[SMart10]

Hi all, so I'd just like to report some progress that I've made in the hope that it will help someone else.

2 weeks ago I was drinking 8 sodas a day (coke, pepsi, mountain dew, dr pepper) and periodic binge drinking where I'd consume 1200+ calories in alcoholic drinks in a single night. I also had fast food 4+ times per week.

I went to the doctor to discuss diet options. I clocked in at 207 lbs (I normally weigh 155) and decided enough was enough. My doctor and I decided low carb high fat diet was appropriate. I started right away.

I instantly cut off beer, sugar, alcohol, and soda entirely, as well as all starchy foods and bread. My body went crazy and I was sick for 4 days. I pushed through it with exercise and diet. Coming out of my "low carb flu," I began to feel great. My moods and energy levels stabilized. I began to feel a general sense of well being completely separate from mania.

I am rapid cycling Bipolar 1 and OCD. I take Zyprexa, Paxil, and Lamictal. I gained only a modest amount of weight on Zyprexa (20 lbs). Since dieting and exercise 2 weeks ago I have lost 8 pounds and I feel great. I am 199 lbs and dropping.

My exercise program is powerlifting mixed with intense cardio interval training. My powerlifting consists of squats, deadlifts, bench press, shoulder press, and barbell rows. My ardo consists of alternating walking, sprinting, and jogging for 25 min.

Your exercise doesn't have to be nearly as intense as mine. I'm a bit of a workout junkie. Once I get going I don't stop until I hit a brick wall. Be sure to give yourself appropriate rest, especially after intense workouts, to allow your body to rebuild itself.

I highly recommend this approach. Your diet doesn't have to be the same as mine (low carb high fat isn't for everyone), but cutting out sugar and junk food while paying attention to healthy foods and calories will work wonders. Even if the goal isn't weight loss, proper diet and exercise in addition to your medication will improve your mental health considerably, as it did mine. Unfortunately this is often overlooked.

I just thought I'd share my results in terms of my fitness, weight, and mental health.

[Skeezyks]

Thanks for sharing your success, SMart10!

[SMart10]

Originally Posted by Skeezyks

Thanks for sharing your success, SMart10!

Yep I just wanted to let people know that in addition to the correct medication, diet and exercise helps tremendously. I was considering adding another mood stabilizer because my moods were off, but they've leveled out completely.

And mods, if this post is in the wrong place, please move it to the right one. Thanks

[emma01]

2 weeks ago I was drinking 8 sodas a day (coke, pepsi, mountain dew, dr pepper) and periodic binge drinking where I'd consume 1200+ calories in alcoholic drinks in a single night. I also had fast food 4+ times per week.