BlueDragon's Diary

BlueDragon1

BlueDragon1

New member
Introduction

So for the past 4 years i have been living with schizophrenia. A month ago i finally found a medication that works and have decided to dedicate my new found spare time and energy towards getting healthy. Unfortunately the meds have caused me to gain alot of weight.. I am currently 171 pounds.

I intend to set mini goals to lose 6 pounds a month. My first goal is to reach 160 pounds by the 24th feb. My ideal weight is 140 pounds.

Im going to hopefully achieve this by having a healthy balanced diet and exercising 4 times a week at my local gym.

Today:
Exercise: 1hr dance fit and 20 lengths swimming
Food:
Special k
protein shake after exercise
half tin tuna with salad, balsamic dressing and poached egg
banana and yogurt
chicken rice with bit of sweet chilli sauce
Oddities biscuits
 
Hi BlueDragon!

My Brother also has schizophrenia and also gained a lot of weight. After many years my Mother found a medication that she wanted for his doctor to try..and it worked for him. Other good news is that he was able to lose 90 pounds. He began playing basketball, riding his bike and watching his diet. Sounds like you have a similar plan..and now with your schizophrenia under control, you can indeed dedicate time to getting physically healthier!

Glad you found a medication that works for you!
 
Food Diary

Today in the supermarket I was going to buy a ready made wrap for lunch but I resisted and bought vegetables for a stirfry instead. I also got my haircut and went to Tai Chi, so am generally feeling good.

Exercise:
Tai Chi

Food:
Special K
Half tin tuna, salad, poached egg, balsamic dressing
Two biscuits, three cups of tea
Soy sauce and ginger stir fry of veggies and chicken with rice
Yogurt
Alpen bar
 
Diary

I went to circuit training class today. It was really hard work but I managed to complete 90% of it. Hate being the only overweight person in the class, but it's okay, I'll get better.

Today is the first day since quitting smoking that I didnt have cravings. I think I've almost quit for good.

Exercise:
1hr Circuit training

Food:
Special K
Protein shake after exercise
Homemade curried parsnip and apple soup
Soy sauce and ginger stir fry, veggies, chicken, rice, half avocado
Alpen bar
 
Nice work in here BlueDragon!

I heard an inspiring story on NPR about Eleanor Longden who also deals with schizophrenia.

Here is the link to the Ted blog which lists her video, book and other information



Here is the lik to the NPR audio.



As a biologist I can tell you that the the digestive system has more nerves than the spinal chord. It's been nicknamed the second brain and there is an interesting book by that title. That's why people feel sick to their stomachs when they experience strong negative emotions or why they feel "butterflies" when they are nervous. That's why there are a lot of links between psychotropic medications and digestive issues including weight gain.

You are doing just what needs to be done to overcome this side effect. I think you will find this forum full of supportive people.

I wish you the best of luck and I look forward to keeping up with your progress here.
 
Welcome to the forum! My grandmother was diagnosed as being bi-polar, but unfortunately the medical system here kept messing with things even when she was doing fine. She had a lot of ups and downs which was rough on my grandfather, but they managed.

I'm glad you found a medication to help you. Now hopefully you'll be able to reach your goal weight. Best of luck to you. :)
 
Hi Quercus thanks for the message, I'll check those links out :)

Hi Mandy, thanks, I've still not managed to keep a relationship going with my illness, so it's great that they managed okay, I have alot of friends though so I don't mind-!
 
Diary

Today I went straight to the gym after work, which Ive never done before. It went really well. I was hallucinating the entire time but I used it as an excuse to push myself harder. I was only going to do 20 lengths (33m pool) but I ended up doing much more. The steam room was relaxing.

Today is the first time the work back from the gym wasnt so strenuous. Its all up a steep hill. I was breathing heavily but walking at a good pace. I felt very pleased with that.

Exercise:
30 lengths breast stroke at pool

Food:
Special K
Mackerel, rice, sweet chilli sauce
Packet of crisps (whoops!)
Protein shake after exercise
Rice with vegetables and sweet chilli sauce
 
Nice work on the swim! Turning your struggles into motivators is quite commendable. Keep up the good work!
 
Diary

Today I couldnt be bothered to wait around for an hour for the bus so i went to the pool-! Didnt do many lengths but it was still a nice way to spend the late morning. Ended up buying lunch at work.

I weighed myself as well and ive put on 3 pounds, am now 174 pounds. Given I'm generally feeling better in myself after all the exercise Im hoping its just muscle mass and the fat will start to melt away after a couple of weeks.

Exercise:
12 lengths breaststroke

Food:
Rice crispies
Sandwich, store bought
Doritos
Rice and sweet chilli sauce, ran out of food
 
I usually have a jump up in weight when I start up or increase my exercise. It will settle out soon.
 
Diary

Today I did 2 hours of landscaping/shifting logs and pruning, then went swimming. Walked a mile inbetween.

Exercise:
Landscaping
30 lengths breastroke

Food:
Rice crispies
Rice, mackerel and veggies
Pizza in restaurant
 
Sounds like you’re definitely well on your way! Great work on your swim. :)

As you said, it’s most likely muscle mass as to why the scale jumped up a bit. It’ll level off soon especially if you keep up with your diet and exercise regime. Great job, keep it up!
 
Thanks guys for the messages :)

Diary

Yesterday a friend came to stay, so today we really pigged out and I didnt do any exercise. I very rarely get takeaways or eat out. Now Ive written it down, I realise just how unhealthy Ive been today so Im going to workout tomorrow. But hey, done pretty well over the past week, it's just one day.

Food:
Chicken and chips
Chicken sandwich
Half a pizza late at night
2 pints beer and a glass of mulled wine at pub
 
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