Depression and weight gain can come at us hard this time of year. Science-based, sustainable weight loss will help!

By this time of year, we are all feeling the drag of winter-time blues. In Portland, the perpetually dark skies, rain, and cold are too much, and even Santa Monica in normally sunny California has had huge rains, grey skies, and cold this winter. No matter our location, many of us are feeling dark, with less energy, and even depressed. And here comes the weight gain!

So what can we do to feel better?

Eat Better! Get on a diet regime for lasting weight loss.

It’s natural to go for comfort foods when we are feeling down and when the weather limits our time outdoors, or even our homes have a certain chill (or an exorbitant heating bill). Unfortunately, most of those comfort foods are mostly carbs – even if they are “healthy” carbs they are still carbs. Too many carbs = fat deposit. At BonVie Weight Loss & Nutritional Wellness our personalized coaching guides you through an easy-to-follow menu to eat hearty foods that won’t expand your waistline.

Exercise! Go for the endorphins and calorie burn!

Many studies indicate that people who exercise regularly benefit from a positive boost in mood and lower rates of depression. And exercise ratchets up metabolism to burn calories! Endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine.  For example, the feeling that follows a vigorous walk, run, or workout is often described as euphoric.  That feeling, known as a runner’s high can create a positive and energizing outlook on life. And you don’t need to be a runner to feel the positive effects of exercise. Even a 20-minute walk each day will do wonders for a dark mood, lethargy, and depression. Your BonVie coach will help suggest exercise options during your weight loss program. Group exercise or exercise with a friend is a fabulous way to gain the benefit of strong social support for those with depression

Endorphins act as analgesics, and as opposed to pills, alcohol, or other drugs, do not lead to addiction or dependence. Go for the Natural High! Here is a list of benefits from regular exercise and proper nutrition leading to fat loss:

• Reduce stress

• Ward off anxiety and depression

• Boost self-esteem

• Improve sleep

• strengthens your heart

• increased energy levels

• lowered blood pressure

• improved muscle tone and strength

• strengthen and build bones

• reduce body fat

• makes you look fit and healthy = higher self-esteem