[NacieP]

Hey All,

I suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and have for years. While I am better at recognizing it once I see it for what it is, sometimes it takes me a while to see it for what it is. Once I realize what it is, I can use my light box, be more vigilant about moving/getting my Vitamin D, and reducing my carbs. But that usually happens after a week of binging and almost punishment eating.

This past week I had an episode, and it feels like I threw away a whole 3 weeks of hard work in a few bad binges. Monday is my weigh in day but I am too disappointed to weigh myself. I went out for a walk instead, but I just feel junky.

I don't like to feel like I am at the mercy of this mental state, and that anytime I feel blue suddenly I backpedal so severely.

I was wondering if anyone on here had any tips or tricks to keep the weight-loss going while suffering with SAD?

[souvenirdarling]

I hate SAD. It's taps into some generalized anxiety issues and PMS pretty hard this time of year, and sometimes I'm a wreck.

I have some friends who I can call and share with when I feel lousy. I have "acceptable" binge foods that are okay, that I let myself enjoy and forgive myself for. That forgiveness and not falling into a "restriction" mode is really important to me. I figure if my weight-loss stalls, it's okay, I just don't want to always be regaining.

Where I am it is usually cold and sunny. Going for a walk helps, leaving the house to go to a restaurant or a cafe means I'll have an off-plan splurge, but at least I won't be out of control bingeing until I'm nauseated and sick. The walks feel mice, like I've done something, moved a bit, fresh air...

Good luck Nacie - I hope you lose that junky feeling soon! I'm sure you didn't throw away your whole 3 weeks!

[NorthernLight]

Hi, Nacie.

Yes, living in Interior Alaska means that we don't get much sunlight for much of the winter, so SAD is a huge issue. I take a prescription dose of Vit D3... 50,000mg/wk, which you can also buy OTC up here although the prescription stuff is better. You can OD on Vit D, so I recommend getting blood work done to determine how much you need. When my doctor checked mine, it barely registered on the lab results. The high dose really helps and my doctor mentioned to me that your body cannot lose weight without Vit D. Every year I think about getting a Happy Light but for some reason I never get one.

If you get blood work done, you might want to also have your doctor check your Vit B levels. My vit B also barely registered.

As you also mentioned, I seem to be much happier without carbs in my life, too.

I have found that very closely tracking my diet, calories, carbs, etc. and weighing myself daily helps tremendously on the weight loss journey. It helps to keep me motivated, engaged with my goals, and it really makes it easy for me to stay below my calorie count for the day.

Good luck & keep it up!