Foods to help Depression

shakybabe · May 2013

Are there any foods that naturally help with depression that are 'healthy' and very low calorie to help me stick to diet.

I'm trying to to stick to low calorie and only fruit, veg, quorn or very lean meat/white fish but I've no energy and the tiniest thing makes me cry or makes me angry and feel depressed..then I need chocolate or alcohol/coke to boost my mood.

It doesn't help that I got a puppy eating his own poo which sends me into a rage everytime I see him do it and trying to sort out damn bedroom tax etc, facing eviction etc so I know it's more than just stress from trying to lose weight.

My weight went back up from 9st 3 and now hover between 9st 12 and 10st which makes me instantly depressed when see 10st or anything over on scales.

I'm thinking of trying lIpo 6 just to give me more energy to cope with everything then maybe I'll have energy to exercise and cope with everything?

meghanner · May 2013

I would suggest giving Paleo/Primal a try. You can google it. Your brain and body need healthy fats from good quality meat and veg sources, don't restrict them. Insulin levels swings can cause significant mood swings, alterations and lead to depression. Control the insulin and you should start to feel better.

AprilOneFourFour · May 2013

I think there's been a case made for oily fish - salmon, sardines, mackerel (not tinned tuna) and depression. They are low enough calorie to include on any healthy diet.

ms_leanne · May 2013

I certainly don't cut out red meat. Have it a couple of times a week or so. Sometimes it's worth saving some cals for a glass of something too but you have to learn to stick to one!

Drunken_WarHero · May 2013

Are there any foods that naturally help with depression that are 'healthy' and very low calorie to help me stick to diet.

I'm trying to to stick to low calorie and only fruit, veg, quorn or very lean meat/white fish but I've no energy and the tiniest thing makes me cry or makes me angry and feel depressed..then I need chocolate or alcohol/coke to boost my mood.

It doesn't help that I got a puppy eating his own poo which sends me into a rage everytime I see him do it and trying to sort out damn bedroom tax etc, facing eviction etc so I know it's more than just stress from trying to lose weight.

My weight went back up from 9st 3 and now hover between 9st 12 and 10st which makes me instantly depressed when see 10st or anything over on scales.

I'm thinking of trying lIpo 6 just to give me more energy to cope with everything then maybe I'll have energy to exercise and cope with everything?

The best, all natural, low calorie fix for depression is - are yuo ready?!

CARDIO!

Harvard Med wrote an absolutely fantastic piece on the study and offers up the details in this article in an easy to read essay.

health.harvard.edu / newsweek / Exercise-and-Depression-report-excerpt.htm
(remove the spaces in between the slashes before you paste)

Increasing your cardiovascular output will also help combat the comorbid anxiety that follows so closely to depression [NSU School of Osteopathic Medicine, 2009 et al] which in turn helps out with the nurvous habbit of overeating for most people.

Good luck!

baileysmom4 · May 2013

Get a complex b vitamin supplement. does wonders.

turnerca42 · May 2013

Hiya, although not releated to your depression / diet, I've heard that if a puppy eats poo then there is usually something deficient in the diet - try changing his diet - that will at least take away 1 problem

vstraughan · May 2013

St John's Wort. Zero calories and totally natural. You can get it in tablet form or liquid. I used to put a couple of drops in my morning coffee as the liquid on it's own is pretty grim. I found it worked wonders! Available from all health food shops as well as some other places too.

Make sure you read the advisory label tho'.

Look at any product's label that says 'contains phenylalanine'. Manufacturers HAVE to put it on the label (at least here in UK) as it can increase dopamine and is used in antidepressants. You'd probably have to consume a fair quantity as I believe most products only have it as very small quantity or trace, but it's there nonetheless.

As per 'turnerca42' notes ... a puppy (or adult dog) eating their own poo is a sign they are not getting enough nutrients in their diet. Definitely review his diet ... especially while he's a puppy

SenseiCole · May 2013

I have life with Depression for 15 yrs, exercise has help me alot, good hard training, keeps me feeling good for hours

stay away for processed foods, drink water, stay away from wine beer drinking them makes you feel worst

fresh air and sunlight helps

st johnwort helps

take care of yourself do thing like, have you hair done, massage, long warm baths, listern to music

if you can get hold of some of zig ziggler, I find him to be helpful.

I hope this helps

anyone can add me

SenseiCole · May 2013

also eat good healthy foods, stay away from soda and diet soda etc etc, they mess with your bodies system

ficklesoul · May 2013

I would have to agree with the cardio workout. I try to stick to eating clean as much as I can. I used to be on a restrictive low carb diet because I was desperate to lose weight. While it does help me shed off pounds, I wasn't happy and it has made me felt even more depress and I gained back all the weight later due to carb deprivation. Try to experiment with new things and find what works for you.

Like you, my bad bad vice will(forever) be chocolate and I'm kind of addicted to diet sodas(Still am actually). I still have bad chocolate craving. Sometimes I cave in to temptation but lately I noticed that as I've upped my fruits intake and opt for dark chocolate(75-80ish%) It helps curb my massive craving for chocolates by a couple of notches down. I still indulge in chocolate but it's not as bad as it used to be. + Dark chocolates are actually good for you. Good luck.

CoachReddy · May 2013

Are there any foods that naturally help with depression that are 'healthy' and very low calorie to help me stick to diet.

I'm trying to to stick to low calorie and only fruit, veg, quorn or very lean meat/white fish but I've no energy and the tiniest thing makes me cry or makes me angry and feel depressed..then I need chocolate or alcohol/coke to boost my mood.

It doesn't help that I got a puppy eating his own poo which sends me into a rage everytime I see him do it and trying to sort out damn bedroom tax etc, facing eviction etc so I know it's more than just stress from trying to lose weight.

My weight went back up from 9st 3 and now hover between 9st 12 and 10st which makes me instantly depressed when see 10st or anything over on scales.

I'm thinking of trying lIpo 6 just to give me more energy to cope with everything then maybe I'll have energy to exercise and cope with everything?

you're probably not eating enough. but also exercise. releases seratonin and dopamine like you wouldn't believe. that's the key.

LillyBoots · May 2013

This is a fantastic combination that I use myself and it works! B3 and D3 vitamins taken daily.

Also Niacin is a natural antidepressant so eat 2 handful of cashew nuts (raw and organic) as they are the nut with the highest amount of Niacin.

http://healthcave.com/10-foods-to-cure-depression/

best of luck.

AprilOneFourFour · May 2013

Some very good advice here - note that the cardio can be walking - here is a study that's interesting. And if you have a new dog, it might fit with your lifestyle

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2012/04april/Pages/walking-treatment-depression-symptoms.aspx

I think what one of the other posters said about eating natural foods is helpful too. I don't eat white floury / sugary things because when I do they make me feel really down. A glass of red wine, on the other hand, is worth keeping some calories for

cals83 · May 2013

St John's Wort. Zero calories and totally natural. You can get it in tablet form or liquid. I used to put a couple of drops in my morning coffee as the liquid on it's own is pretty grim. I found it worked wonders! Available from all health food shops as well as some other places too.

I just also want to point out that St John's Wort can reduce the effectiveness of bc pills so if you take them, be careful!

shakybabe · May 2013

Thanks guys.

Re my puppy he has allergies since i got him at 9 weeks his food has to completely grain free and fish based with occasional chicken and turkey. I did try him on a lamb and duck based diet but he found it too rich for his little tummy. He's currently on a fish and veg based kibble as I won a years supply of food but I do supplement it with fresh fish and meat. He can't have beef either so not sure whether he'd find venison too rich.

With me ..I try to eat 'clean' ..my budget has been reduced due to recent Bedroom tax and having to pay council tax whilst still on same income! I had been gluten free for around 18 months but can't afford the food anymore so don't bother with sandwiches or breakfast cereals. I don't like beef either so don't eat red meat much myself though I do love lamb when I can afford it!
I'll have to try and get back to an early morning session as once I'm up and sorting the dogs (I got an older one too) I don't seem to have a minute to myself until later at night when I'm knackered by then. I got my best results and fastest weight lost when I did early morning sessions but was also on capsiplex at the time.

Carnivor0us · May 2013

I have bipolar and I've found that a ketogenic diet has help control my mood swings (specifically the depressive ones). Try to include grass-fed/free range meats for more omega threes.

lizziebeth1028 · May 2013

Are there any foods that naturally help with depression that are 'healthy' and very low calorie to help me stick to diet.

I'm trying to to stick to low calorie and only fruit, veg, quorn or very lean meat/white fish but I've no energy and the tiniest thing makes me cry or makes me angry and feel depressed..then I need chocolate or alcohol/coke to boost my mood.

It doesn't help that I got a puppy eating his own poo which sends me into a rage everytime I see him do it and trying to sort out damn bedroom tax etc, facing eviction etc so I know it's more than just stress from trying to lose weight.

My weight went back up from 9st 3 and now hover between 9st 12 and 10st which makes me instantly depressed when see 10st or anything over on scales.

I'm thinking of trying lIpo 6 just to give me more energy to cope with everything then maybe I'll have energy to exercise and cope with everything?

1 - Exercise
2 - A healthy well balanced diet with a variety of foods. Restrictive diets are a downer.
3 - surround yourself with positive people
4 - reward yourself in moderation
5 - counseling and therapy with or without medication

sana_mantell · May 2013

Yes 5-HTP What is 5-HTP- Its a natural antidepressant. I've been using it for several weeks now and it works great! You can find it in a Whole Foods and I think regular drug stores carry it. Here is the definition:

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a compound produced in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. It is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin.

MelsAuntie · May 2013

Dark chocolate, in moderation.

littlebudgie · May 2013

Fatty fish like salmon are high in omega-3's, which some people find helpful for managing depression.

Also, really low calorie diets have always made my depression worse - not sadness-wise, but I'd get stressed out and angry more easily. You might want to bump your calories up a bit - so long as you have a deficit you will lose, and this might help your mood.

shakybabe · May 2013

I'm gonna try switching to dark chocolate instead of milk as I do remember liking the Fry's chocolate cream bars.. ones with orange inside. My family often get my some brandy liquers for xmas present which are usually dark chocolate too but that's the only time I really eat it.

what percentage is good to not make you NOT want to eat too much but not too bitter?

I'll look up the 5HTP stuff, sure I've seen that mentioned before as an ingredient in diet pills!

I was g=doing well last year but since I got my puppy *weeks old last Nov I just haven't had time I have been on exercise pedals usually when watching telly at night so can burn off calories I just eaten for dinner but before I was doing more wii fit and started a new routine with Kettlebells which really seem to help tighten my tummy area up. Now he's older and will settle down so I can stick an exercise video on or stay in bed until I finish an early morning routine I'll have to try and get back into it.

I do think the Capsiplex gave me the energy and it really made me sweat loads especially 4-5am in morning before breakfast I seem to sweat loads more then than when I'd slept in taken dog out first and was 11am before I was getting round to the exercise I usually gave up after 30 mins as didn't have energy whereas when started early I'd do about 2 hours. I tried Oxyelite pro too but it didn't really do anything for me didn't give me the same buzz or lose pounds/inches.

So I'm trying to decide whether to go with lipo 6 or back to Capsiplex for energy to do a proper workout.

weinbagel · May 2013

From personal experience, gluten makes me depressed. And alcohol, for obvious reasons. But I found it interesting that I felt depressed after eating gluten!

shakybabe · May 2013

I knew I'd seen 5HTP before in a slimming pill or something!..I just looked up Capsiplex again and it's in that! ..thought it rung a bell!

I do wonder if my sudden mood swings are to do with fact I switched to regular bread cos it was cheaper like 80p for a loaf versus £2.50 for a GF one which usually has much less slices! ..I decided to just restrict myself to bread once a week and use normal but then ended up getting regular digestives cos packet was £1 versus nearly £3 for GF equivalent!

I thought of replacing breakfast and lunch with shakes to avoid bread/cereal but it's just as hard to find gluten free diet or protein shakes. I thought if could get one in chocolate it might help satisfy the cravings whilst still only taking in set amount of calories.

dragonfly_em · May 2013

turkey!
and check out 'potatoes not prozac' by kathleen demaisons

rmn79 · May 2013

I saw a big difference after taking a vitamin B supplement and Omega 3's but not from fish oil, I either get them from flax or chia seeds. I also use coconut oil because it helps with energy and countless other benefits. Inositol may help but I have not tried it so I can't say it works.

zephtalah · May 2013

Get a complex b vitamin supplement. does wonders.

^^^This!

rmn79 · May 2013

From personal experience, gluten makes me depressed. And alcohol, for obvious reasons. But I found it interesting that I felt depressed after eating gluten!

I agree!

HannahJDiaz25 · May 2013

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/drew-ramsey-md/food-mental-health_b_1703007.html

VERY good Article!

Eat some leaf lard in small quantities (fried chicken, or potatoes...?) We are all so terrified of eating fats, but fat is actually good for you in controlled quantities.. Yeah I know I sound crazy, but the whole 70's "Dont eat fat" thing is finally starting to be questioned.
Read this article for some benifits of lard.
http://www.crossfitinnate.com/how-to-make-lard

Lard is still a four letter word with dieters, but its a ton healthier and more natural then Veggie Shortening... (Gross.)

shano25 · May 2013

Gluten is a big deal when it comes to behaviour. My friend has a two year old who was always clingy, whiny, and would not talk to anyone outside of the family. She took gluten out of her diet, that child is a totally different 2 year old, she's outgoing and independent now.

If you like smoothies, make your own. I make a green smoothie (spinach, kale, banana, blueberry, strawberry, fresh squeezed orange, flax seed, coconut milk) and that is a complete meal for me.

I take a B 100 Complex and Omega 3 supplement daily (I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety a couple of years ago.) Yoga has also been a sanity saver for me. Caffeine is the enemy.

Cheeky_0102 · May 2013

You might also experience mood swings when you change your diet. I'm the worst person to be around when i cut refined sugar and carbs. It takes a few weeks, but WATCH OUT!

There are a lot of foods that help with depression. I wouldn't go to any extreme diet unless that's wat you want, but i find a "generally" healthier diet, and more heart rate raising exerciise will increase your mood dramatically over a short period of time

Foods to help Depression

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