Depression and Obesity. Thats me!

laughoutloudlise

Hi All,
This is my 1st ever post. I have been reading this thread and Ican identify with so many of you in regards to emotions, irrational feeling and the long term issues regarding obesity (don't like the word.. factual though it is makes me feel like a freak) and depression. I have suffered with both for a long time (since early teenage years) although I didn't realise it was depression then.

I ahve tried to address the eating via WW, SW many many diets and LighterLife (managed 2 months and lost 23lbs but wholehartedly wouldn't recommend it)
I have since come to the conclusion that when it is a major problem in your life that is ongoing (years) I believe the area to address is the mind because with out that area "on board" how can you possibly rise to the challenge of changing your current life patterns for new ones??
I have tried recently to ignore the food stuff, diets etc and have tried swimming ( I used to be a very strong keen swimmer and felt totally free in the water) now there are issues with swim cossies, how I look (my stuff I know) but I am 5ft 8, 21 stone with fairly slender legs and arms and this sagging belly in front of me leading the way!! But i go 2 times a week and swim 30 to 40 lengths and am seeing alittle improvement in the body (never as quickly as you want) and it does help somewhat with my inner turmoil.
Sorry this is long... it all just pours out....... thanks for reading and do you identify with me or have any other ideas (I am late 30th, single mum, 3 kids, new partner who lives abroad and haven't seen for ayear as we are both so skint)

Euphemia_2

A good way to reduce craving for food high in fat, salt and sugar is to stop thinking of food as "good" or "bad." It will make you resentful and then you'll feel worse and want to eat more.

Also, if you eat a lot of chocolate/sweets it helps to brush your teeth afterwards. That gets rid of the taste, which makes you want to eat more.

Pennylane

Laughoutloudlise ..... welcome!:D
First of all, you are some fit girl if you can swim all those lengths twice a week! I am in awe of you, honestly.:beer:
Don't be too hard on yourself because with 3 kids by your late 30s, your body has taken some hard work you know.;)
I'm a good bit older than you but here's what I'd do if I was your age (you lucky thing!).
Like you say, forget the word diet, forget how you used to eat and draw a line under all the diets you tried and failed with.
Use your 3 kids and yourself as your future - it's a great excuse to get you all eating healthy food and exercising. The media is full of obesity talk, Jamie Oliver, school meals, the burden on the NHS etc etc.

Could you get yourself into the mindset of saying "here's what we all used to eat, but we're changing for ever and for the better."

If you feel healthier, you will start looking better and you will have so much more energy. When the weight starts dropping off that will be a big bonus.

I currently do SW and have lost 2 stones and I realise you've tried this but personally I find it really makes me think about healthy food and exercise and I have cut out so much rubbish from my diet that I feel great now.
Let us know how you get on and I think there's a positive person in there dying to come out:j