Lived Experience Forum

[Dimity]

Thanks @Shaz51. less processed food then I'll be aiming for more fruit & green salads. More water is easy, I'll cut down on coffee and tea. Exercise and weight management are big issues for me too but I'm aware of community guidelines. 

[Shaz51]

Just keep a eye on the sugary contents in some fruits like too many grapes are no good etc @Dimity 

My diabetes was caused by my kidney disease 

I have coffee but am using substitute sugar instead of real sugar 

Just little changes will make a difference 

[tyme]

Hey @Dimity ,

I went through the Life! program as I mentioned the other night. 

All in all, I realised it was not about diets, but rather, an entire lifestyle change.

I always thought I was a healthy eater with the occasional sweets. After going away with my sister and her family (who is VERY healthy), I realised there were many little unhealthy 'habits' that I had. For example, I don't make time to eat. Rather, I eat a huge amount when I have time.

The Life! program taught us about portioning and how to read food labels etc. They also recommended an app called FoodSwitch, where you scan the barcode of food products, and they give you healthier alternatives.

This was a start.

I also have a lot to work on in terms of this lifestyle change. It's good to know others are also in the same boat - not about just losing weight, but rather, to be healthier and prevent lifestyle diseases.

tyme

[Shaz51]

Thank you @tyme  and very true @Dimity 

[Dimity]

Hi @tyme @Shaz51 thanks for your suggestions. I've signed up for the Life! program and have my first session this week. I've been pretty good at avoiding highly processed foods but look forward to learning better habits re diet, sleep and exercise. One of my medications is notorious for weight gain so it won't be easy, but hey I'll see how I go. 

[Shaz51]

Yes @Dimity on of Mr shaz meds does the same  xx

I am trying to maintain our weights for us 

[Dimity]

You're very good @Shaz51 I'll need to rethink mealtimes and portion control but I suspect exercise will be one of the keys for me. With any luck the changes will help my depression too. I've been a couch potato. 

[tyme]

That sounds great @Dimity !

Look, I'll be honest, i wasn't the most compliant participate of the Life! program.

I've still got my workbook to refer to. 

In the past, I've also attended Western Bulldog's Daughters of the West program. That was SENSATIONAL! We have a health topic each week, then a fitness session. Exclusive to women. There is also a Sons of the West program, exclusive to men. It is a 10 week program. They encourage people on the NDIS to join, or people with health concerns etc. I found it very comfortable to be part of their program. Only catch, you must reside in certain Melb municipalities. Another round begins mid-July 2022. https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/foundation/programs/daughters-of-the-west?https://www.westernbull...

Great to see you so proactive @Dimity !

tyme

[Dimity]

@tyme I'm on the wrong side of the city but thanks for the suggestion.  I had my first session today and was very impressed. As well as getting baseline health diet and exercise they screen for anxiety and depression. The goals look achievable too. 

[tyme]

Woohoo! @Dimity .

It's not magic, but it's a start.

All the best,

tyme