[julier70]

I will try to keep this as short as possible. I am currently 50-60 pounds overweight. I have tried nearly every diet and can't seem to stick with anything. I hate the way I look and feel, but can't seem to find it in me to do something about it.

I have three kids and work full-time. I am also working on getting my masters a couple nights a week. I have a very helpful husband, but no matter how much sleep i get in a night I am never rested.

I want to lose weight, I go into each diet mostly positive, but always have that thought I am going to fail past the first week.

I feel down in other areas of my life, but I'm not sure if it's stress or depression...or a combination of the two.

What can I do?
Julie

[NemesisClaws]

Hmm..it sounds to me like you may have just a tad too much on your plate at the moment (no pun intended). Here's a few suggestion that you could do....

1. Don't do diets right now, or even think of the word diet. Just focus on buying more fruits, veggies, and avoiding processed foods..(organic, natural, you name it....use turkey meat in place of beef as it's leaner for instance, and add more veggies...I generally do this with chili's, and you can't even tell it's turkey!). I recommend checking out a few cookbooks from the library that you could make a healthy meal from one to two nights a week. In addition, work on moderation....do portion control with your food, even doing smaller plates if necessary.

2. I too am a college student, and I try to use the stairs when going to my classes instead of the elevator. Unless you're running late for class, do this as often as you can. You can also get a pedometer that measures the number of steps you take in an average day..the ideal number of steps is 10,000 per day.

3. There are some gyms that offer daycare within while you're working out. Of course, this involves having pay for membership, so this is entirely up to your money situation. Since you have a supportive husband, why not schedule time for yourself to go the gym while he watches the kids? (Some colleges have gyms on campus that you can go to....if I remember right, it was generally "free" for full time students (not sure about part time) since it was covered in their semester bills..you'll have to check into yours)

4. One thing I do recommend...is cutting out soda pops. I used to be a huge coca-cola fan, and gradually cut it out of my life. I did lose a pound or two from this, and don't miss the sodas.

5. Keep in mind, all this will take time and don't expect changes overnight. Think of it more as a learning journey as you go along. Plus, winter tends to bring about the blues, and especially with the holidays looming, everyone is worried about bills and how they're gonna pay for everything. Don't let it stress you out. You can even have your husband watch the kids while you're taking a full hour bath for relaxation.....

[maryblu]

I am sure none of us can say if it is depression or not...a pyschologist would probably be the first one to say that she/he would need to see you and talk in person. For the lay person, it sure sounds like it.

Nem.Claws had a great suggestion. According to many, the single best "cure" for depression is EXERCISE...yep. Mnay say it is more helpful even than the correct medicine.

Here is one other thought.....a long shot, maybe, but it is worth my asking. Is there any possibility you could have Sleep Apnea? That part about being tired after a full night's sleep....just a thought. DH would be the one to ask first!

Good luck.

[Mermom]

It is hard to separate out just what is stress and what is the winter blues and what is depression. It does sound though that you are fuctioning quite well given all that you have going on. I also know that when life is stressful it is even more difficult to focus on healthy eating and lifestyle. I always do best with healthy choices when I have summer break from school, the days are long and warm and there is just more time to focus.

I fight the battle daily with making choices that will help me be healthier and feel better. I have been working at it on and off for years sometimes doing well and sometimes not. I fall on and off the wagon regularly. It has taken me seven years to lose 30 pounds but hey! Better than gaining 30.

I agree with the previous poster. Do the little things that you can, feel good about doing them and try to let yourself feel peaceful about the positive steps that you are taking. Above all, don't take on too much -- it will just make you feel like a failure.

[Leenie]

Hi Julie,

None of us here can diagnose this for you, the only one that can is your Doctor, please take 1 hour out of your busy, and I mean busy schedule to see him/her. You will be so happy you did.

[lattelady]

If you call your primary physician's office and tell the staff what you wrote here, they will get you in asap. If not the same day, have them put you on the 'call if an opening' list while waiting for an app't. Which would be difficult in your instance. However, it needs to be addressed, and soon.
No, I am not a medical person.

[QuilterInVA]

I have depression. You sound like you have too much going on in your life and stress is taking over. Talk with your doctor. Be aware, medication for depression can cause weight gain. You need to get onto a plan to make permanent lifestyle changes in your food choices to meed you weight loss goals. Make positive plans and stick with it for one day, or even one hour, at a time. A few of the signs of depression are not sleeping or sleeping too much, crying, feelings of being unworthy, suicidal thoughts, no longer enjoying or participating in activities, mood swings, loss of appetite. It takes about a month for the medications to start working, so don't delay. Make an appointment today.