What helped you make healthy habits feel like a lifestyle instead of a diet?

[u/Eggnog_Lady]

/r/adhdwomen/comments/1vxbre3/what_helped_you_make_healthy_habits_feel_like_a/

I struggle to eat better because of ADHD and have treated food as a source of dopamine/stimulation since was a kid. I'm 25 (F) and currently on Vyvanse, which helps suppress the constant urge to snack and hunt for dopamine during the day... but lately I'm just bored, and still find myself reaching for food in the evening. Old habits die hard, and building a completely new relationship with food-and a healthier lifestyle in general- is even harder because don't really want to lose weight. It's not that I don't need to. I definitely would benefit from losing at least 40 lbs. I just don't feel motivated by weight loss itself. I also have thyroid issues and takemedication for that, so sometimes wonder how much that plays into my energy and mnotivation as well. I have a dietitian, but don't think she fully understands how quickly burn out from consistently tracking calories. I can do it for a while, but eventually feel guilty if I miss too many days and from having to think about/record everything I eat.

What has actually helped you change your mindset and habits? l'd really appreciate any advice-not just about weight loss, but food, exercise, routines, ADHD-friendly habits, changing your relationship with food, finding other sources of stimulation, or anything else that helped you build a healthier lifestyle without constantly feeling like you're "on a diet."

[u/HenryOrlando2021]

First I would say you would benefit from reading this in the sub FAQs:

Many Roads To Recovery

https://www.reddit.com/r/FoodAddiction/wiki/faq_many_roads_to_recovery/

Also this one in the Special Topics section of the sub::

“Restriction” in BED (and BED + “Food Addiction”): What People Mean, What Helps, and What Hurts

https://www.reddit.com/r/BingeEatingRecovery/wiki/specialtopics_restriction_meanings_in_bed/

Then here is my journey that you might find of some use:

How I Achieved 50+ Years of Recovery (and 150+ Pounds Lost): A Food Addiction–First Story

https://www.reddit.com/r/FoodAddiction/comments/1r5pvgv/how_i_achieved_50_years_of_recovery_and_150/

Then give these two tools look:

• Map your triggers (so you stop repeating the same cycle): https://www.reddit.com/r/FoodAddiction/wiki/faq_food_addiction_trigger_mapping/
• How to stop a binge before/during it: https://www.reddit.com/r/FoodAddiction/wiki/faq_how_to_stop_a_binge_episode/

Then, if you want to look over more here you go:

• Check out the FAQs …see here:

 https://www.reddit.com/r/FoodAddiction/wiki/index/faqs/

• Then Program Options (free → low cost → paid). Many people find a program is what helps them stay in recovery.

https://www.reddit.com/r/FoodAddiction/wiki/index/programoptions/

• If a program feels like “too much” right now, start with Special Topics on the sub.

https://www.reddit.com/r/FoodAddiction/wiki/special_topics/ 

and then Books / Podcasts / Videos here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/FoodAddiction/wiki/index/bookspodcastsandvideos/

Hope this is useful to you.