Other People's Progress Pictures

Hey guys,

Recently, I've seen a lot of before and after pics floating around, and I often end up comparing myself to them. In many cases, the person goes from emaciated to fit. Sometimes it makes me judge myself, and wonder if my recovery has gone 'wrong' since I'm not ripped and lean like they are.

I know this isn't the case, however. It's difficult to not create a comparison, but, if anyone is struggling with this like I am, these are the things I bear in mind:

Many of these people have been recovered for years, and only built muscle after being declared a healthy weight and fit to exercise
If I've been told not to exercise, it's for my own good - I can do all that later, but, right now, my health is a priority
My weight has not redistributed yet - it may take 6 months to a year to fully redistribute
Realistically, immediately after weight restoration, I may not like my shape, but I must accept it because with a continued healthy lifestyle it will only improve

I think it's really important that we all just take our time. Recovery is a slow process and, at the beginning, it's essential to gain a healthy level of body fat in order to allow hormones to work properly and protect your internal organs. That doesn't mean, however, that after being allowed to exercise you can't work to alter your body using healthy methods like exercising 1-5 hours each week.

But of course, you may not feel the need to do this at all! Keep an open mind and try to view your body without judgement. It really is a marvelous thing.

- A

Comments

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