Anonymous wrote:49 yo woman. Diagnosed at 46. Lost 80 lbs (the 80 I had gained over the previous decade) bw 47-48. Maintained over last year
Tried vyvanse for 2 weeks initially, but was so constipated with a hemorrhoid that I couldn’t focus and so stopped.
1. Mindset - I worked on my thoughts around my body, my brain, my needs and wants. Read / listen to books podcasts etc about adhd, somatics / neuroplasticity / food and weight etc
2. Shifting my inner critic to a voice of compassion - focusing on how my brain is working instead of how it should be working
3. Understanding what I need - breaks instead of “pushing through” overwhelm.
4. Giving myself more pleasure - not deprivation. Fun activities. Fresh air and sunshine!
5. Exercise - soooo necessary for natural feel good highs and hormones. I love weight lifting and outdoor hiking. These are my medications!
6. Meditation and journaling - again a neuroplasticity, exercising prefrontal , calming system
7. Food - tracking for calories. And HUGE emphasis on great quality foods with big flavor. Nutrition, lots of yummy veggies (I know how to cook well), protein, some treats.
Eating is a huge pleasure for me - I need the satisfaction of texture and colors in addition t flavor.
Me again - developing curiosity and compassion about my brain and habits and being my own watcher (esp through meditation, journaling) allows me to step back and consider what I need - I may need a break. Or a nap instead of the feel good hits of 12 cookies. Or a walk outside. I have a desk job that requires concentration but I work from home so have flexibility to do these things.