To not understand why my healthy (I think) way of eating isn't making me feel energetic and fabulous

[LindyFoo]

AIBU to consider this is a healthy daily diet (not looking to lose weight as already a healthy weight). I want to feel more energetic and fabulous :-). Don't eat meat or drink alcohol. In my 60s, fit and well, very minimal stress.

AM
Smoothie with banana, kale, milk, peanut butter, avacado, skimmed milk powder, greek yoghurt
SNACK
Sourdough bread with peanut butter
MIDDAY
2 egg with onion, peppers, cheese and a mixed salad with olive oil dressing
5PM
Salmon with salad or brown rice with prawns and lots of vegetables and spices

What is missing? Or not helping?

You don't mention exercise OP. I'm in my 60s too and nothing boosts my energy more than a workout or a walk.

Agree with the poster who said to add in beans, nuts and seeds

Hard disagree with the ‘too many carbs’ lunatics posters.

Because the magic 'eat healthy and gain loads of energy' isnt always true

If someone goes from eating a wholly UPF diet, with extreme sugar intake to a diet like yours, yes they'll feel better in the immediacy, over a few months

But generally speaking, someone like you is not going to suddenly be all singing and dancing just through your diet.

Chat GPT advice is not any better than randoms on the Internet. 🙄

I get aneimic if I din't have iron in my diet.nit sure about you but it looks healthy but not balanced completely, maybe there is something missing?

I'd lose the morning smoothie (don't think the fruit ones are great for your teeth either) and snack and see if having two larger meals (ie TRI) at midday and early evening helps you feel any better. You're getting quite a surge in blood sugar in the morning (bananas, milk and bread) so your insulin will be high before you've eaten your first main meal. Maybe try adding the kale to your dinner, glass of milk with it? Yoghurt before or after main meals rather than first thing. But it does all sound healthy and balanced apart from that.

Why are you eating peanut butter?

Can't you eat raw nuts and seeds?

I eat walnuts, almonds, cashewnuts, pumpkin seeds, seaseme seeds, sunflower seeds, freshly ground linseed in my porridge.

What about apples?

Maybe she likes it? That’s a really random question! 100% PB has some good fats in

Really pretty popular opinion but when a person doesn't eat meat, suggesting they start to eat meat is rude, ignorant and unhelpful

Can you not read the OP where she said she doesn't eat meat?

It 100% is much better than randoms on the internet

Yes, they omit to mention the line of coke or vodka shot they downed before pressing 'record' 😂

I missed that bit, but thank you for kindly pointing that out. Yes, unless the OP is taking iron supplements, she is likely iron deficient and possibly deficient in B12 as well.

Perhaps something you are eating is actually hindering you rather than helping. Your diet is full of things that I love to eat, but… I have intolerances to banana, onion, and salmon. Lovely foods, and I can eat them, however: One of them makes me feel bloated, one of them makes me constipated, and the other makes me feel absolutely exhausted after consuming.

I’m not saying that you have such issues with anything you are eating, but perhaps make a note of what you are consuming, and how you feel afterwards. I thought I was being so healthy eating bananas and salmon when I was younger, and yet they were actually making me feel worse.

I would say that my diet is pretty similar and I’m 61. However, I also exercise a lot with various activities some high intensity.
The more I exercise the better I feel.
What do you add to your day other than food to give you energy?

What works on diet is so personal. No one here knows you as well as you do. If you are happy with what you are eating then great. Maybe you could some other things to help you feel fabulous, like dancing, socialising, wearing clothes you love, whatever you enjoy doing!

Banana, sourdough, onion, peppers, brown rice are all carbohydrates = sugar. Absolutely no need to add more!

@LindyFoo are you drinking enough water? Maybe increase your protein and natural fats slightly, and possibly look at your exercise levels.

She doesn't eat meat. It's in the OP.

Also, a lot of carbs? Where?? There's no pastry, pasta, potatoes, hardly any bread, no cakes or biscuits and not much sugar.

Wow! I hadn't expected so many responses - thanks to everyone who's taken the time to respond. To answer a few questions - no idea how many calories I eat as don't count but I'm certainly not aiming for low calorie or to lose weight. The 'fabulous' comment was somewhat tongue in cheek but I would like to feel more lively though I'm not fatigued or ill but could be more active, could drink more water.

About the smoothie for breakfast. I consider this full of goodness and I like to drink it. Although I like oats they give me stomach pains and I couldn't face eggs etc first thing. I could eat toast but wouldn't consider that was nutritious and a good way to start my day.

I dont deprive myself of foods - if I want cake, chocolate etc I have it but generally don't buy it so its not in the house. Might have it when I go out for a coffee. I haven't eaten meat for decades and won't be starting but perhaps need to ensure I'm getting enough from other sources. I could add beans, nuts and seeds to my meals - had forgotten about them.

You have bought into the food influencer myth that eating a healthy diet makes you feel fabulous and full of energy!

If you are feeling particularly lethargic then consider getting tested for anaemia, low thyroid etc.

You might also need a little bit more carbohydrate in your diet - it seems very protein heavy.

Raw kale isn't the best for you.

Get some bloodwork done. I think every woman over 50 should have an annual bloodtest. Include ferritin. I have a fab diet but got very low on iron & felt pretty ill, ditto thyroid.

Do you like tofu? I find that scrambled tofu is sometimes easier on my stomach than eggs, maybe you could try that in the mornings (on a piece of thin, seedy toast for example) to get some protein. the smoothie is full of goodness but it isn't setting you up with enough energy.

It sounds really healthy but a bit dull. I hope you have some treats and stuff sometimes too?

The odd portion of chips and a pastie won't do you any harm! It might cheer you up if you do enjoy things like that but constantly restrict them.

Bollocks! She eats fish, dairy and eggs. Why on earth should she be deficient in iron and B12? Are you confusing a balanced pescatarian diet with a vegan diet?

How many calories is that? Depending on portion size it could be pretty low hence lack of energy.