Depression and Weight IssuesHave you been diagnosed with depression, are possibly on depression medication, and find it affects your weight loss efforts? Post here for support!
I am 31 and have a total of 90-100 pounds to lose. I have been on a semi-vacation for the past month. My eating habits have been horrible to say the least. This week, I've noticed that I have been so sad and tired that I do not even want to get out of bed . I wanted to know if anyone notices a difference with their mood when they are eating healthy vs. eating junk. When I return home, I am going to join WW. Thanks in advance!
I notice a massive difference in my mood if I don't eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. If I eat mainly carbs (sugar!!!) and fatty foods I feel so low, and unmotivated. I am sure the complex mix of vitamins and minerals in fruit and vegetables and whole grains makes a big difference to our brain function, as well as our physical health.
One of the things about my depression when it's serious, is that I can't concentrate, shopping is hard, cooking impossible, and I just want to eat something "instant" which ends up being breads or take aways. I have been quite fortunate in that since I have been exercising and eating well, the depression has been kept at bay. It's still there, but more like a dark thin filmy cloud at the edges of me, rather than a dark stormy one engulfing me, if that makes sense.
I notice when I eat a lot of junk food, I don't have the energy to go to the gym, which I find is very important to raising my mood. The junk food makes me very lethargic.
I agree with kykaree, I have a HUGE difference in mood depending on what I'm eating. I don't know if it's because my body performs differently on these foods (though I think that's part of it.) I also think it has partly to do with the fact that I feel disappointed in myself when I eat poorly, and partially also what the other poster said; bad food = no energy = no gym. Working out has, by far, the most profound effect on my mood. It helps me much more than antidepressants, and with no side effects. Good luck with WW!
I think what you feed your body definitely affects your brain and your mood. I try to remember this if I get the urge for massive doses of carbs/sugar. and the more I have it, the more I want it, and the worse I keep feeling.
I pacify myself by making a lower-fat version of the treat...(baked fried chicken, baked *french-fries* and my absolute favorite Morningstar farms veggie burger Philly-cheese steak, with lettuce/tomato/no bread).
We have catering at work and my only vices are those times when there is sesame chicken, spicy noodles and Pizza (one or 2 meals per week)....but my caterer will make my pizza with skim mozzerel.
I think planning versus that starving what can I shove in my mouth right now plays a big part in my control. I've learned the hard way that I simply cannot buy ice-cream, because I will eat the entire carton.
Oh gosh can I relate to that. I don't buy "treat" foods to store in the house. If I want ice cream I have to walk into our village and go into our quaint old fashioned ice cream store and I buy one scoop in a cone. I just can't have some things in the house, or they would be gone!!! This way I get to use some calories before I consume them!!!
Our work restaurant is a godsend. They do at least one healthy hot dish (usually more) and plenty of veggie side dishes, they have fresh cold salmon, chicken skewers and a salad bar every day, as well as jacket potatoes and a sandwich bar. There are always a range of healthy options.
There is definitely a connection. This connection is my problem! I'm only happy when I get ahold of those foods that get me there...sugar & carbs. Thus the vicious cycle. But be strong and stay motivated. Don't let yourself go any further. I have twice the road you do, and it looks scary!!! But I will get there eventually. WW is an excellent program from what I've heard. Good luck!
Thank you for the wonderful input. I had nutrition in school and I learned how it affects us, but I like to hear from women who are in the same struggle as myself. I'm very grateful to have been introduced to this website. I can tell it's going to be an advantage to reaching my weight loss goals!
I find that binging makes me depressed, mainly because I feel like a failure. Whereas eating healthy makes me happy, because I have self-confidence that comes from achieving a goal.
Plus caffeine and sugar lead to "downs" after the highs...
Connection w/nutrition and depression?
. I wanted to know if anyone notices a difference with their mood when they are eating healthy vs. eating junk. When I return home, I am going to join WW. Thanks in advance!
