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I'd love to offer some tips, because I am naturally the same shape. I gain weight around my middle and my legs and arms stay about the same! I no longer have my belly and am finally confident with my body, so I'd love to share how I got to this point. It's also good that you are asking about this because belly fat can be more dangerous than other fat.

I also used to struggle with depression. I saw a doctor and took antidepressants, which I hope to never have to take again! They made me gain about 5 pounds without being on them for very long and I was hardly eating to try to keep the weight off. Instead, now I use exercise for when I'm feeling bad and to keep up good moods. Try something easy and relaxing, like talking a walk or yoga/pilates. I guarantee that you will feel better! Think about how you feel after you eat... if you are sad, the food probably did not help. Try doing something good for your body. Exercise is kind of addicting, in a good way. I also try to find other good hobbies I can go to when I'm sad. Sometimes just going online, reading a book or magazine, getting a pedicure, etc. can improve your mood.

Keep healthy snacks around for those times when you DO need snacks or those times when you give in. Try some 100 calorie popcorn. You get a generous serving for not a lot of calories. I also like fruits and baby carrots for small snacks. Lately I've been buying Fiber One bars. I get low blood sugar and needed a sweet snack that was easy enough to pack in my purse.

Now, for getting into shape.. I find that diet and cardio exercise are the best ways to lose a belly. I used to do crunches all the time and didn't get any results until I changed my eating habits. Watch your portions, keep snacks healthy, and be sure to have balanced meals. Make sure to have some lean protein, healthy carbs, and fruits and vegetables. I used to eat too many carbs and not enough protein (ex: pasta for dinner and nothing else!). I found that when I limit my carbs and eat healthy ones, I felt like I had more energy too. Drink plenty of water as well and don't overdo it with sugar. Eat more fresh foods when you can rather than something already prepared or packaged. I used to follow the Five Factor Diet, which is really good. Unfortunately I found it difficult to eat as often as they recommend when I'm out at work.

When going out to eat, I like to look at the menu online first to get an idea of what is best to order. Often times, a meal that sounds healthy may be a bad choice. I like to get the lean steaks (like a sirloin) or chicken when they are offered. For fast food, I try to get Subway or something healthy, but if not, I just order a small portion, like a kids meal. If you have something unhealthy, just try to eat a very small portion. I avoid buying a big bag or anything bad b/c I know I'll eat too much of it.

For exercise, try to get some walking or other cardio exercise. Do it as often as you like, 3-5x a week is a good goal amount. I started off walking and now like to run or use the elliptical machine. You can do some crunches or other ab exercises to keep them firm. I also do various exercises using light weights.

And a very important thing, make sure to not beat yourself up over messing up one day. It's bound to happen. Be sure to recognize the days when you make progress and reward yourself. If I did a great week of working out, instead of a reward of food, I'd download some great new songs to use for my workouts or something small like that, or get a new shirt or makeup. Be sure to treat yourself well and stay positive so you can regain some confidence! Good luck to you and I hope I offered some tips that can help. Once you start making changes, you will see results, and when that happens, it will motivate you so much. I always find that the beginning is toughest, but when I see myself slimming down from the workouts, I want to keep going and doing more!