patience

[geminijodi43]

Hi, my name is jodene and I just signed up tonite. I have seventeen months clean and am getting really frustrated and knocking myself down. My problem is I have gained a few pounds and you know my addict knows just how to shed this unwanted weight but I cant go there. I try to use self talk and I am really depressed. I am starting an excercise regimen on monday and I just pray that I see some results. Sometimes it feels like i am on the pity pot. HELP

[historyteach]

Welcome to SR, geminijodi!!!
You've come to a great place full of support.
And congratulations on 17 months clean!!! :loons
You've a lot to be proud of!
There is an eating disorder forum on this board, filled with great people and support. Here's the link:
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...splay.php?f=18
Here's a link too, where you can find important information about nutrition and some recipes and more... http://www.strugglingwithfood.com/Bo...oard/index.php
For the depression part, there's a mental health forum here on SR too. Understanding and compassion with practical help is available here: http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...splay.php?f=14

I find that when I do something for myself in each of the following catagories, I feel much better. Physically, emotionally, mentally and spirituality. These things help me. I hope it helps you too.

And I hope to see you here often as we both grow in our recovery.
Shalom!

[namommy]

Welcome to SR.

Chances are, you look great. As addicts we start to put on those healthy "Recovery pounds" and our disease uses it to mess with us. Don't listen to it.

Follow the links that teach gave and I'm sure you will get alot of support.

[bella]

Chances are, you look great. As addicts we start to put on those healthy "Recovery pounds" and our disease uses it to mess with us. Don't listen to it.

i have to agree. i thought i was gaining weight at record rates when really i was just starting to look alive. recovery is full of lies and they are lies that our bodies and minds tell. don't listen. you can do it.

[WENDY92021]

I also gained weight when i got clean. That is normal, especially if your drug of choice is speed. It took me a long time to take the weight off. I tried everything. Finnally it was a lot of prayer and the realization that I had kept the wieght on for a reason. It had been a bad relationship that had gotten me to recovery (i figured if i had picked that big a looser, i must be to high) in the first place. I realized that I was so afraid of getting hurt again and then not being able to numb the pain with drugs that I just kept the weight on to keep the men away! Looking back, it was the best thing that could of happened. When I was strong, the weight came off. I did get my heart broken a few more times, but I made it thru it sober. Now I am married, just had a baby, and back to trying to lose the weight again! Hang in there. Everything happens for a reason. So just breath and Pray!

[Rowan]

Hey Jodi,

Welcome to SR - you've come to a terrific place. I think I can identify with how you are feeling. While drinking and taking pills (anti d's and anti anxiety) I drove myself very hard in the gym. I guess I wanted to keep up the old facade, and look good on the outside. I always trained instinctively and never had to motivate myself. I've been four years in recovery (throw in a couple of relapses, shake and stir ), and I've been up and down with my workouts in that time. It's been frustrating, but I've come to believe that it was my body's way (and God's way) of telling me to slow down and to focus on recovery more and on image less. I've also found that I've had to have a much less rigid approach to fitness and nutrition, otherwise I set myself up for failure if my expectations are too high. I'm trying to make smarter food choices, and to exercise less but better quality workouts (this doesn't mean longer!).
I don't know if you're interested in cardio or in weight training but the latter is what interests me - and it's great way to work off stress. A friend suggested www.davedraper.com and it's a typical bodybuilding site but dave himself is very motivational in his approach to training, plus he's put down many workout routines from the beginner to the pro. He's been a pro since the 60's and won several titles since then. He's 62 and still going strong. Anyway, every 8 weeks I print out a workout of his and stick with it as best I can. He's got some terrific advice and tips for sticking with a program. Anyway! I hope this helps! And remember, keep those goals realistic and you'll get there. I'm glad you're here!
Love Rowan