hate water but.....I'm doing it ....I'm getting in 8 glasses a day. I'm not liking it, but I'm doing it. Sometimes you just have to "buck up" and do some things you'd rather not.

Keep reminding yourself why you are doing this....for your health...your kids....you!

Exercise doesn't have to be unpleasant or boring. You can start very simply, by taking daily walks around the neighborhood, or by riding a bike, or playing in the park with your kids.

Most of the change you need will be in the kitchen!!! I would recommend watching the documentary "Forks Over Knives" for some great info on the dietary changes that will help you gain better health.