Healthy eating but very depressed/ ill

[MerryMarigold]

I started eating more healthily just over 2 weeks ago. I have cut out ultra processed foods (mostly, still use sauces etc), so that means no crisps/ chocs/ biscuits, which I used to have a lot. I've also cut gluten because I've long been intolerant. I still eat sweet stuff if I make it or it's less processed, such as Greek yog, fruit and honey, GF banana muffins, home made granola bars. So it's not that restrictive. I'm eating more veg, salads, fruit. I'm probably eating what most normal people eat at my age (50)! I wanted to have more energy, feel better (in order to feel able to exercise) and maybe lose weight too though not the priority.

Anyway, so I've been feeling absolutely awful. I'm bloated. I'm in such a bad mood. I'm so stressed I can't sleep (nothing has changed in my circumstances). I'm exhausted. Is this really because I'm not eating gluten or processed sugar? What's happening to me? Has this happened to anyone else? I just want to eat a massive bar of chocolate so I can shake this awful feeling.

Not enough protein

Probably quite a lot for your gut to process. I have IBS so have to be careful how much fibre I eat- white bread and pasta for me… and too much chocolate. I would feel awful eating what you’ve listed too.

Just curious, why do you not feel able to exercise currently?

Sugar withdrawal

Massively up your protein
1gram per lb weight

Protein goes without saying! Meat, pulses, Greek yog, loads of nuts and seeds. Eating more protein than I was before just less sugar, crisps and no wheat. 🤷‍♀️

I'm not eating brown stuff as I do find that awful to digest, also not much (some) pulses. GF pasta (v little as it's highly processed), white rice and potatoes or a GF/ coconut flour pattie (to replace sandwiches).

Can less sugar do this to me? Does the withdrawal take this long? How long before I get over it?

@Correlation , I feel unable to exercise as I have very little energy (this is not due to anything health se, I have get blood tests). Exercise really takes it out of me so I thought a healthier diet may give me the energy and motivation to exercise.... Not so far!

Exercising will give you more energy and cut cravings. Go for a brisk 15 min walk to start with and build up.

You need to not change things too quickly. Drop one thing and wait a week or two before the next thing.
‘And I agree on brown rice, it gives me stomach ache.

What do you mean when you say exercise takes it out of you? Are we talking a 2 hour run or a 10 minute walk? Do you wear a step tracker/ know how active your normal routine is?

I work with young children, so fairly active job. I also have to set up the hall daily, which involves carrying, moving, lifting large amounts of stuff, pretty intensely for 30 mins. I work mornings and sleep afterwards.

I guess I could do the 15 min walk after my nap. I walk the dog sometimes but it's not that brisk.

I'm not really having massive cravings, I just feel awful mentally and physically and wondered why when I felt ok before.

Is the sleeping after work normal? Do you sleep well at night?

Yes, I always sleep after work and through the night, though I sometimes have an awake time at 3-4am. I haven't been sleeping well since Thursday, neither day nor night. It's like I can't relax. I've had a sore throat also during the same time period.

This urgh feeling is what stops a lot of people carrying on with diets

it will pass within a couple of week. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids as well

Diet is about what suits you.

Personally I have to be very careful with fruits and certain veg/salady stuff because Ive suffered years of IBS and bloating and it is exhausting and uncomfortable, not to mention distressing effects.

So there are certain things I cant eat, Im better with cooked veg than raw for example. Fruit can be difficult. Pulses can be difficult

I dont personally believe that cutting out UPFs causes people to feel tired, its more likely that you have possible deficiencies and your body is getting used to processing food differently. Have you had blood tests for b12 and iron/folic acid recently?

Your body may be getting used to functioning on fewer calories from carbs or fewer calories overall (if you are eating fewer calories) so of course you might be tired for a while

As I understand it your gut is lined with bacteria which digest your food. The bacteria you have are the ones which easily digest your normal diet. So if you eat baked beans everyday that’s fine. If you don’t and then have a full can you will be bloated uncomfortable and smelly!
You have made a drastic overnight change so your gut is struggling. If you intend to keep these changes then you just need to power through. Your current gut bacteria have been developed over many years. I don’t know how long it will take for things to settle down.

Thanks guys, that is helpful. Yes, definitely fewer calories, although not drastically, just replaced with healthier ones I think. I guess my body needs to adjust - the amount of crisps, choc, biscuits, cereal etc that I ate. I think I'm actually unwell too which isn't helping so hopefully I can get through this and feel better.

It sounds like you are detoxing from processed food. I go through it every time I fall off the good food wagon (you'd think I'd learn not to do it!).

It can take a while to get all the crap from processed food out of your system.

Are you eating enough fat?

@ThankYouVeryMuchGerry , how long does the detox take?

I have come down with a horrid virus, which is annoying because you feel like if you're cooking yourself with healthy things, your body should be in a good place! Whilst surviving on crisps and chocolate biscuits, I haven't been ill since September. Clearly my immune system isn't enjoying healthy eating.