Dear Kayla,
While doing OMAD, do you ever have issues with constipation, and if so, what helps you? I am currently doing 2MAD and having those issues. I am a normal weight and use 2MAD to help keep me in the weight range I want to maintain in. Thank you for any help or suggestions.
Sincerely,
Kristi
Dear Kristi,
Thanks for the question! I am sorry to hear you’re dealing with this. Constipation is not fun. I think every human being on earth deals with it at least occasionally, and I am no exception. Luckily, it does not happen very often. Here are some things that help keep me going.
1. Coffee.
I love coffee. My husband and I enjoy it so much we make videos about it on our other YouTube channel. I love coffee for the energy boost and because I find it to be a relaxing ritual. But another big benefit is that it keeps me regular. I generally have 2 cups every morning, and there’s a direct correlation between the intake and the outgo, if you catch my drift.
2. My daily (Monday-Saturday) 6 mile walk.
Regular activity keeps things moving along more smoothly for me. When you’re active, your digest tract is more likely to stay active. Exercise also lowers your stress levels. Did you know stress can trigger constipation? Which reminds me…
3. I keep my stress levels in check.
I know, this one is nebulous and different for everybody. You might have work stress, money stress, or relationship stress. You also may have a different tolerance level for stress. But I have found, no matter the source, these activities help me stay more relaxed:
- Daily Bible reading
- Keeping a prayer rule
- Journaling
- Talking things out (including having hard conversations I’d rather avoid)
- Maintaining and sticking to a written budget
- Setting and maintaining appropriate boundaries with people and work
- Having written goals and pursuing them daily
- Making time each day to do the things I enjoy (reading, woodcarving, drawing, etc.)
4. Fiber.
I freely confess it here and now: I am not good about eating a certain amount of fiber each day. Heck, I had to google it to even know what the experts say you should get. I estimate I get the amount the average American gets, not what the experts suggest we get. Some days my OMAD has a lot of fiber, like when I eat black beans and rice. Other OMADs have practically none, like when I have breakfast for dinner. I don’t worry about it. But, if I do get constipated, I make an effort to add in more veggies to get things going.
5. Water.
I do not have water goals. I simply drink when I feel thirsty. But, if things are stalled out, I’ll drink a little more. Fun fact: if you eat too much fiber while not drinking enough water, you can get constipated. More fiber is not always better. Weird huh?
So, there you have it, five things to try if you’re dealing with constipation. I hope everything comes out okay for you in the future, Kristi.
Sincerely,
Kayla
PS: One more thing: with OMAD, I have found that my frequency is less occasionally less often than once a day. This is different from constipation, but I figured it’s worth mentioning.
Dear Kayla,
I am wondering if you offer personal coaching, and if so, how can I find out more details?
Signed,
Susie Q.
Dear Susie Q,
I offer personal, one on one coaching via zoom. I help clients build their weight loss plan, troubleshoot issues, and recognize and celebrate victories. I also ask the hard questions, help them learn how to hold themselves accountable, and provide an objective perspective about what’s going on. If you’re interested in coaching, you can check out my coaching packages here.
Sincerely,
Kayla Cox