Basically, that's it - the diet in a nutshell. Read labels, learn to make your own substitutions, rely on fruits and vegetables for snacks and eat healthy. There really isn't one of us who doesn't know which foods would be classified as "not healthy" or "empty calorie" foods.
EXERCISE
When the doctor mentioned the word exercise to me I thought "oh yah, right...here it comes" There was no way I was getting down on the floor making an a** of myself trying to do sit ups or touch my toes.
I was totally shocked when he told me all he wanted me to do was a few short stretching exercises, then walk. In the beginning he was not concerned with speed or distance...and assigned a recreation therapist to take me out each day for a walk. The first day I made it about 200 yards I think, was breathing heavy and it was all I could do to get back to the hospital. On the second and subsequent days, I went a bit farther, and soon noticed I was able to get there and back without becoming winded. In time I was walking around the perimeter of the hospital, then on the grounds. About this time I began to notice I was enjoying the walks and the fresh air. I had already lost close to twenty pounds and was feeling good about myself.
That is the exercise. Oh, there are others...but walking is the ultimate, requires no special clothing, costs nothing and can be done at any time.
On my return from the hospital I kept the principles I had learned in practice and went on to lose many more pounds.
RECOMMENDED READING
There are many weight loss programs out there. Do NOT be taken in. A Bipolar on medication must not participate in any sort of fad diet or take ANY kind of diet medication without his/her doctor's knowledge and permission. This is IMPORTANT and can not be emphasized enough.
Most of us have seen or read the digest sized magazine Prevention. It was my most important source of education and encouragement as I continued my weight loss. Prevention has an internet site at http://www.prevention.com/weightloss. It includes weight programs, walking programs, work outs, tips, quizzes and more. You don't want to miss it if you are looking at becoming thinner and healthier. As the pounds drop, your self-esteem will soar!
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