Does anyone else struggle with depression, making it hard to stick to a low-carb diet? (missing sugar lol)
I actually have bipolar, but as I age (57) it becomes mostly depression. I don't like cooking either, so double whammy. People with bipolar or with regular depression often crave carbs, since they turn to sugar (or are sugar) which provides dopamine which makes them feel better, so it is hard to give up. I wish I could do the diet perfectly, but maybe I should bite the bullet and take some shortcuts? like, do people who have trouble with cooking meals simply use some form of meal-replacement, bars or shakes or? I'd rather take a shortcut that still sticks to the diet, than cheat. Any advice would be welcome. Thanks!
-
No easy answer for you, all I can say is that as you get deeper into ketosis and keep it going the cravings lessen. It took me a few weeks to get over the cravings for sweets, they are still there occasionally but for the most part they are gone.
Try something like coconut milk or coconut cream (make sure there is no sugar added) in a smoothie or some other concoction. For me a spoon full of pure salted peanut butter works too.
Another option I have used sparingly is to order burgers from fast food places without the bun and wrapped in lettuce instead. Minus the ketchup and relish or any sweet bbq sauce. (this is a last resort to quell a craving, definitely sub-optimal but if it gets me through without completely caving then its worth it)
-
Yes! I love my sugar. Ugh it’s really hard for me. But once it’s gone it’s gone. I’m BP1 and have depression /adhd. I’m not on meds so sugars about all I have lol and I quit drinking lol
-
I was very depressed upon starting the ketogenic diet. But if you can muddle through you'll find, once you're in ketosis and your brain starts using ketones for fuel, the depression lifts and you become more positive and think more clearly. There are a ton of cooking shortcuts you can take. From frying up a burger and topping it with a egg, to using sharitaki noodles (make sure you prepare them properly) and putting some Rao's sauce on top of them. Hell! You can drive through wendy's, get a baconator with no bun and that's only 3 net carbs!! The sugar and carb cravings will disappear after a week or so. I am definitely NOT the same person I was before and my wife loves the new me. Not so much for the weight I've lost but more so for my mental improvements and outlook on life in general. Don't give up!
