Dieting and Recovery--Is it Dangerous?

[thanx2methodone]

Hi everyone,
I have now been clean for 5 1/2 months and in that time I have gained about 30 pounds! It is totally killing me, I have never weighed this much in my whole life! I have always been 117 pounds for as long as i can remember, so this EXTRA 30 pounds is a HUGE deal to me!
Basically, the way i see it, is i have been substituting food in the place of drugs. I have become a junk-food-junkie! I can't stay away from anything that is high is sugar/fat. Is this normal? I heard that ppl who quit drugs begin to crave sweets...is this true?
Anyway, I was thinking of starting a diet this new year, but i am not sure if it will affect my recovery in any way....anyone have any opinions/suggestions about this? I really don't want to mess up my recovery in any way, but i would like to loose the weight that i have gained in the past few months.
But i have been told not to make any huge changes while in recovery, and changing my eating habits and lifestyle is quite a big change from the way i am living now.

Anyone have any suggestions for me?

Is dieting while in recovery dangerous to your recovery in any way shape or form??

[51anna]

For me stopping drinking involved so much more than stopping drinking. For the first time in my life I began to like myself and to treat myself with respect. So, it followed that I paid more attention to eating well and to exercising and even to thinking twice before I took an aspirin. That's just my experience.

I would think that if you made slow, small changes in your diet and lifestyle there wouldn't be any problem for your recovery. You just should avoid doing anything too drastic or upsetting to your system. Make small changes in your diet and start doing some kind of exercise. You'll probably find that it helps your recovery because you'll feel better about yourself. And, above all, be kind to yourself. Gaining 30 pounds seems like a big deal to you, but being clean/sober is great!

Love, Anna

[eddie z.]

Depends on the diet. You may wish to consult a nutritionist/dietician. What antidepressant were you on again? I put on a bunch of weight on Zoloft. I'm planning on seeing someone about my diet and losing weight. Just don't do Atkins. It's not safe and it makes you feel like sh*t. Hope this helps!
—EZ

[namommy]

You may want to talk to other recovering addicts in your area. At one point there was a group of about 10 addicts from around here who all decided to start weight watcher together. One night a week, together, they went to the weight watchers meeting, and had each other as a support group during the week as well. They all lost alot of weight, and in a healthy and fun way.

[eddie z.]

Vancouver Overeaters Anonymous

You may also want to consider OA. I've been to meetings here and I love them! It's just I'm committed to NA or I'd go to more OA than I do.

—EZ

[Evanna]

Hi,
I try to avoid diets as i tend to do diets obsessively which isnt healthy for me in many ways. Not only am i setting myself up for pain/failure but when i do anything obsessively i tend to ignore other areas of my life.

I think that where you are at is really very normal in early recovery. But i am with Anna, it is about learning to take care of yourself in baby steps. As this is causing you pain maybe a move towards healthy eating as opposed to dieting might help. Key part of healthy eating for me is to eat three good meals a day and always eat breakfast. I am less inclined to reach for the junk food if i dont let myself get over hungry. A brisk walk daily or going swimming also helps me feel physically and mentally well.

5 and half months clean is a terrific achievement. You are an inspiration to me as i always see you being so willing around here. You go girl!
Hugs Evanna.

[thanx2methodone]

Thank you Evanna. That is very sweet of you! and thank you all for all of your responses. You have no idea how much SR has played a roll in my recovery process. I really believe that i wouldn't be where i am (almost 6 months clean) without this site and all of you!! So thank you again.
Namommy--That sounds like an awesome idea. I never even thought of that. I will definitly bring it up in the next meeting.
Eddie--Thanx for the website, I checked it out and plan to try one of their meeting next week! and no, i am not on any anti-depressents at the moment, I was thinking about it, but i was scared of all the side effects. And thank you for everything, you have been most helpful

well so far, my new years resolution was to cut the junk-food and try to get some exercise.(cause once i started driving a year ago, the most exercise i got was walking to my car!)

Anyone know of any good weight loss tips or suggestion?

[bubblze30]

I would not diet. what you need to do is eat healthy not diet. So many people say diet and it always ends in gaining the weight back. however, eating a healthier diet takes it off and keeps it off. Change your eating habits slowly so your body will adjust. Elimate soda all together I have found switching to diet worked for a bit but then I went right back up because the diet sugar in the soda just tricks the pacreas into thinking its real sugar and you wind back in the same situation.
Drink lots of spring water eight to ten glasses a day you will see a huge change in just starting with water. then slowly incorperate fruits and veggies in place of all the junk but slowly no need to make a radical change all at one. You have the rest of your life to lose thesae pounds but keep it in the day. You need to eat healthier just for today. Treat it like you treat your addiction,

[eddie z.]

T2M,
You're most welcome. Just stay in touch and let us know how things go, OK? bubblze threw out some excellent ideas. Just start to develop overall healthy eating habits rather than "going on a diet." A lots of cold water is good too.
Wish you the best, of course!
Love and hugs,
Eddie