While there is no single cause of depression, being overweight can weigh you down. Medical studies over the last year have linked obesity and depression, stating that over half of all obese individuals experience some form of depression. Nearly 20% of all obese individuals suffer from medically diagnosed depression which requires medication and treatment.
Many times the poor food choices being consumed can be linked to depression. Aftrer a person consumes a high fat and caloric meal, they begin to feel lethargic. Lethargy can breed sluggishness which may lead to low self-worth and even depression. Eating the right foods gives people energy and focus, leaving a person feeling motivated.
If being fat is weighing you down, here are some helpful tips:
- Eat a healthy breakfast
Starting the day off right by fueling yourself with healthy foods is an excellent way to eliminate depression from setting in. A healthy breakfast helps you to think better, concentrate longer and keep focused. Consuming a healthy breakfast, rich in protein, fruits and whole grains is a great way to keep you energized and less likely to eat throughout the day. Poor food choices can be eliminated when you eat something good in the morning.
- Start moving and feel great
One of the best ways to combat depression is to start moving. Studies show that people who exercise allow the good hormones known as endorphins to be released into the body. These hormones are called feel-good hormones because they do just that, help you feel great. The more a person moves and exercises, the better they feel. When a person is sluggish throughout the day, they begin to lose their self-worth and consequently become depressed. By getting yourself to move throughout the day, you improve your outlook on life, clear your head and even lose weight.
- Surround yourself with supporters
It is a proven fact that you are what you eat, and you become who you surround yourself with. Keeping a good support team made of encouragers is a great way to combat depression. Isolating yourself and becoming closed off can promote anxiety and depression. Find at least one or two people who can support and love you unconditionally. These supporters may be friends, family, co-workers, or even healthcare professionals.
- Pace yourself when eating
Don’t be the first one to clean your plate, but rather enjoy yourself and take your time chewing each and every bite. When a person eats quickly at every meal, they run the risk of being overweight because they tend to eat more than they would if the pace had been slowed down. When you eat slowly, you tend to eat less because you feel fuller faster.
- Start eating fish
Healthy fats can be derived from eating fish. There are excellent fish to eat that provide the body with healthy fats such as salmon, ahi tuna and mackerel. These fats are thought to improve a person’s mood and keep them feeling happy. Saturated fats, on the other hand, have a tendency to bring a person down and cause them to feel depressed or agitated. Fish is not the only source of healthy oils, sunflower and safflower oil is another great source of healthy fat.
- Add in the fruits and vegetables
Many fruits and vegetables are negative calorie foods and can be consumed in larger quantities, more frequently. These fruits and veggies fill you up quickly and cause you to eat less fried foods or sugary sweets. When you consume healthier foods, you tend to feel better about yourself and depression is kept at bay. Fresh fruits and veggies are high in fiber and help you to lose weight when consumed on a regular basis. They also contain many nutrients and vitamins that are good for your immune system, keeping you healthy and strong.
