If you’ve been trying to lose weight but you’re also battling IBS, I am here to tell you that there’s hope and there’s definitely a solution. So, I read this article the other day and it’s funny because their number one thing you can do to get the gut freedom you desire back in your life is actually the easiest thing you can do and it doesn’t come from a bottle.
Oh, and “F” these holistic docs that tell you the only way to get your IBS under control is to take these 5 pills 10 seconds before eating and these 7 pills 2 to 3 minutes after eating, but not on the 3rd Friday of the 5th month in a leap year. What the hell does that even mean? How do you keep that straight? And…and….how do you not drive yourself nuts trying to find time to weave that web of lies and false promises? [end rant]
Do you want to see change and feel better?
Do you?!
Then, write it down.
That’s step #1. If you have IBS and you want to lose weight – write it ALL down. Collect this data about yourself over a 2 to 4 week period. Include your food, your feelings, your energy levels, your activity for 30 days in a journal. It doesn’t have to be super detailed either! Maybe just do a “+” for a good day under the column “feelings” and a “-” under the column “energy”. Then at the end of the month, look back and see where the ups and downs were. I guarantee you, there will be an apparent pattern that you will be able to link to your IBS or…or…be able to rule out food entirely as a culprit because stress and anxiety can mess you up so much more if you don’t pay attention to the signs.
Step #2, well that’s simple. You can’t lose weight unless you’re eating in a deficit. How do you know you’re eating less calories than you burn? You know because you did step #1. Pretty neat how that works out huh?
Step #3 is to eat a balanced diet and that is actually nowhere near to what the FDA’s plate says to get. Eating a balanced diet for your goals is macros. Click here for more info on macros and how to get a coach in your corner without breaking the bank.
Step #4 is to get active. Us humans are not engineered to sit at a desk under artificial light all day – we are meant to move and see sunlight. Go for a walk, stretch, do something.
Step #5 find an outlet for stress. This isn’t 100% what that article says but basically creating a life with less stress will have boundless benefits to your health. Maybe it’s yoga like they said but it can also be taking up a new hobby, listening to a favorite podcast or YouTube video or even taking a nap.
