'Healthy' eating leading to toilet troubles.

[TitsalinaBumSqoosh]

I have an issue.
Every time I start to eat healthy (cut out the junk food, replace with veg and reduce carbs slightly although not to a LCHF way) i have been sticking to 1200 cals a day (just under) but I can't poo!
It happens every time and it's uncomfortable and it stalls the scales going down.

I don't even get the urge to go anymore like there's just nothing there!

I am drinking a lot of water and I eat a lot of veg some fruit, lean meats and a small amount of grain, hardly any dairy. I don't understand it but I'm at the point of relying on laxatives which I don't think is healthy.

[Alittleconcerned1980]

Your body is adjusting
How long do you do the diet for before giving up because of the constipation?

If your genuinely eating fresh fruit and veg in a good quantity, your body will catch up and you will start having regular bowel movements

[Alittleconcerned1980]

“You’re”

[Scruffette]

Dr Stuart's lax plus tea helps. One cup before bedtime.

[ReggaetonLente]

Are you doing any exercise? That will help. Even just a 20 minute walk every day.

[TitsalinaBumSqoosh]

Yes I do the 1,2 or 3 mike walk at home workout at least once a day plus I have an active job.
I will continue because my weight is becoming an issue.
Can I use a mild laxative everyday or a few times a week to keep me going without causing my body to become dependent on it?

[ReggaetonLente]

It does sound like you're doing everything right, as it were. Maybe it's just a case of adjusting - less going in means less will come out? Especially if you don't feel the urge to go.

[pitterpatterrain]

Flaxseed - you can get the ground up stuff, mix in a small spoon with a probiotic drink

[BitOutOfPractice]

Oh lord op this always happens to me too. I wish I knew the answer

[CatherineMaitland]

Happens to me too.

I know it sounds mad when you're on a diet but I find I need to make sure I am eating at least some fat to keep things going.

[Threehoursfromhome]

Same, I think it's partially decreased volume of food, even eating five or more a day; partially dehydration as water weight is lost, and partially - although this may be fanciful - that the reduced calories intake means digestion slows as the body ties to extract every calorie.

I also find that a high fat meal solves the issue, so tend to build one in every now and then.

[bowpi]

Oh, I had this, drink a glass of prune juice if you don't want laxatives. Your body will adjust!

[joystir59]

When I'm eating the right amount of healthy food I only 'go' once a day. When I overeat I can go up to 4 times a day.

[spidey66]

Are you drinking enough water?

[TitsalinaBumSqoosh]

I spoke to the pharmacist yesterday who assured me some natural senna tablets would do the trick. 20 hrs later and nothing.

I drink tons. This is mad. I'll buy prunes next.

[ppeatfruit]

Are you eating wholemeal wheat bread? That is known for giving constipation (worse than white).! I eat pure rye or spelt bread much better ! I'm on law carbs too.

Try eating it with a salad rather than with protein too.

[TitsalinaBumSqoosh]

I eat one of the half and half breads when I eat bread which isn't very often at all, maybe once a week for breakfast,
I'm hoping it's just a case of adjusting, maybe in one of those people that don't need to go everyday when healthy.

A brief food diary last 2 days (if anyone's interested)

B - Greek yoghurt w/walnuts and banana or a slice of 50/50 toast w/marmite and a banana.

L - Salmon/tuna/egg/chicken chunks and lots of green salad and an orange or apple if I'm still hungry in the afternoon.

D - Chickpea shwarma (warm salad) or a chilli con carne, I have whatever to Family is having but a smaller portion topped up with extra veg.

I drink water, very weak squash or warm herbal tea. I drink at least 2ltrs a day if not more, I'm quite a thirsty person.

The good thing I, despite my digestive system slowing down, my unexplained episodes of shortness of breath have got a lot better since cutting out the junk and moving more.

[ppeatfruit]

Yes eggs are also known to give constipation!. It's good to have plenty of liquids!

Yes to flaxseeds and Evening Primrose oil they help things along. Viridian also do a brilliant 'Digestive" supplement.

[FinallyHere]

In order of effectiveness, from lowest to highest, I skip eggs and eat raw cabbage (coleslaw), spinach and celeriac. Celeriac has never been known to fail. On holiday, a cup of senna pod tea before going to sleep and, for fun, a couple of prunes and a square of dark chocolate.

Im usually quite a happy person, so long as my bowels work every day.

[ppeatfruit]

I LOVE celeriac , I have it instead of potatoes , it's nicer IMO !. Oh god white cabbage\coleslaw is a terrifying senna substitute!!!! I don't eat that at all! Normal green cabbage is lovely though.