Posted by garnet71 on March 30, 2009, at 0:09:54
In reply to I need to start again, posted by Cass on March 11, 2009, at 19:01:46
Hi Cass,
I think state of mind is everything-but it's like a catch 22-your not healthy because of your mind, yet your mind is not heatlhy because of your health.
It's tough. I've gained weight too. It's awful-it makes you feel all yucky when you get up, walk by a mirror, shower, get dressed...specially if you're like me and have a whole closet full of clothes that don't fit anymore. I'm sick of wearing the same jeans and hoodies all the time. I"m very tall, but i love shoes and boots with heels-but haven't put on a pair of them in over 2 years. Now summer is coming and the feeling gets worse.
The only thing I can believe is 100% fullproof is that you have to decide to make a decision-as stupid as that sounds--to commit to exercise and healthful eating. If you are unable to do that, there are other little things you can do. It's very helpful to have a walking or gym buddy though to motivate one another. It's so damn easy to think of excuses why you shouldn't go--I have to do x, y, and z. I'll go after dinner. I'll go in the morning. I'll go tomorrow. I'll start Sunday..I'll start Monday...do you have that self talk?
Anyway, the proper meds have really, really helped me in this area--but only recently. AFter being on those awful ssris for years, that made me worse and gain weight, then going off them routinely only to get panic attacks, I've pretty much ignored my health over the past couple of years. Only a couple of weeks ago after I started taking Wellbutrin that suddenly those damn carb/sugar cravings dissipated and i starting eating well and exercising again; quit the Wellbutrin because that fell through, then Ritalin now Adderall--and I'm eating great.
Before that, I was in the Air Force for 8 years, and was forced to keep in shape. So join the military.lol.
Having a gym close to home helps. I haven't been able to afford it, which was detrimental to my incentives. I have college gyms, but they are very far. I have a 2 to 4 hour daily commute to school and back, depending upon if I drive or the tiem of day. yeah, another excuse.
I grew up in a very unhealthy environment where no one took care of their health. I knew nothing until 6 months before i joined the military when I was 28, at which time I went from zero exercise and smoking to running about 20 miles a week in less than 6 months. What got me started being health conscious right before that--and see if this helps you too--was to totally immerse myself in health stuff in my free time. Read Health, Prevention, Self, Allure magazines; Men's Health is a good one too (my son gets it so i read it). Go on internet health & weight loss forums first thing in the morning to get in that mindset.
Having money helps too. Food is so good when its high quality and organic-fresh herbs and a variety of fish. Plant a garden-it's therapeutic and a great summertime garden recipe is fresh tomatoes, basil and fresh mozzarella w/ a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Buy Cooking Light and Vegetarian Times magazines. Get the South Beach cookbook. It's tough though to plan meals and shopping and all the cooking and dishes-it takes forever and the upkeep is time consuming. Having less stressors definitely helps, but we can't usually eliminate them.
One thing I used to do when I was more mentally healthy (and had money), was if I went to the gym at least 4 x a week throughout the whole month, I'd reward myself with a 60 minute therapeutic full-body massage (not every month!). You can start small-say, walk an hour twice a week and get yourself a pedicure after two weeks.
Make sure your horomones are ok--get them checked if you haven't. Mine are messed up, and I think that makes weight issues much worse, like thyroid.
Oh-and your home makes a difference. If you can manage it, get it clutter free (if your already not in that state) and make it bright and cheerful and pleasant. I painted my home in beautiful colors like the hues in the sunset; warm orange-toned golds, rust, garnet-red and a little fuschia accents. It makes you more cheerful and helps get you motivated to get up and moving. Get some houseplants too. I think our surroundings do make a noticable difference. Is it time to redecorate?
If you ever want to trade healthy recipes, let me know :)) Or, we, as a group of those who want to work on our health, could start a continuous weekly thread about what we cooked or ate or how we exercised that day; and what we will do tomorrow-for support and incentive and motivation.
I just realized how long that was. lol. I took my Adderall too late today, and have done little outside of my schoolwork since 9 this morning. You gave me a nice break :))
poster:garnet71
thread:884919
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20081212/msgs/887673.html