Monday, May 19, 2014

Depressed? It May Be Your Diet!

Some people get depressed when they make dietary changes for diabetes.

Depression can be serious – be sure to mention it to your health-care provider. A doctor or registered dietitian can help you assess what may be causing your depressed feeling.

One possible cause may be that you aren't eating enough. If you're feeling deprived or are losing weight quickly but feeling irritable, try increasing your calories slightly.

Starvation studies have shown that severely restricting the amount of food eaten can cause depression. Your body may be reacting to a new, low-calorie weight-loss diet as starvation. A registered dietitian can help you increase your calories with the right foods to improve your mood.

If you're not losing weight, the depression may stem from working hard without seeing any results. Be patient, says the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Also, try positive thinking, a powerful habit for dealing with depression.

Another way to improve mood? Exercise. Getting your heart pumping and feeling strong can all provide emotional benefits.

Compiled from 101 Weight Loss Tips for Preventing and Controlling Diabetes ^[1] by Anne Daly, Linda Delahanty and Judith Wylie-Rosett. Copyright by the American Diabetes Association. Used by permission. All rights reserved.