Started a healthy diet, when do I start to feel better?

[AZjeff]

Our diet isn't terrible but it isn't the best, too much flour and sugar, more prepared food like deli ham and pepperoni and breakfast cereals than should be etc. Over a month ago I resolved to clean up my diet, absolute minimum of flour based foods, no prepared things like lunch meats, soup, no snacks, etc. Only limited amount of whole wheat bread more vegetables and fresh fruit, more protein, only drink water and 1 cup of coffee a day. No desserts. Trying to follow the new official nutrition guidelines.

After a month, other than losing some weight I really didn't need to lose I don't feel any different, better or worse. Might feel a bit more tired late in the day than usual. No more energy. You read about people feeling so much better after improving what they eat but I'm not getting it. Maybe my cholesterol numbers are better but no way to know. Might as well go back to being happy with what I'm eating?!

 

[Lubener]

I would see your doctor and have blood work done to make sure the numbers are within range.

 

[fdcg27]

It could be that your diet was just fine and that all the popular talk about a cleaner diet is no more than hype.

 

[Brian123]

Our diet isn't terrible but it isn't the best, too much flour and sugar, more prepared food like deli ham and pepperoni and breakfast cereals than should be etc. Over a month ago I resolved to clean up my diet, absolute minimum of flour based foods, no prepared things like lunch meats, soup, no snacks, etc. Only limited amount of whole wheat bread more vegetables and fresh fruit, more protein, only drink water and 1 cup of coffee a day. No desserts. Trying to follow the new official nutrition guidelines.

After a month, other than losing some weight I really didn't need to lose I don't feel any different, better or worse. Might feel a bit more tired late in the day than usual. No more energy. You read about people feeling so much better after improving what they eat but I'm not getting it. Maybe my cholesterol numbers are better but no way to know. Might as well go back to being happy with what I'm eating?!

You need to give this time, you say a month, how many months which will go into years did you have this terrible diet?
Try Walking a mile a Day or so, it sounds like some movement will do you some good.

 

[Hohn]

Our diet isn't terrible but it isn't the best, too much flour and sugar, more prepared food like deli ham and pepperoni and breakfast cereals than should be etc. Over a month ago I resolved to clean up my diet, absolute minimum of flour based foods, no prepared things like lunch meats, soup, no snacks, etc. Only limited amount of whole wheat bread more vegetables and fresh fruit, more protein, only drink water and 1 cup of coffee a day. No desserts. Trying to follow the new official nutrition guidelines.

After a month, other than losing some weight I really didn't need to lose I don't feel any different, better or worse. Might feel a bit more tired late in the day than usual. No more energy. You read about people feeling so much better after improving what they eat but I'm not getting it. Maybe my cholesterol numbers are better but no way to know. Might as well go back to being happy with what I'm eating?!

Try cutting carbs more rather than just shifting the source of them from one to another. For me, the bigger difference was going Keto. Notably less inflammation and stiffness, even though I was still eating kielbasa and pepperoni and such.

Also note that YMMV and lots of people get very different results and experiences doing ostensibly the same or similar things.

What's best for you might not be what's best for me or vice versa. Good on you for doing better, but see a doctor if you really want to have a useful baseline.

And try to be patient-- rome wasn't built in a day, and it can take a while for our bodies to heal enough to see real differences.

 

[iCurious]

That is a complicated question to answer. But in general, you are now eating less (caloric deficit) hence you are tired. Your body was used to eating a surplus. It will take time to adjust.

 

[ripcord]

If you don't have many physical issues, then you probably won't feel very different. Personally, I experienced a big reduction in joint and tendon issues that I was having after a couple of months of switching to low carb, low processed foods. Exercise makes a big difference, too.

 

[crashz]

Also note that YMMV and lots of people get very different results and experiences doing ostensibly the same or similar things.

What's best for you might not be what's best for me or vice versa. Good on you for doing better, but see a doctor if you really want to have a useful baseline.

And try to be patient-- rome wasn't built in a day, and it can take a while for our bodies to heal enough to see real differences.

This is an extremely important point. We all respond differently to different things. Some of us do have to work harder than others.

 

[#18FAN]

Exercise will make a bigger change start walking more and better yet combine it with strength training.

 

[AZjeff]

I would see your doctor and have blood work done to make sure the numbers are within range.

Recent numbers are fine except the heredatory slightly high cholesterol.

Try Walking a mile a Day or so, it sounds like some movement will do you some good.

Currently walk the dogs 2-3 miles a day every day and ride mountain bike on trails strenuously 2 hours 3-4 times a week. Lack of quality exercise isn't a problem.

 

[GI_GRIFF]

Our diet isn't terrible but it isn't the best, too much flour and sugar, more prepared food like deli ham and pepperoni and breakfast cereals than should be etc. Over a month ago I resolved to clean up my diet, absolute minimum of flour based foods, no prepared things like lunch meats, soup, no snacks, etc. Only limited amount of whole wheat bread more vegetables and fresh fruit, more protein, only drink water and 1 cup of coffee a day. No desserts. Trying to follow the new official nutrition guidelines.

After a month, other than losing some weight I really didn't need to lose I don't feel any different, better or worse. Might feel a bit more tired late in the day than usual. No more energy. You read about people feeling so much better after improving what they eat but I'm not getting it. Maybe my cholesterol numbers are better but no way to know. Might as well go back to being happy with what I'm eating?!

I don't know what you do, but in my past when I got on health kicks, making a point to take a 30-minute walk minimum daily made me feel stronger and healthier after a week or so.

 

[4strokes]

Add a Creatine supplement to you diet.

 

[#18FAN]

Recent numbers are fine except the heredatory slightly high cholesterol.


Currently walk the dogs 2-3 miles a day every day and ride mountain bike on trails strenuously 2 hours 3-4 times a week. Lack of quality exercise isn't a problem.

OK so now you say strenuous exercise 3to4 times a week its possible you are over doing it and body is not fully recovering and you will never gonna feel good.

 

[Pew]

Currently walk the dogs 2-3 miles a day every day and ride mountain bike on trails strenuously 2 hours 3-4 times a week. Lack of quality exercise isn't a problem.

With that much cardio, do you notice a difference in your body composition compared to pre-diet?

To be honest, I don't find too many people that have experienced a bloom of energy after a change of diet unless they had exceptionally bad diet and health to begin with; like severe obesity or fast food every meal. The only bloom of energy I get is in changing workouts; not diet but my body comp does look better with the latter. Maybe add some strength training as well.

 

[Nessism1]

Recent numbers are fine except the heredatory slightly high cholesterol.


Currently walk the dogs 2-3 miles a day every day and ride mountain bike on trails strenuously 2 hours 3-4 times a week. Lack of quality exercise isn't a problem.

I was going to say add strenuous exercise, but I retract that thought after reading this. It sounds to me like you are doing everything right! I'd stay the course and get a blood test after 6 months, to see how the numbers look. If the same as before, I'd back off some.

 

[thewulff]

My wife and I completely changed our diets last year, starting in January. We cut out most carbs, no added sugars and really started watching what we were eating. It took months to feel better and it happened so slowly that I didn't think I felt better. Until one day I realized I had spent all day working in the yard and didn't feel destroyed. And I was able to do things without getting winded that I couldn't the summer before.

That said, if you asked me if I felt more energized then before? No. Do have have more energy available when I need it? Yes.

 

[TnT_M]

Our diet isn't terrible but it isn't the best, too much flour and sugar, more prepared food like deli ham and pepperoni and breakfast cereals than should be etc. Over a month ago I resolved to clean up my diet, absolute minimum of flour based foods, no prepared things like lunch meats, soup, no snacks, etc. Only limited amount of whole wheat bread more vegetables and fresh fruit, more protein, only drink water and 1 cup of coffee a day. No desserts. Trying to follow the new official nutrition guidelines.

After a month, other than losing some weight I really didn't need to lose I don't feel any different, better or worse. Might feel a bit more tired late in the day than usual. No more energy. You read about people feeling so much better after improving what they eat but I'm not getting it. Maybe my cholesterol numbers are better but no way to know. Might as well go back to being happy with what I'm eating?!

Last fall I got serious about losing weight. I'm not getting any younger. I prioritize protein, fiber then carbs. I avoid processed foods at almost any cost. I would say pepperoni on homemade pizza is one of the few exceptions. I try very hard to eliminate salt and sugar as well. I also try to drink lots of water. I started to feel better after the first month. I've continued to feel better every month, so much so I actually started working out again last week. It's a marathon not a sprint in my mind.

 

[CKN]

Our diet isn't terrible but it isn't the best, too much flour and sugar, more prepared food like deli ham and pepperoni and breakfast cereals than should be etc. Over a month ago I resolved to clean up my diet, absolute minimum of flour based foods, no prepared things like lunch meats, soup, no snacks, etc. Only limited amount of whole wheat bread more vegetables and fresh fruit, more protein, only drink water and 1 cup of coffee a day. No desserts. Trying to follow the new official nutrition guidelines.

After a month, other than losing some weight I really didn't need to lose I don't feel any different, better or worse. Might feel a bit more tired late in the day than usual. No more energy. You read about people feeling so much better after improving what they eat but I'm not getting it. Maybe my cholesterol numbers are better but no way to know. Might as well go back to being happy with what I'm eating?!

I am convinced after a certain age doing this type of thing only results in marginal gains FOR MOST PEOPLE. JMHO. I am also convinced that it doesn't add substantial longevity. I have seen too many people who are doing relativity well for their age that "just want a few more years" do this type of thing and still not add years beyond what is statistical.

Other than my view....Have a nice day!

I'm sure there are studies published that go opposite to my views.......

 

[macarose]

Our diet isn't terrible but it isn't the best, too much flour and sugar, more prepared food like deli ham and pepperoni and breakfast cereals than should be etc. Over a month ago I resolved to clean up my diet, absolute minimum of flour based foods, no prepared things like lunch meats, soup, no snacks, etc. Only limited amount of whole wheat bread more vegetables and fresh fruit, more protein, only drink water and 1 cup of coffee a day. No desserts. Trying to follow the new official nutrition guidelines.

After a month, other than losing some weight I really didn't need to lose I don't feel any different, better or worse. Might feel a bit more tired late in the day than usual. No more energy. You read about people feeling so much better after improving what they eat but I'm not getting it. Maybe my cholesterol numbers are better but no way to know. Might as well go back to being happy with what I'm eating?!

You're not doing enough.

I used to experience similar funks if I ate too many processed or unhealthy foods.

Here's my typical diet now. I have no highs or lows. Just a steady stream that lets me accomplish what is reasonable to do with my time.

Breakfast (two versions)

1 Organic apple
1 or two organic carrots
1 scoop of greek yogurt
1 or two bananas

or

3/4 cup of whole oats
1 scoop of peanut butter
1 ounce of extra virgin olive oil
1 banana

Sometimes I'll skip one of the four and have that over lunch which is...

3/4 to 1 cup of rice (prefer brown but often have basmatic or white rice)
Tuna or some other type of seafood
1 salad which I often intermesh with everything else.

I don't eat any chicken or beef. One of the main reasons why Americans are so overweight and depressed is due to the growth hormones and overall low quality of our meat and poultry.

For dinner I'll opt for whatever is left from lunch, and then add in the breakfast foods I didn't make from earlier into that mix.

Get rid of the coffee. It's a diuretic which strips out part of the nutrition you give yourself. The worst mistake I ever made to my body after college was becoming an on-again / off-again coffee addict. I have tons of respect for those among us who overcome stronger addictions.

No processed foods. No plastic eating utensils. A decent amount of water, but drink from a normal ceramic cup instead of those ridiculous plastic bottles. That way you don't drink to excess.

Also wash the rice in a strainer for about 30 seconds before cooking it in a stainless steel rice cooker. This removes most chemicals and impurities that may exist within these GMO driven agribusiness products.

I chew everything A LOT, to the point where it's barely in my mouth.

Then I do four five important steps towards my well-being.

1. Exercise (but not strenuously) in the early afternoon. Usually a combination of fast walking and light weightlifting.

2. Cut out all electronics as soon as I can in the evening. This includes keeping my cell phone off and in a separate room. I also don't watch TV.

3. When I start yawning, I head for bed. Even if that means I spend 12 hours in bed. I let my body tell me when it's ready. If it's not ready I read a book that calms my mind. I read a lot of books.

4. I pray, give sincere thanks, and make sure my wife is happy. Even if she lit a fire on my axe that day. Forgiveness is heavily underrated.

5. I do at least one creative and fun activity every day. Even to the point where I won't return calls or conduct business. That's my time. It's usually creative writing but I'm also trying to develop my carpentry skills. This afternoon I wrote a letter to the local newspaper and they're going to be publishing it.

This routine took me a while to mold into my life, and I vary it. Sometimes a wheel falls off due to stress, work, or my own limitations. When I fell off that wagon of health and balance, my mind and body paid a steep price.

I fell off for a long time. My misery. My mistakes. Over time I continually improved and sometimes I slightly regressed. It's part of the process of controlling your own destiny.

I've realized that staying on is a lot easier once I have picked out the ingredients that work best for my own unique life recipe. It takes time, but you get there.

Please feel free to PM me if I can ever help beyond this post. All the best.

 

[CKN]

You're not doing enough.

I used to experience similar funks if I ate too many processed or unhealthy foods.

Here's my typical diet now. I have no highs or lows. Just a steady stream that lets me accomplish what is reasonable to do with my time.

Breakfast (two versions)

1 Organic apple
1 or two organic carrots
1 scoop of greek yogurt
1 or two bananas

or

3/4 cup of whole oats
1 scoop of peanut butter
1 ounce of extra virgin olive oil
1 banana

Sometimes I'll skip one of three and have that over lunch which is...

3/4 to 1 cup of rice (prefer brown but often have basmatic or white rice)
Tuna or some other type of seafood
1 salad which I often intermesh with everything else.

I don't eat any chicken or beef. One of the main reasons why Americans are so overweight and depressed is due to the growth hormones and overall low quality of our meat and poultry.

For dinner I'll opt for whatever is left from lunch, and then add in the breakfast foods I didn't make from earlier into that mix.

Get rid of the coffee. It's a diuretic which strips out part of the nutrition you give yourself. The worst mistake I ever made to my body after college was becoming an on-again / off-again coffee addict. I have tons of respect for those among us who overcome stronger addictions.

No processed foods. No plastic eating utensils. A decent amount of water, but drink from a normal ceramic cup instead of those ridiculous plastic bottles. That way you don't drink to excess.

Also wash the rice in a strainer for about 30 seconds before cooking it in a stainless steel rice cooker. This removes most chemicals and impurities that may exist within these GMO driven agribusiness products.

I chew everything A LOT, to the point where it's barely in my mouth.

Then I do four five important steps towards my well-being.

1. Exercise (but not strenuously) in the early afternoon. Usually a combination of fast walking and light weightlifting.

2. Cut out all electronics as soon as I can in the evening. This includes keeping my cell phone off and in a separate room. I also don't watch TV.

3. When I start yawning, I head for bed. Even if that means I spend 12 hours in bed. I let my body tell me when it's ready. If it's not ready I read a book that calms my mind. I read a lot of books.

4. I pray, give sincere thanks, and make sure my wife is happy. Even if she lit a fire on my axe that day. Forgiveness is heavily underrated.

5. I do at least one creative and fun activity every day. Even to the point where I won't return calls or conduct business. That's my time. It's usually creative writing but I'm also trying to develop my carpentry skills. This afternoon I wrote a letter to the local newspaper and they're going to be publishing it.

This routine took me a while to mold into my life, and I vary it. Sometimes a wheel falls off due to stress, work, or my own limitations. When I fell off that wagon of health and balance, my mind and body paid a steep price.

I fell off for a long time. My misery. My mistakes. Over time I continually improved and sometimes I slightly regressed. It's part of the process of controlling your own destiny.

I've realized that staying on is a lot easier once I have picked out the ingredients that work best for my own unique life recipe. It takes time, but you get there.

Please feel free to PM me if I can ever help beyond this post. All the best.

Your diet/lifestyle sounds like prison..............