writingwyo's Journal, 30 Apr 24

It will stick at some point! I hear you on depression ... one of my struggles from time to time. How exciting to hear that you have an assignment.  

The assignment literally dropped into my lap -- an email out of the blue asking me to write it, based on a friend's recommendation to them. How often does THAT happen?😁 It really needs to stick now. I haven't been, frankly, following my own advice. I always say that whatever you do to lose the weight, you'll have to continue to do to maintain the loss. I think I have too big a history of portion distortion and overeating to not track, at least part-time.  

I find eating away from home is always challenging. Most places do not fix food the way I do. They use too much fat, salt, sugar, chemicals, high glycemic veggies than when I am eating healthy which I am often not. Eating out doesn't supply enough of the right kind of protein for me either. So I completely understand your position. I have never tried vegan but did try vegetarian for an extended period. I found that because my body failed to tolerate it some people gave me grief when I had to go back to eating meat at my doctor's orders. You will not get that from me. You need to do what you have to do. I love fish so I might be able to do pescatarian but my hubby would not be on board. I have friends who eat meat in small quantities for flavor and that might work for me too if I could get enough protein in. Congratulations on the writing gig!!! Good job! Enjoy your workshops! 

I agree with depression (which I have) and stress making me just want to sooth with eating and too upset to track. Your life is right on track. So let's get busy and track. 

I think I was depressed when I first retired. I had been looking forward to retiring for so long! But dealing with my dad's declining health and living in a new house away from friends was difficult. I gained about 30 pounds when I retired. 

Thanks, Morticia! Eating right away from home is a challenge, even if you're totally omnivorous. I'm learning what works, but sometimes you think you're ordering something reasonable, and what you get is...not. Like the apple salad I ordered once that sounded nice and light and healthy, but had so much sugar on it, it was more like dessert. It's tough! 

Yes, ma'am, sugarplum. 😉😂 

That must have been so tough, Fritzy. Hugs. 

I don't count or restrict carbs, sciondiva, so I'd have no clue. You might pose your question on someone else's journal who actually does  

First off, how exciting! I love to write but don't do it near as much as I used to. As for eating and depression etc...thats hard because they seem to go hand to hand. I hope your depression issues get resolved. Maybe you can prep snacks and that will help you. It's hard to eat healthy when you are away. I struggle with that when we travel in our RV. I just try my best to plan, prep and log. It does help but I also allow myself leeway as well. 🩷 

Hello I'm so sorry that your depression overtakes you sometimes, maybe when you are writing try some carrot sticks and hummus and some grapes. I'm glad to see you here today.  

I recently discovered if I eat a higher fat and protein breakfast and go for a 10-20 min walk in the morning sunshine after I am not depressed during the day and less agitated. I’ve been eating 2 eggs and 1/2 cup full fat cottage cheese with some greens and coffee with cream. I coach people in fitness and nutrition, and I had never dealt with depression until after my pregnancy. I hope you feel better soon! 

I can relate. I struggle with depression myself. I keep telling myself that the depression will improve when I gain control, but it’s easier said than done. Everyone is different, so you have to find what works for you. Still struggling to figure it out myself, lol! But I do know when I have better control throughout the day, I feel better the next day and more in control. Good luck to you, we’re all behind you :-) 

I'm glad you had a good time at the poetry workshop. Sorry you haven't been feeling well emotionally though it can be hard. Depression is so hard to work though and live with day to day. It can be difficult to turn the corner sometimes. I'm happy that you're feeling more yourself since your friend reached out with the job. I hope that you enjoy the job!  

Congratulations about the writing gig. 

Diana - good to grant yourself some grace! I do the best I can on the road, but I apparently don't eat the way the rest of the world does. 😂 buenitabishop -- good to see you, too! ❤️ I definitely need to work on snack quality. mtaylor - the mental storm seems to be passing, thank you. Sandy - it's a vicious cycle, isn't it? Depression leading to loss of control leading to depression, etc., etc. Fortunately, I haven't been flat-out binging on cookies or anything, but definitely eating more than I need. Leah - I think I'm turning the corner on it, mercifully. I've really enjoyed this job, although it was a little anxiety producing. StormsGirl - thank you! This one may lead to more. We shall see