@sf93.
Hi and welcome to the Forum. Since I got 'sick' 4 years ago I've gained a fair bit of weight.
Eating is a form of self medicating - just like gambling, alcohol & other drugs. It's a short term 'fix' but with negative effects.
Best thing is not to buy junk or lollies or processed foods. Yeah, easier said than done.
Other things are having prepared snacks - carrot sticks etc ready to go in the fridge.
Reward yourself for making it through the day / night without eating too much - buy a new lipstick, get a pedicure, soak in the bath.
Depression makes it really hard for me with my eating. Because of that inability during an episode, to cook dinner. So instead I'll eat a packet of biscuits. And because I've given up my bourbon and coke - I find I'm drinking even more coke than when I drank alcohol.
It is important to be gentle with ourselves and not add to our negative self talk. If you eat a packet of biscuits or two large servings of dinner - it's done. So no point putting yourself down. It was just a slip and you keep your plan to eat healthier.
Mindfulness can help a lot. Eating mindfully. You find you are satisfied and don't need to keep eating or unconsciously eating.
If you have a young one, go to the park, not just to play on the swings, but play chasy around the trees. Walk to the shops instead of driving & reward yourself for doing so. Buy a piece of fruit you've never tried before or one you eat in summer - you can enjoy it now in winter.
Some of our medications can cause weight gain as well. I'm not sure if you are taking medication for your depression and anxiety. If you are, talk to your psychiatrist about trying a different mefication.
Sorry for the long reply.
Just do one little thing everyday. It all adds up.
