I really am a bit lost here too @Rebel - I know I've put on a lot of weight after taking medication because the medication somehow reacts with sugars in the body....then, after taking meds, a short time later, I find myself ravenous for carbs, sugars etc.
It seems like I can't stop these side effects, hence the action needs to be something else.
For me, I eat a healthy meal before my meals, then when I do feel ravenous, I ask myself, "Is it the medication, or am I actually hungry?" I then use the Smiling Mind App and complete a meditation/mindfulness session called "Urges" that is purely to see if I really need food or not (usually not). This lasts a little while, then I get the urge to eat again; then I go through the meditation again; then the cycle goes around.
Other things I have done:
- joined Victoria's Life! Program - Health program https://lifeprogram.org.au/
- joined a health program that runs f2f as well as online for when I can't make it f2f
- don't buy junk food in the house
- use the Switch App to determine healthier options
- pay extra money for fresh fruits and veges over pre-packaged convenience foods
- meal-prep to reduce eating out
- made friends with people who love giving me home-cooked meals! (I don't ask - it just happens)
I work too, which makes scheduled exercise difficult. But for me to stay well, I know I have to put in the hard work.
I also know that when I wasn't taking meds, I was severely depressed - I'm someone who DOESN't eat when I am depressed. Hence, now that I eat, it sort of is a good thing because it shows I'm not depressed!
Hope this has helped a little. I'm looking forward to hearing things you have tried @Rebel . Perhaps we can share ideas, and hear from others too. I'd be very interested to know what others do because I'm concerned about my weight too, even though mentally, I'm totally on top of things.
tyme
