Author: lexican

All About Weight Loss And Depression

Weight Loss And Depression

Adding weight loss to an already over-taxed mind is like trying to place a boulder on top of a house of cards. Chances are you would not be very successful, and you might just collapse under the pressure.

Weight And Depression

To a person who might not have any mental health issues, the relationship between depression and weight might be foreign to them.

But, the people who might be suffering from these issues, they might always end up in a downward spiral where either they might be gaining weight or losing too much weight.

They would beat themselves about this and might end up hating their body leading to depression.

Weight loss due to depression or not being able to lose weight which in turn might make an individual depressed could be very common if researches are to be looked at.

Weight and depression might follow a positive feedback loop where the depression that we may experience in our life could be causing weight loss and which then might cause more depression which then could increase it at dangerous levels.

During all this, the most frustrating and difficult thing for an individual suffering from weight issues could be that they would walk around thinking that everyone might look at them as an overweight person or could be calling them fat and might feel pity for them so would look at them as not worthy unless they are skinny.

This constant nagging in their minds about their appearance might lead them in a dark place and they could be engulfed with thoughts of body image.

Weight loss or depression, which emerges initially?

A person who might be trying to lose weight could find it more difficult to do that if they might be suffering from depression because it would be an uphill battle and if they are constantly trying to lose weight but suffer failure that could also sometimes lead to depression.

The root problem with depression and weight loss could sometimes be hard to ascertain, similar to the “chicken and the egg” scenario.

Depression symptoms and weight maintenance concerns are interconnected, and indeed the relationship is reciprocal.

This interconnectedness may end up with people getting conscious about their weight and they might begin to keep track of their weight throughout the day.

They would weigh themselves several times in a single day which could be quite harmful as when these individuals do not find themselves at the weight they expect themselves to be, they would stop eating or binge eat. In either case, this cycle might then cause certain eating disorders to develop.

And in many cases frequently weighing oneself might also lead to the path of depression as it could lower self-esteem, lower self-worth; this could then lead to seeking validation from outside sources.

For some, weighing can be the biggest motivation to maintain good health. It might give a sense of accountability. But in many cases this may end up badly for the person suffering from these types of issues.

Changes In Brain

Now we could form a framework that depression and weight loss are related to each other. But in what way?

I might have heard people saying things like, “the size of your waistline goes up, the size and functioning of your brain goes down”.

Our brains might not work on this pattern. A person’s weight might be related to their mind or brain on the fact that the more we take stress it generally leads to weight loss and in some cases weight gain.

It might not affect the functioning of your brain as it might affect the areas which regulate our emotions, moods and feelings.

Area of the brain called the limbic system could be responsible for both, i.e., our appetite and emotions.

Therefore, when your emotions are challenged in any way, it may affect your appetite too.

People experiencing depression often experience either an increase or decrease in their appetite leading to overeating or undereating.

For those who experience an appetite increase, eating might bring momentary comfort or pleasure.

People with depression may especially crave sweet foods, which when consumed trigger a dopamine spike(feel good hormone).

I myself have had periods of time where I just did not feel like weighing myself because I thought of myself as an overweight person and weighing myself just led me to the path of dissappointment. This could be called the first step of weight causing symptoms of depression or in some cases vice versa.

I might have even started noticing an opposite of the desired effect- emotions of depression having followed purposeful weight loss. Perhaps, I have had lost some weight, though not as much as I would have wanted.

This could happen with almost any person who gets obsessed with losing weight, they might feel disappointed, despondent, or disheartened if the purpose of losing weight might have been flatlined. These emotional responses could have a negative impact on mental health and could also affect a person’s brain.

Some people might experience digestive problems such as nausea or constipation when they are depressed which could directly affect their weight.

Weight Loss And Depression

Coping Tips

Weight might be a sensitive issue and for each individual, every approach is different. Depression could have led people to partly being malnutritioned. Sometimes, it might be good to come to terms with the fact that losing or gaining weight does not cure depression for those who have been suffering from it, it might just make it worse.

Weight maintenance concerns could be dispiriting as a whole. Being overweight could indeed start contributing towards the self-deprecating “I do not really like myself” mind set, which may also lead to depression.

There might be some ways on how you would be able to deal with depression that arises from weight loss or weight loss that could cause depression in the near future.

They could be different for different individuals but may help in the same way and also would make your point of view towards your weight a positive one.

  1. Depression Treatment

    When multiple approaches perform poorly in decreasing depression symptoms, it could be time to seek out professional assistance.

    The treatments for depression could include medications such as antidepressants as prescribed by a psychiatrist, following up on psychotherapeutic treatments from a therapist which may include electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation.

    Treatment for depression could perhaps improve the entirety of your symptoms, which could include physical ones like- fatigue, decreased appetite and weight loss.

    Acceptance could also bring changes in the thinking patterns, be it losing or gaining a few inches or putting on some extra weight, the human body changes throughout the day and therefore this might be normal for it and this acceptance might not be the ultimate cure but could help in taking the first step towards your betterment.

    The important factor is that you could accept that change and not beat yourself about it if the changes might not be in your favor.

  2. Weight management

    Whether it might be doing a light workout or going out for a run. Our body could get help both physically and mentally from keeping it active and indulging in some kind of physical activity.

    Weight could also be managed easily if you keep yourself hydrated.

    Eating consciously and accountably, which includes paying attention to the foods you eat. Paying any attention to your body’s overall cues to quit consuming you do not really feel like it. Understanding the relationship between your food and mood, the relationship between what you eat and how it affects your overall mood- does it upsets you? Does it make you feel guilty? Does it make you happy?

    All these emotions might help you decide how much and what to eat so that it might not affect your emotions towards food and might also help you maintain a good weight and overall mental health.

    At last, you should be able to eat your favorite food without the feeling of guilt and enjoy every moment while savoring it.

Conclusion

As humans, we could not avoid eating and at the same time live a healthy life. Nutrition is what fuels us, therefore it might not be avoided.

We could learn to better understand ourselves and our relationship with food and our bodies to fully heal and find our best selves.

Learning that all we got is this body and either we could forcefully change it or start accepting and appreciating its growth and change might totally depend on us.

Incorporating healthy habits and continuing with them with occasional moments of letting loose could not harm anyone. People may lead their life while being happy with their body which is supporting them and protecting them and maintaining it to the fullest rather than being dissatisfied with it causing harm to their own physical and mental health.

6 Healthy Nuts for the Keto Diet

Healthy Nuts On A Keto Diet

When it comes to following a keto diet, one of the most important things to pay attention to is the types of foods you’re eating. This means being mindful of the fat, protein and carbohydrate content of everything you put in your mouth.

While there are plenty of high-fat and low-carb foods to choose from, it’s also important to make sure you’re getting enough vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

This is where healthy nuts come in. Not only do they contain heart-healthy fats and protein, but they’re also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, they provide dietary fiber, which is important for keeping your digestive system functioning properly.

Wet nuts, such as cashews and pistachios, have a higher moisture content and lower fat content. All nuts are known for being high in healthy fats and protein but low in carbs.

This makes them a great snack for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Nuts are also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

For example, almonds are a good source of vitamin E and magnesium, while pistachios are a good source of potassium and zinc. So whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a nutritious addition to your diet, nuts are a great option.

So if you’re looking for a nutritious snack that will help you stay on track with your keto diet, reach for a handful of healthy nuts!

Health Benefits of Nuts

As a health-conscious individual, you no doubt are always on the lookout for foods that will help you maintain your hard-earned physique and vitality.

You hit the gym regularly, you avoid processed foods like the plague, and you make sure to get your five a day. But what about snacks? Surely all snacks are off limits? Not so fast!

Nuts are a healthy food that can actually help you reach your fitness goals. Most nuts are high in heart-healthy fats, protein, and fiber, and low in carbs. They also contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for overall health.

A healthy nut should contain:

  • Heart-healthy fats
  • A host of B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, folate, etc.)
  • Protein
  • Minimum carbs
  • Minerals
  • Fiber
  • Vitamin E

Best 6 Healthy Nuts To Consume While On A Keto Diet

Healthy Nuts To Consume While On A Keto Diet

  1. Almonds

    For people on a keto diet, finding healthy snacks can be a challenge. Almonds are a great option for a healthy, keto-friendly snack. First of all, they’re an excellent source of healthy fats and protein.

    They’re also low in carbs, with only 6 grams per ounce. Additionally, almonds contain important nutrients like magnesium and vitamin E. And finally, almonds have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing cholesterol levels and improving blood sugar control.

  2. Chia Seeds

    Chia seeds are tiny, firm, black or white seeds that are packed with healthy fiber and omega-3 fats.

    They have a nutty flavor and can be added to a variety of dishes, from soups to desserts. Because of their high nutrient content, chia seeds have been linked to a number of health benefits, including improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and increased energy levels.

    In addition, chia seeds are a good source of plant-based protein, making them an ideal food for vegetarians and vegans. If you’re looking for a nutritious way to add more fiber and Omega-3 fats to your diet, consider adding chia seeds to your next meal.

  3. Walnuts

    Walnuts are a popular type of tree nut that can be eaten on their own as a satisfying snack or used as an ingredient in sweet and savory dishes. Though they are relatively high in carbs, they are also a good source of fiber and contain a variety of important nutrients.

    When enjoyed in moderation, walnuts can be part of a healthy keto diet. In addition to being a delicious and versatile food, walnuts have many potential health benefits.

    They are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, some studies suggest that eating walnuts may help to improve cognitive function and protect against age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

    Though more research is needed, the potential benefits of walnuts make them worth considering as part of a healthy diet.

  4. Pistachios

    Most people think of eggs as the ultimate source of protein. But did you know that a serving of pistachios provides as much protein as an egg?
    Pistachios are also a good source of all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete protein.

    So why are they not higher on the list? The reason is that pistachios are relatively high in carbs. Pistachios could be a perfect snack option for you if you are health conscious, as it could give you a protein boost.

  5. Pine Nuts

    Pine nuts are a type of tree nut that is sourced from the cones of pine trees. They have a distinctively sweet, yet earthy flavor, and a rich, buttery texture that is due to their high oil content.

    Pine nuts are commonly used in baking and as a topping for salads and pasta dishes.

    They can also be roasted and enjoyed as a snack on their own.

    While pine nuts are native to Europe and Asia, they are now grown commercially in many parts of the world, including the United States. With their versatile flavor and nutrient-rich composition, pine nuts are an enjoyable and healthy addition to any diet.

  6. Macadamia Nuts

    Macadamia nuts are a type of tree nut that is native to Australia. They are very high in fat, making them an excellent choice for people following a ketogenic diet.

    In addition to being high in fat, macadamia nuts are also a good source of fiber and protein. They contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.

    Macadamia nuts can be eaten raw, roasted, or cooked. They can be used as a topping for salads or added to trail mix. They can also be used to make keto-friendly desserts, such as macadamia nut cookies or brownies.

Why Not Over-Consume Nuts?

Brazil, macadamia, and pecan nuts are all popular options for people following the keto diet. While these nuts are relatively high in fat and calories, they are also a good source of energy.

However, if you find yourself overeating nuts, it is important to be aware that this can lead to weight gain. Nuts are a high-fat food, and their calories can add up quickly. Therefore, it is best to eat them in moderation. If you find yourself snacking on nuts out of boredom or because they taste good, try to find another activity to occupy your time. This way, you can avoid consuming excess calories and gaining weight.

Conclusion

Nuts and seeds are a versatile and filling food that is popular with people following a low-carb, high-fat diet like the ketogenic diet. Nuts and seeds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins and minerals.

They are also high in fiber, which helps keep you feeling full. Nuts and seeds can be used in a variety of recipes, including as a topping for salads or as a muesli base.

You can also make your own nut butter or seed butter, which makes a great spread for toast or crackers. When buying nuts and seeds, look for products that are raw, unsalted, and organic if possible. Avoid rancid nuts and seeds by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

When you think of a keto-friendly diet, you might not immediately think of nuts and seeds. However, these small powerhouses are actually excellent additions to a healthy ketogenic diet.

Not only do they add flavor and variety to your meals and snacks, but they are also packed with nutrients that can help support your health. Both nuts and seeds are excellent sources of healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can help you feel fuller longer and provide lasting energy throughout the day. In addition, nuts and seeds contain heart-healthy fats that can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

So next time you are planning your keto-friendly meals, be sure to include a handful of nuts or seeds for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.