What is it about depression

That makes one just toss the diet right out the window.  I'm trying to hold fast to my diet, but today I've had some issues and I'm anxious and I feel like going right out to dunkin donuts and having a smorgasbord. 

I'm not asking for suggestions, just responses from those who experience this too on occasion.  I will get through today with my diet intact, but it's been a tough day.  Makes me grouchy too.

 

 

Oh I totally understand and I feel for you. I have been doing so good but yesterday some stuff was going on and I just ate and ate, which of course leads to guilt which could lead to giving up but I tried to re-focus today even though it's hard. Just hang in there, tomorrow's another day and know that you're not alone!

I just read somewhere recently (don't remember where) that low-fat diets can cause depression. The brain needs some fat.

I'm not sure but.... after being in diet-mode for about a year, I got slammed with a depression. Once I went on maintenance, it took a couple of months, but the depression has since lifted. In my case, i was NOT on a low-fat diet at all... I was eating at least 30% fat and mostly omega 3's because these are known to be good for mood disorders. So maybe it was just a coincidence, I dunno.

Anyway, it may just be your brain telling you something... maybe you've cut calories too low, or you're missing some vital nutrients?

I feel ya!!!! I have been suffering from postpartum depression since may....lol...and its tough eating has always been my antidepressant..but im doing well with changing it. I excercise instead now...and down 45lbs. It gets better we just gotta be strong!!!

depression just makes everything harder in general, thats part of why it sucks soooo much.

best thing that iv found that helps those cravings form a bad day is to do something else (not as easy as it sounds) like going for a quick walk, taking a shower, randomly bugging a friend, renting a movie, smoking( i realise this is bad for you, but if you already smoke and are not planing on quitting it is an option) ya know what ever can get your mind off things for a little bit and hopefully by the time your done with it you will feel a little better and the craveing wont be so bad.

Thanks everyone.  I went ahead and had my good for me dinner, and I had a little ice cream...  a little more than I should have, but did not ruin my day by it.  I'm getting ready to face an uncomfortable and challenging day tomorrow, it's just been getting to me, that's all.  I'm probably making a fuss over something that will go over fine.   So I think I'll take an exceptionally full bubble bath, and soak for while with some soft light and maybe some nice music.  Calgon - Take me away!

Best of luck to you, shewolffe.  A few years ago I had a terrible struggle with anxiety, and although I didn't have a problem with food (I could hardly make myself eat) what got me through it most of all was exercise.  At the time I was living close to home so after work my Mom and I would go on a three mile walk every day.  Even with therapy and medication I don't think I could have turned it around without that physical activity.  It will get your good chemicals flowing and give you the time to take your mind off it.  I recommend when you're feeling stressed, first just change into work out clothes.  If you can still keep going, get out the door or to the gym.  Keep taking it in small steps, and you can do it!

You are right about dressing for it.  That is like 80% of the battle.   I'm trying to get a routine started w/my dog.  As soon as I get home from work, no matter how comfortable I am dressed I plan to go to my room and put on my sweats, take the dog for a walk so she can read the local dog news, then I will still be dressed for my exercise a little later on.   I've lost 7 pounds since Feb 20, I need to put a little more effort to my commitment.  Thanks everyone!

Hey shewolffe...  I had a similar day yesterday myself...  I wasn't nearly as successful as you were, but ended up okay in the long run.  For some unknown reason, I kept binging yesterday on chocolate and carbs.  I was so upset at myself I started falling into a pit of depression (depression is a real lifetime struggle for me).  I went off on my father for no reason and cried on my hubbies shoulder (again for no reason).  But I picked myself up, went to the gym and worked out anyways.  I ended going over my calorie budget by about 350 calories, but still ended with a 1000 defecit due to the exercise...  I was still feeling the blues when I went to bed though.  I'm feeling somewhat better today.  I'm treating today like a new lifetime...  Nothing I did yesterday needs to affect today.

I hope your right about today going better than you expect.  Life often does that to me as well.  I tend to get myself all worked up over nothing.  Please send me a private email if you feel you need more support.  I'm always here for ya my dear.

Depression does make everything harder and if you are an emotional eater like me it makes dieting very hard.  I've found small goals are best.  I make a goal to hold off on splurging that day - one day at a time.  If I can just stay on track for the day and stick to my diet it ends up giving me a sense of accomplishment and control that will even help with my mood the next day.  If I do splurge I know it's hard to stop and I might get completely off track. 

I also try to distract myself - exercise is particularly good because it makes you feel better/less stressed too.  If I can get outside for the exercise that works best - just a walk will do.  I never feel like exercising when I'm depressed - so I just go through the motion of getting ready w/o trying to think about it too much.  Once I'm dressed, I tell myself that I don't have to work hard I just have to move and that gets me going.  I usually start out slow for a few minutes but find myself working even harder than normal before long.  It really has a way of making you feel better.

 By day 2, start all over again.  I'm usually feeling a little better because I stayed strong the day before - but if the urge strikes - I start making those small goals all over again.