How do you fight depression and lose weight?

If you have "tried almost everything", perhaps it is time to consult a professional.

Well, I'm definitely a stress/anxiety/depression eater also. What I do, is I pre-make a lot of my meals for my diet so that I cannot mess up. And if you're having a need for some of that comfort food, just have more of what you're already allowed to have. Clear out the house of any junk foods. If it's not there, you wont be able to eat it. That can be frustrating at times, but I promise you it makes that comfort food eating a lot better to deal with. Have things you can eat that are calorie free (or near it) like pickles. Spicy pickles are my all time favorite! And if you love cheese? Try lifetimecheese.com because it's a fat free cheese, tastes great, and has a lot of protein per serving. ;o) I actually like to chop both up to have with pickles and cheese. Yummy!

While doing these things, try to fight depression with working out or playing video games or some other hobby. I swear I lose track of time when I am gaming or sewing. ;o) And it makes me very motivated so I forget about food, plus you can't eat while your hands are busy!!!

First things first, go see your doctor. There could be more going on than just depression. Once you get that squared away, start working out and eating lots of veggies. When I work out every day, I feel SO much better than I did before I was working out. My moods have leveled off and I don't want to eat so much. I also suffer from depression, so I take st johns wort, b12, and d3 every day. It helps SO much. I actually feel like a normal person again. But what works for me won't necessarily work for you. My Dh take Niacin to fight his depression, and it works wonders for him (if you haven't noticed, we're big on vitamins, not so much on drugs). *hugs* and Good luck!

Consult a professional, your medical dr. is a good start. When I started here I was dealing with a daughter and brother with terminal cancer. Strange thing to say, focusing on getting healthy (daily use of this site-logging my food), with plenty of long walks combined with light weights and mild anti depressant (with regularly dr. monitoring) got me through it all!.

Planning EVERYTHING.

As a person who suffers from depression, I can relate. It's hard. To overcome it, and especially the overeating/emotional eating, you have to plan every little detail out and STICK to the schedule/plan.

For me, it's become routine. I find that weekends (when I don't have a plan, but need to change that!) are especially difficult because I lack structure. Here's what I do:

Sunday--make a list of what I'm making for meals for the week. I make a nice healthy meal that night, and make sure that I have enough for left overs/snacks for lunch at work the next day. Please know that the crock pot is your friend :-)

Also on Sunday, I make my fitness plan. Schedule the exact time you're going to work out/go to the gym/go for the walk/exercise. For me, coming home, my immediate thought is to binge eat. So not good. I make sure I schedule a 4:00 yoga class or walk or something right away so I don't get into that habit of binging.

Hope these tips help. Please feel free to message me if I can help more!

Take care, and remember: You CAN do this!

xo

Ahh... one of my biggest problems as well. When I'm struggling with depression, my go-to is always food and shopping, which leaves me fat and broke. Sometimes when I get one thing under control the other gets worse. ( I second the idea of what another person said though... get rid of junk food in the house, and get some snacks to have on hand that won't do in your whole diet. There are loads of 100 calorie packs- Chips, cookies, cranberries, nuts... Also, I keep little bits of chocolate in my house b/c just one piece usually is enough, and that's about 40-60 calories.

This is not a replacement for medical advise as I am not a doctor.....however try exercising when you get the urge for extra food... just some quick pushups or situps anything....that has 3 good points it makes you feel better and less depressed, it keeps you busy which helps you through the mindless eating time, and helps you burn cals at the same time...good luck. If i start getting depressed and cranky that afternoon or the next morning depending on work my husband makes sure i get to the trail for a run....then when i'm done he always asks "feel better" ....lol the answer is always yes....

So many encouraging posts. I just want to tell you you are not alone. Try to remove all the tempting foods from your house (snack foods). That way you'd actually have to get up and cook something late at night. Good luck and I am proud of you for trying so far.

Planning EVERYTHING.

As a person who suffers from depression, I can relate. It's hard. To overcome it, and especially the overeating/emotional eating, you have to plan every little detail out and STICK to the schedule/plan.

For me, it's become routine. I find that weekends (when I don't have a plan, but need to change that!) are especially difficult because I lack structure. Here's what I do:

Sunday--make a list of what I'm making for meals for the week. I make a nice healthy meal that night, and make sure that I have enough for left overs/snacks for lunch at work the next day. Please know that the crock pot is your friend :-)

Also on Sunday, I make my fitness plan. Schedule the exact time you're going to work out/go to the gym/go for the walk/exercise. For me, coming home, my immediate thought is to binge eat. So not good. I make sure I schedule a 4:00 yoga class or walk or something right away so I don't get into that habit of binging.

Hope these tips help. Please feel free to message me if I can help more!

Take care, and remember: You CAN do this!

xo

i agree. planning has helped me out a lot. planning and working out, even when i REALLY don't feel like it. and when i can't get my mind off of food, i cook healthy foods (having friends over to cook for is even better). last night, after dinner, i saved up enough calories to have some peanut butter while i made a crust-less quiche. buying a lot of veggies and taking the time to chop them up for snacks....things like that. something to occupy your time and make you feel productive so you make better choices more easily.

and obviously, use your best judgement for when it's time to consult a professional. struggling is ok, but you don't want this to consume your life.

best of luck

I'm actually struggling with this now. I'm grateful for the original post, and all the great replies. My husband just deployed overseas and it's bothering me more than I thought it would. I roam around the house sometimes, lost. And I don't want to do anything, which makes my daughter suffer because I don't play with her like I used to. But today, I'm starting over. Today I did a short Taebo workout, and am going to make myself get out of this rut. I love all the great suggestions here, and I'll apply them. One thing I've learned, is when you're craving a comfort food, don't tell yourself "no". Tell yourself "later". Then you don't feel so denied, and by the time later is here, you may not need that food anymore. I also agree with getting rid of the junk food. I won't buy it, so when the cravings hit, all I have is healthy stuff to choose from. Or a piece of dark chocolate will help. Sometimes just a glass of milk will take care of it. Or maybe even a little cleaning. Doesn't have to be much, but it'll take your mind off food, and give you some sense of accomplishment. It's easier some days and harder some days, but with friends and family support, I think everything will be just fine - for me and for you! So here's to sending some comforting prayers your way, and to anyone else who needs them! Blessings, and good health to you all!