Wednesday, April 22, 2020 –
Isolation and depression are real things, and they usually—and unfortunately—go together. They are terrible and terrifying. Likewise, stress eating and depressive eating are also real.
Not to be “all about me,” but I am going to get a little personal because I have had these issues in my past. Please know that I am NOT calling out anyone. Rather, I want to help! I struggle with overeating daily. If hearing from someone who has worked her tail off helps you, then I am happy to have been there for you.
I have had my fair share of eating issues, stress, depression and whatnot. I have worked hard to overcome my food issues. Again, it is a daily fight for me, but some days I still struggle…well…A LOT!
You see, at my worst I was well over 275 lbs and barely had the stamina to take a walk. My immune system was piss-poor, and I was constantly depressed. I had tried every diet and working with a nutritionist. I tried every diet pill recommended by my doctor, and some that were not. I just couldn’t get motivated.
A lot changed a couple years ago when I finally had a doctor sit down and just run every stinking test she could think of. Turns out I had some severe vitamin deficiencies and a problem with something in my stomach. Lots of medical terms were said, but she was able to boil it down to some simple things that really turned my life around! Now, I’m a 100 lbs lighter and I actually enjoy exercise.
One thing that helped me change my life around was taking personal responsibility for every ounce of food that goes into my mouth. It is tough remembering to mark everything down, but it really does help me be personally accountable and think, “do I really, I mean REALLY, want that extra piece of chocolate?”
I have heard some odd phrases lately: “pandemic pounds,” “covid calories,” “coronavirus carbs,” and a few others similar in nature.
Again, not to discount the stress we are all under, but should we really be blaming our overeating on a virus? I too have made the decision to cram a few extra chips on my plate, but I take responsibility for those chips. I know that if I have them, I will need to take [insert number] extra steps.
I would love to just pass out with a good book and an endless supply of Fritos at my side, but I know that if I start down that path I will never get up! Been there, done that, didn’t like the end result!
I refuse to blame my personal choices on the world around me. Yeah, 2020 kind of blows, but that just makes me want to try harder. It isn’t easy, but I **have** to get up off my couch for the sake of my personal well-being and the sanity of my family.
Saint Roch, pray for us!
