Depression eating

[3momchaos]

When I’m depressed I don’t necessarily eat bad foods, I just eat foods that are effortless. I’m super anxious right now which is causing some situational depression. I’m still getting my protein and water in, I haven’t gained any weight, but I’m also making snack choices that aren’t the best. I only grocery shop once a week, so if I run out of my easy snacks or someone else eats them, then I just have whatever’s around. To help myself stop that, what kind of easy snacks/small meals do you keep around? I usually have cheese, oyster crackers, and yogurt around. I don’t eat much fruit. I love veggies, but I can’t seem to snack on them. It’s like my brain has decided that they are for meals only. My brain is weird. I am back to taking my anxiety meds on a regular basis. My doctor is fine with me taking them when I feel like I need them. I can for months without and be totally fine. Then something happens and I need them for a bit, and then I don’t. Plus I don’t like how tired they make me. I try to only take them at bedtime, but sometimes that’s not an option.

 

[Bill sperry]

I usually have a few whole wheat crackers and about a half cup of watermelon. Sometimes grapes or a half a cup of nuts. Every night a piece of dark chocolate. And for a dessert once a week a half cup of Killer ice cream no suger added

 

[3momchaos]

I love the shelled pistachios from Costco. I need to pick up more of those.

 

[Bill sperry]

I get pistachios at Costco too I also get the hot ones at our local Ralph’s store

 

[3momchaos]

I can’t handle spicy things, but my son and husband love spice, so I’ll keep those in mind.

 

[JaimeS]

I glad you posted about this I have the same struggles with depression and anxiety and I never made the best choices before I had my surgery. I am only 6 days out from my surgery so I’m still in the clear liquids move to full tomorrow yay! I I am searching for easy snack ideas as well so I can control the choices that are not always the best. Thanks for sharing!

 

[JaimeS]

I definitely am not to the point for awhile where I can eat something and have control. I will be making better choices until I feel like I won’t binge I had no self control it was a real problem.

 

[missyinacage]

I'm also having a difficult time, mentally, right now. And it's making it not only harder to make the healthiest choice, but I find myself noshing mindlessly. Since I am feeling very agitated/antsy, I guess I'm just grabbing food (like I have for most of my life) to keep busy/keep my thoughts at bay? I used to just take off for a walk or bike ride when I got mentally hungry, but now with my mom here, unable to do more than scoot from her chair to the wheelchair, I can't even do that.
Just when you get the food thing down, or at least think you have, life steps in and creates another obstacle for you to overcome.

 

[Tokash]

So first, anxiety meds really shouldn't be stopped and started. They take about 8 weeks to be fully working and should be weaned off after no less than 6 months use. They really are best(and work the best) to stay on continuously. If they make you lethargic the dose is too high or the wrong type of meds in general (lexapro is common for tiredness if that is what you happen to take)

Snacks...I keep cheese, snack packs of nuts, protein chips, protein packs, jerky, protein granola bars on hand

 

[3momchaos]

So first, anxiety meds really shouldn't be stopped and started. They take about 8 weeks to be fully working and should be weaned off after no less than 6 months use. They really are best(and work the best) to stay on continuously. If they make you lethargic the dose is too high or the wrong type of meds in general (lexapro is common for tiredness if that is what you happen to take)

Snacks...I keep cheese, snack packs of nuts, protein chips, protein packs, jerky, protein granola bars on hand

I follow my doctors instructions for medication. She said if I needed something regularly then I could switch, but I don’t find myself needing it more than a few times a month. I get a 30 day supply, and can go 6-7 months without refills.

What are protein packs?

 

[Tokash]

Robot or human?

They have several different types

 

[3momchaos]

Robot or human?

They have several different types

Oh! Ok, those are handy to keep around! Thanks!

 

[3boysmom]

I've been trying super hard this week to keep myself busy and snack well. I eat turkey pepperoni, cheese, eggs, greek yogurt, apple w pb, nuts, a few baked chips, pretzels here and there, as long as I follow the calorie and portion sizes I think it's ok sometimes. For something sweet I've been making sugar free chocolate pudding and pb whipped w cool whip and making parfaits. I need a dessert, sweets are my weakness.

 

[JudyNY]

I'm also having a difficult time, mentally, right now. And it's making it not only harder to make the healthiest choice, but I find myself noshing mindlessly. Since I am feeling very agitated/antsy, I guess I'm just grabbing food (like I have for most of my life) to keep busy/keep my thoughts at bay? I used to just take off for a walk or bike ride when I got mentally hungry, but now with my mom here, unable to do more than scoot from her chair to the wheelchair, I can't even do that.
Just when you get the food thing down, or at least think you have, life steps in and creates another obstacle for you to overcome.

This is exactly what is happening to me right now. I was on stress overload today just when I planned to restart and refocus. I am back to mindless eating again. It's been this way for over a month and I have gained 10 lbs. I may go into more detail at some point but I wanted you to know you are not alone Missy. I know what I have to do, but struggle to do it. Maybe we need to start a new thread for those struggling a year out and throw some tips out there.