Weight Loss and Depression? Topic

U1187496769 01/23/20
I joined a different weight loss organization last January, and it just hasn’t been for me. I haven’t lost any weight on it. My mom, who is very peppy and likes sharing and clapping and big motivational meetings, has lost over 50 pounds.

I’m wondering how to broach the topic of weight loss and depression. I know we need to stay motivated, I know showing progress and staying positive is key ... but what if you just can’t all the time? What if you’re not peppy and don’t like the big happy meetings?

My personal struggle leads me to emotional eating, low energy, lack of sleep, etc... all major factors in losing weight.

I guess I’m just throwing this out there to see if I’m not alone!

Dietician 01/23/20
Dear U1187496769,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You are definitely not alone. We are all different and have to find what works for us! You and your mother are proof that what works for one may not work for another! Yes, depression is real and can be a factor with eating and weight. Are you working with your doctor on treatment strategies for it? Sometimes we need to seek medical assistance to move forward. If you are not already established with a primary care doctor, please find one.

Many people turn to food to deal with emotions. Can you work on finding alternative ways to deal with emotions outside of food? Here are some articles that may get you started.

https://www.mynetdiary.com/three-steps-to-stop-emotional-eating.html

https://www.mynetdiary.com/soothe-yourself-without-food.html

https://www.mynetdiary.com/be-a-fly-on-the-wall-observe-your-own-habits-without-judgement.html

Please let us know how you are progressing and your thoughts about these articles.

You can do this! Brenda (MyNetDiary Dietitian)

Simplycidalia73 01/24/20
I’ve been struggling with this since I had my last child almost three years ago. He was a difficult baby and is still difficult as a toddler, so postpartum anxiety and depression kind of lingered. My focus right now is on changing habits, even if it’s just one or two at a time (drink more water and eat more whole foods). Depression or not, motivation cannot be relied upon for weight loss and maintenance success. Change habits and write down your why. Why is it important to you to lose weight and get healthier? Keep that where you can look at it when the urge to slide into unhealthy habits rears its ugly head. Baby steps are better than no steps. You can do this.

Dietician 01/24/20
Hi Simplycidalia73,
Thank you for sharing your experience and wise tips.
Yes, powerful life changes can result from developing and building upon small, do-able habits.
I'm reading a great book right now- "Tiny Habits" by BJ Fogg. It addresses this very topic.

Keep checking in with us- we are here to support you.

Best,
Sue
MyNetDiary Registered Dietitian

TreeFarmer 03/02/20
My escape is my spread sheet. I'm good with spreadsheets.

On tab one (sheet one in a workbook if you use excel -- I'm using google sheets)
I record the lowest weight my scale gave for the day, my calories from MND, my steps, and the calories that the step counter claimed. (I've tried various ones, including the MND one, and use Pacer as giving the lowest calories. It also is in best agreement with research I've done on calories burned walking)

Now I have a column that has a 7 day sliding average of my weight. Can't start this until day 7. 7 days is arbitrary, but is long enough that it smooths out most of the water fluctuations, and 'irregular' days. (My eyes are brown for a reason...) It's also short enough that you can see the average change a bit in response to a good day

Back to that weight column. Even if my weight is above yesterday, if it's below my current weekly average it gets coloured green and bold, with a pale green fill. That green means I'm making progress I lowered the weekly average with this weight.

another column next to the sliding average is today's sliding average - 1 week ago's sliding average. This overall tells me how fast I'm losing/gainig weight. Because it's influenced by two week's measures it doesn't respond very fast.

Dietician 03/04/20 replied to TreeFarmer
Thanks for sharing what is working for you.
Finding the right tool is paramount for long term success! All the best, Joanna (MyNetDiary Dietitian)

AnnU1186983067 06/02/20
The surroundings you live in definitely makes an impact on eating and when you eat. Being an adult & living with a diabetic father has its challenges! I have to hide my "treats" or eat them fast.

Dietician 06/03/20 replied to AnnU1186983067
Greetings AnnU1186983067- Yes our surroundings and circumstances certainly impact our eating habits! Besides limiting and hiding treats (I had to chuckle) from your dad, what tips might you share that have helped you stay on track? I know for me making my lunch ahead of time (if I am working from home) has really helped. If I don't have something at least sort-of prepared it is too easy to grab crackers and cheese or something quick, though not as healthy.
Thanks in advance~ Joanna (MyNetDiary Dietitian)

Stiqiw 09/29/20
I can relate to depression and emotional eating.
I will have a positive mind set, and then bam, something sets me off and feels like my day is shot. For me if I have a distraction to focus on it keeps me off the couch and thinking about food. But it’s taking that step to physically get out of the hole.

Weight Loss and Depression?