No More Depression! It’s been one YEAR!

Great news folks, my shrink has told me that I’m not clinically depressed! It’s been about one YEAR since my last episode of depression. Frankly, I think that I started going to him when I was getting better. I didn't want to go to him sooner because when I was depressed I had some dark thoughts that I wouldn't have wanted to share.

He has realized that I’ve gotten better primarily on my own and asked me what has made the difference. Besides all the good thoughts and prayer of good people like you, (thank you!), I believe that my diet in particular has placed a key roll in my recovery. I haven't taken any medication for depression.

For a long while I had to live off the food I got from food cupboard donations. Much of it was canned and boxed highly processed food with a very limited variety of canned vegetables. I rarely got any fresh fruit or vegetables. I’m grateful for what I got, however it wasn’t a very healthy diet. Now that I’m on food stamps, plus have had a health scare, I started to eat a much healthier diet. It's much more balanced nutritionally. I’m eating a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables. I’ve also switched to healthy fats/oils like olive oil. I’ve been taking A-Z multiple vitamin and mineral tablets. I also read that serotonin is good for depression so I’ve been eating 1 oz of deluxe mixed nuts and a potato a day. Eating garlic may be helping as well. Although I'm not on the Mediterranean diet, my diet is similar. I'm sure that exercise like walking has helped me too, although I have not been consistent.

I’m aware that I’m not out of the woods. Depression is like having a severe injury that is prone to re-injury. In other words depression is a weakness that can return. I have to stay vigilant in my fight against it and do what I can to maintain the ground that I’ve gained. I’ve chosen to keep seeing a shrink, (believe it or not). I think that he has helped a bit, but honestly not nearly as much as I thought he should have. Due to a change in my health care insurance I will need to drop him and get a new shrink. Hopefully the new shrink will be more effective. Right now I’m just very happy that I’m no longer in depression!

By the way, eatting healthy has had other benifits. I have lost 47 pounds so far.

For more information on the link between diet and depression read...

Depression Guide, Depression and Diet by WebMD

and Nutrition: Lower Depression Risk Linked to Mediterranean Diet by The New York Times

photo credit

Personal Update - Getting Healthy Step by Step

Depression is like a bully knocking you down to the ground for no reason at all. Unfortunately, it doesn't take long to be knocked down. But it takes time to get up, and many, many, baby steps to learn how to walk again. I'm taking baby steps, and trying very hard with minimal results so far. But results will come with time. My buddy Meleah Rebeccah got it right with her series "Doing Things Differently". You have to change your bad habits and get new ones in order to change. Many of the changes are small, but will result in significant positive results over time. Small steps. I want to have a health, and normal life again. Small steps!

Good News! - It's been about 8 months since I've had an episode of depression! I'm cautiously optimistic. I'm working hard trying to keep depression at bay.

I've Changed My Eating Habits - About a year ago I was living on processed, starchy, high calorie, pantry food (donated). Since I got food-stamps, and a health scare, I've been eating good healthy food. Including lots of veggies, plus a daily vitamin. I'm trying to get healthy, or at least give my body what it needs to fight the disease that I have. (Whatever that is)

Walkies - I'm staring to go on short walks. Wow, am I out of shape! The walks are short now, but distance will increases in time.

Counseling - The guy is alright. I'm learning how to work with him. I've learned that he is unfocused, and tends to forget. So I need to stress what I need, and he comes up with helpful ideas.

Getting Out More - I'm getting out and about more. My counselor wants me to mingle with people more, and also do things that interest me. Admittedly, I have to work on this. More activity opportunities will come in summer. At least I'm getting out a little more.

May I Go Back To Work? - When I asked my counselor this question, he said that I wasn't ready. However, I think that if I got just the right type of job, he might change his mind. I'm going to work on this with him. I hope to go back to work soon. Otherwise, I'll have to get a lawyer and apply for disability with takes more than 6 months to kick in. Then the first 6 months are the lawyers fees. Ek! The system isn't set up to help people.

Why Are You Doing So Well Depression Wise? - My counselor asked this. I possibly could have a terrible disease, and my aunt died recently, but I'm doing good. I think that part of it is eating a much healthier diet, and taking vitamins. Also a part are YOUR prayers and good thoughts. Thanks a ton! Please keep sending them. Something is working. ~crossing fingers~

I Might Not Be On The Internet Quite As Much - As you can see, my plate is full. Right now I have to considerate on getting healthy, and that takes a lot of time, and work. I won't disappear, but you might not see me around quite as much.

UPDATED- FatDoctor.org: Erased? Her Blog Erased?

UPDATED- SHE'S BACK! ... The problem is solved, she now has all of her posts. FatDoctor is now back online with a new blog! Please stop over and say hi, give her your suport. Reconstructing a blog must be a pain in the butt. Tell her that I sent you ;o)

http://fatdoctor.blogspot.com/

My blog buddy FatDoctor of FatDoctor.org posted this on Twitter yesterday.... "Accidentally erased my whole blog. And I don't have a backup. No sense crying - it's not like a family member dying...or is it?" It was a shock to me. She had one of the best blogs I have ever seen, and is a very sweet, caring, down to earth person.

I have been working closely with FatDoctor, and managed to retrieve most of her posts, but without the graphics. I would like her to be able to retrieve ALL her posts, or her blog. I'm not very computer savvy, and am running out of ideas. So I am asking for your help. If you have any ideas on how she can get her blog back, or posts, please leave a comment. I have her e-mail, but will not give it out due to privacy issues. However, I will drop her an e-mail, and let her know about your comments.

As you many know my blog is only a few months old, so currently I don't have a huge following. I am asking that you consider telling your readers about her dilemma. Maybe creating a post about it. She is not the first one who has lost a blog, and will not be the last. I think that we can all sympathize with her.

I have heard that whatever has been placed on the internet never really gets erased, and can be retrieved. We would appreciate your help.

Rochester, NY - News Update

Rochester homicide rate doubles- 2 teens killed about the same time.

Two teens were fatally shot Tuesday evening in northeast Rochester, doubling the homicide rate this year. They were 14, and 15 years old. The teens' bodies were found on different streets (Wilkins St and Friederich Pk.), about a block apart. Both teens were in a known drug location when shot. They were killed at approximately the same time. Both shot in the upper body. Both died at Strong Hospital.
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Influenza outbreak in Monroe County many turn out to be a harsh year.

This month has seen the highest number of flu cases in Monroe County so far this season, and local experts warn that the worst may not be over. "I don't think we've seen the peak yet," said Dr. John Treanor, a University of Rochester. "We went from a very mild year to a year, when all is said and done, (that) may turn out to be a harsh year." But while officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported last week that this year's flu shot might protect against only 40 percent of this year's strains, Treanor insist that it's no time to dismiss the vaccination.

Besides getting vaccinated, washing hands, disinfecting commonly used surfaces like desktops and telephones, eating healthy foods and getting enough rest and exercise can help protect against the flu.
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More Fires?

It seems like we have had a large number of fires in the areas in the last several weeks. Some have resulted in deaths. Please check the batteries in your fire alarm, and have a plan, check with National Fire Protection Association.

Latest fire story... Dryer in basement starts fire in Greece
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Local Biggest Loser shares her story of weight loss.

Amy Zimmer was a contestant on NBC's "The Biggest Loser." She lost nearly 130 pounds and gained a new lease on life. "I was at 297 pounds." "We had trainers to encourage us but it was your own game,” Amy said. “You've got to get out of it what you put in to each day. We were working out four to five hours a day. We were responsible for all our food.”

Amy didn't win on the show, but she lost 126 pounds. Her huge achievement has landed her a job at the Rochester Athletic Club for women. Amy's new vision stands in the lobby of each RAC in town as an example of what can happen. She is now helping other women with their dreams of weight loss.
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Girl gangs in Rochester

This story is by ex girl gang member Shadea. I didn't even realize that we had girl gangs here. This was an eye opener... Read Shadea's story.
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Weather could mar view of lunar eclipse.

Wednesday night is the last chance to see a total lunar eclipse for nearly three years, if the weather cooperates... 10 WHEC Weather forecast.

10 Tips To Speed Up Your Metabolism and Lose Weight

"10 Tips To Speed Up Your Metabolism and Lose Weight". I did some research for my diet. I think these tips will help me, and I hope that they will help others too.

1) Eat a good breakfast. The word "breakfast" literally means break a fast. Your body has fasted all night, and needs energy. Your metabolism slows while you sleep, eating helps to rev it back up. It may be the most important meal of the day. A 300 to 400 calorie meal is recommended.

2) Exercise regularly. Aerobic exercise in particular is good. Experts differ a bit. Some say at least 3 times a week for 20 minutes minimum. Others say at least 4 times 30 minutes a day. Examples are jogging, biking, walking quickly, swimming, basketball.

3) Consume more protein. Protein can boost your metabolism, so you can burn an extra 150 to 200 calories a day. Some lean sources of protein are fish, chicken, yogurt, low-fat cheese, legumes, skinless chicken, lean meat.

4) Go for good Carbs. - Stay away from refined carbs such as bagels, white bread, potatoes, these can increase insulin promoting the storage of fat. Some good carbs are most vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

5) Load up on low-fat dairy. In one study done by the American Society for Nutritional Sciences Journal of Nutrition showed that women who ate more milk, yogurt, and cheese 3 to 4 times a day lost 70 percent more body fat then women who didn't.

6) Pump Iron. Weight training is a good way to crank up your metabolic rate. A pound of muscle burns up to 9 times the calories of a pound of fat. You can get great results with only two 15-minute lifting sessions a week. As long as they're performed to muscle fatigue.

7) Get some sleep. Studies show that lack of sleep can derail your metabolism. Schedule your workouts at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.

8) Chill out. Long-term stress can increase stress hormones which stimulate fat cells, and encourage fat storage. The stress hormones increase appetite, making you likely to overeat. So allow yourself 10 to 15 minutes every day to enjoy a relaxing activity. Examples are, play with your dog, write in your journal, listen to classical music.

9) Drink green tea. There's evidence that it contains antioxidants that speed up metabolism.

10) Eat smaller, but more frequent meals. This helps to stabilize your insulin, and kick your metabolism in high gear. Some studies suggest eating 4 or 5 small meals a day. Other studies say to eat 3 small meals with 3 low cal snacks in-between.


Info in this post was based on...

WebMD

Weight loss resources co. UK

The Red Book Magazine