New Here | Weight Loss After Depression + Medication

[Mistyanna]

After a few years of battling depression caused by the deaths of a few important people in my life (a mother figure, the friend who got me through high school depression, and a cousin within the span of six months), I realized that I had gained a whopping 90 lbs (which made me quite disappointed in myself and furthered the depression for awhile) and I'm ready to start working towards losing it.

This gain is, in part, due to weight gain + retention side effects of my anti-depressant medication. My doctor tried to find a medication, after much trial and error, that caused the least amount of weight retention/gain. The original one we tried caused me to gain 30 lbs in the first two weeks, and another 10-15 in the following two weeks (which is how we know it was the medication's fault for a large portion of it).

Because of the retention side effect, and the fact I live under the poverty line (my FitBit was a gift for my birthday), I can't afford things like a gym membership or overly healthy food (it's much cheaper to buy frozen dinners). If it wasn't for Canadian Health Care, I wouldn't even be able to afford my medication or doctor appointments.

I'm wondering if anyone has some advice/motivational speech for getting started after:

• A few years of minimal activity due to depression
• and recent severe ankle sprain that required two months bed rest

My doctor recommended I start slow with walking around the block 1-2 times a day, and work up from there. But I need direction on where to take it after my ankle is back to full strength.

Thanks for any advice others can give.

[kaneohegirl]

Since you cant do alot on your foot watch these... you dont need fancy weights canned food from your pantry is a good subsitute

and while cheap frozen meals are NOT healthy in any way not even the so called healthy ones full of salt and high in carbs not enough protein or veggies. You can go to Walmart and get a 5lb bag of chicken breast skinless or tenders (not the breaded ones) and bake in the oven and some on sale veggies for $20.00 a week... even most food pantries have fresh veggies from time to time

[Mistyanna]

kaneohegirl: Thanks for the recommendations. 🙂

[WavyDavey]

Walk outside every day, gradually increasing the distance. When you feel ready for the next step, alternate between fast walking and walking. Then slowly increase the amount of time fast walking.

But, walk everyday. Outside in fresh air. It has a way of clearing the mind and lifting the spirits. Best of luck!

[Mistyanna]

@WavyDavey: Thanks for the advice! I'll remember that.

[Akaka · Accepted solution]

Agree wholeheartedly with WavyDavey's suggestion of outside walking, and then when you are able, beginning to alternate walking and running, and building from there.  I am a neuroscientist, and there is considerable evidence that running outside works very well for depression when the person suffering is able to make the choice to run (some are too affected by their depression for this to be an option).  In some studies running works as well as or better than traditional antidepressants, and this has been observed pre-clinically (rodents) as well as in humans.  Not only does running improve mood, it alters the part of the brain (hippocampus) that is highly implicated in depression, and alters it in similar ways to antidepressant meds, as well as changing brain neurochemistry in positive ways that are associated with better mood.

I suffered from a depressive episode a few years ago and decided to try running first as opposed to meds as my depression was not severe enough, I felt, to require medication (in some it absolutely is).  It worked very well for me, albeit slowly...but then the meds can be v. slow acting as well.  I continue to run 3 days a week, and it's more for the mental/mood aspects than anything else.

So, running is an excellent choice for both exercise and mental health, when one is able to do it!

[Mistyanna]

@Akaka: Good to know!

My general physician has been trying to help me build up my lung strength (I have severe asthma; if I recall, my lungs only function at about 60-70% what they should be able to manage). Mostly consists of using an inhaler to strength them, having another in case of prevention (which I was told to use right before physical activity), and breathing control exercises. I hope it will allow me to run/jog by the time my ankle is ready for it.

[Bogdel]

@Mistyanna, So sorry about your losses! I pray that God will fill the place that was left empty by those who left. I also pray that He will give you the strength to accept the things that cannot be changed, and let them go. 

I agree with the people who encouraged you to start walking outside, even if it is for just a few minutes at the beginning. Also, unless you are already doing it, be sure to take your vitamins - particularly B-complex. Find a good brand, that has good balance. I use B-100.

Also, how are your eating habits? I recommend that you buy "Eat to live" by Joel Fuhrman. It has changed my life. It's time to take care of you! 

Blessings and strength!

[Bogdel]

@Mistyanna, thought you might enjoy this (we all fall into it): 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX2btaDOBK8

[Bogdel]

Hello again! I just received this invitation from Dr. Fuhrman in my email. I watched previous docuseries that he recommended in the past, and I was glad I did. I plan to watch this one, as well. Because we are all interested in health, I thought I'd share this with you, in case you are interested. Here it is:

Hi Ellie,

The modern diet is making billions of people sick and fat.

If you’re fed up with toxic food, and hungry for a change, then I have wonderful news. My friends John and Ocean Robbins are getting ready to bring YOU one of the most powerful free events in the history of food. Have you signed up yet? 

Learn the truth about food in the 2018 Food Revolution Summit.

Our current diet is leading to:

• Heart disease
• Dementia
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• A multitude of other diseases . . .

But the truth is, you can beat disease, and step into great health, starting with the food on your plate. I have devoted my entire medical career to spreading this critical message over the past 30 years.

From April 28th-May 6th, John and Ocean Robbins are interviewing 24 of the world’s top medical and food experts, including myself; Kris Carr; Michael Greger, MD; Vani Hari; Neal Barnard, MD; Dale Bredesen, MD; and many more.

I am lending my support to those striving for clean food and a cleaner environment, even in cases where I don’t fully agree with their message. So though there may be some information – from a few presenters – that I consider to be misleading or off the mark, it gives me more to comment on and explain after the event, thus cementing understanding and clarity in this equation. Of course, your critical reasoning skills and core of Nutritarian knowledge will help you decipher what you hear, and understand the facts. 

During this week-long online event, you’ll gain the latest insights on food and nutrition. And you’ll learn about specific foods that can:

• Enhance brain health
• Prevent cancer
• Put you solidly on the path to lasting wellness

This isn’t the time to advocate simply for fewer pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, added sugars, additives, colorings, and processing. If we truly want health, now is the time for a food revolution. We all need to work together to get toxins and chemicals out of our food.

If you know that food matters, and you want to do the best for your body and your planet, then this is THE place to be.

Join the Food Revolution Summit and get the resources you need to stand up for real food.

I’ll see you there!