OK I am depressed (medicated) and obese

here is what I have done

first I dont look at the big picture - IF I do its frightening
you cant climb a mountain without taking the first step right

so I broke it down into small steps
I get graph paper and make my target 5lb then graph it as I lose it - when I get to the five pound I give myself a treat (more on those later)
I also got a pedometer and found out how many steps I took on average over a week (I did NOT attempt to do more than usual)
so those were my tools
weight loss 5lb at a time and then a treat - it has to be non food
I wrote down little things I like for instance a new lipstick flowers a new book coffee in town a new magazine and I wrote them all in bits of paper and popped them into a pot when I get to the target I take one out and that is my treat - so although I know what the treats are its still a surprise as to which one I get
then I attempt to walk on average just 50steps more a day than last week so and each week increase it by 50 steps - you can do those quite easily but being in your home and going up and down the stairs a couple of extra times

I am sure others will have much better ideas that I have but that is what I have done to get me started so far I am 9lb (in two weeks) down so soon to get my second treat :)

1st..Weigh yourself, to find your start point and take it from there.

2nd..You did not mentioned no exercise and I highly recommend some exercise into your daily regimen. Do you like music?? march/walk in place and music helps with depression. I promise you with any movements, your mood will change. Start slow and build up. I believe in you and wishing you much luck with your efforts!! Hugs.. :)

I love all of their ideas for you. They are very good points to go with :) I would say that in my experience diets don't work very well for me. I would say do some research, even just use google to do the research. Find out what kinds of foods and recipes are healthy. Then figure out what of these foods you can fit into your lifestyle. Instead of dieting and thinking of it that way, just change the whole chebang and eat healthy good for you foods. That way you aren't depriving yourself and cutting things out, just replacing them.
Also I really liked the idea of music. If you have an mp3 player or Ipod or something you might load it up with a playlist of songs that make you happy. When you get depressed maybe try walking or exercising of some kind and listening to those upbeat songs. That way you will associate the exercise with being happy and getting close to your goal.
Just thoughts, I hope they help :)

Sorry you're going through this. Although I may get flamed for saying this, one of my first suggestions is that you steer clear of the depression support group. I ended up in that forum a few weeks ago when I followed a post of a friend who was struggling when I logged into DS. I'm just glad I wasn't feeling particularly low before I looked at the posts there, or I would have ended up feeling worse.

As far as your weight issues, it's no wonder to me that the weight loss industry continues to make a gazillion dollars in profit from us every year - as we continue to get bigger. How could they NOT make record profits when we continue to try to lose weight by doing everything except getting to the SOURCE of our unhealthy relationship with food?

So, obviously, I believe that we have to get to the source of why we're overeating - which is by facing our emotional eating WITHOUT turning to food. Although exercise is an important component, as is drinking water and making healthy food choices, none of those things are going to "stick" until we get to the source of why we're overeating...which can be a very difficult and painful thing to face.

As a former world class emotional eater, you get started by allowing your feelings to manifest WITHOUT TRYING TO ESCAPE TO FOOD. It's very painful and difficult to do at first, but, in time you realize that, because you're dealing with your feelings, you will no longer need food to help you deal with them. (Not that your journey at that point will be like tip-toeing through the tulips, but, you should find that your perspective of food changes over time from being emotionally comforting to only being able to provide fuel and nutrition for the body).

In reading your profile, you also have to factor in what's going on around you. Many years ago, I was in love with an addict. I almost broke MYSELF down trying to make him better, but, I finally realized that I can't change anyone else - all I can do is work on myself. I also realized that our relationship was never going to be healthy and happy in it as long as drugs were part of his life.

Food addiction can be a very tricky issue to deal with. I know I have to stay on top of my "food voice" every single second of every day, otherwise it can be so easy to get tripped up by it.

Hang in there and just never give up.

Hugs,
Janice

Thanks for the support and the suggestions...I am going to try to put them all to use...I really need to get this under control...because it really is starting to affect my health, and more importantly my sleep AND self esteem...I love myself, but I'm ashamed to do any of the things I love because I am overweight...I want to be in shape and enjoy this time in my life.

I start school next week, so I may not be here as often as I would like, but I will try to keep you all updated.

Thanks again.

Depressed Recluse