"Foggy brain" while "eating clean"

K

kittycat

Cathlete
Hi All!

Anyone else get foggy brain while eating clean??? I've been trying to eat more natural - less sugar but always feel a little "foggy brained" and tired in the afternoon. I don't like it at all! Is it a kind of withdrawl??

Today so far was egg whites with brocolli, turkey and bean chili, salad with 3 cherry tomatoes, and yogurt. My workout was PS L&A. Now I feel just plain yucky. And I don't like it one bit! Any thoughts??

Thanks!!
Cathy
;-)
 
RE: "Foggy brain" while "eating clean&qu...

Try eating more. I've noticed that my 'clean eating' is naturally lower in amount/quantity and in calories than when I'm not eating clean. Snack on things like carrots, celery, berries, apples, or any fruit or vegetable of your choosing. Nuts and seeds are another good snack. Just don't go overboard with them, because they are high in fat.

Also, be sure to drink at least 64 ounces of water everyday.


Lisa :)
 
Hi there :) I know that when I try to stay away from my junk food and stuff, I feel kind of yucky, too... but mostly it's because I get hungry too fast. I think when I eat junk food, the fat stays with you longer and makes you feel fuller. Do you think perhaps you're not eating quite as many calories as you're used to? Eating unhealthfully adds many many more calories then it seems you are actually eating, and maybe by eating well, you've cut more "fuel" than you think. Just a suggestion :) Hope you feel better soon!

Sara
 
If you've cut down quite a bit on starchy & sugary carbs, it isn't unusual to go through an initial withdrawl period (e.g., cravings, foggy brain, fatigue, etc.) Otherwise, you may play with the amounts of protein and healthy fats you consume. And, of course, drinking plenty of water may help too. Did you cut down on caffeine consumption as well? That could play a part.
 
Sounds like you're not eating enough. I'd definitely incorporate some fruit in there earlier in the day.
 
Not enough carbs!! They are not evil you know...take in some high glycemic carbs right after your workout. You don't have to worry about these because you know they are topping off your glycogen stores. If you are cutting carbs way back and eating clean, I think you would be foolish not to add in some good ones after a hard workout atleast...

Janice
 
RE: "Foggy brain" while "eating clean&qu...

I know how you feel - I love to eat airy (volume)foods and if I'm not careful, I end up feeling lousy too. With clean eating there is sometimes no guessing how much energy (cals) your body actaully gets (particularly if you are eating loads of fiber through veggies and beans). Your carb intake looks a little low. Have tried adding some wholegrains to your diet? I took the plunge and increased my complex carb intake and noticed a significant difference in the way I felt. Steel cut oats, sweet potatoes, pearl barley, wheat berries, bulgur wheat etc. are great. The body burns them slowly and efficiently so you don't crash mentally - important for work, willpower with food and your workouts.

Try having your yogurt and veggies in the night as carb sources (the yogurt is great for your metabolism and digestion), add some fruit to your breakfast (strawberries, blueberries and cantaloupe are great) and add a serving of wholegrains (sprouted or pumpernickel bread or barley or oats etc.) to both your lunch and breakfast. That may help you feel better. You could also try adding some pine nuts or sunflower seeds to your salad if you want to increase your fat intake. I also take in a small amount of simple carbs everyday but with a meal rich in protein and fiber and not on its own. Hope this helps.
 
Hi Cathy,
I've heard that this is pretty common when cutting way down on the carbs suddenly. I read that during the presidential race Al Gore had gone on the Atkins diet and couldn't think as quickly and his aides were crabbing about it. It does go away. Keep up the good work!!!
Dawn
 
RE: "Foggy brain" while "eating clean&qu...

How do you eat clean? Does that mean eliminate all the junk food? I'm just curious because I don't think I've eaten clean before. I'm trying to lose 35 pounds of baby fat and wondered if eating clean will help me to lose weight faster. Thanks!


Lisa
 
Lisa - to quote Cathe:

"clean eating is eating foods in the most natural unprocessed state. I like to use an apple as an example.

Unclean: apple pie

cleaner: applesauce

cleanest: an apple

Hope this helps!"

There are a ton of websites out there that can really help you figure out what is "clean" and what is not. Even a search at this site can help. I wish I had some addresses to give you!

I just think of it as eating the food in it's natural, untouched state.

Thanks everyone for your great advice. I can always count on you!! I'll try adding in some extra fruit and a higher glycemic carb after my workout. You're all right - I don't think I am eating what my body is used to so I need to get in more calories in a healthy way and give my body time to adjust. It's hard to find that balance.

Thanks again!!
Cathy
 
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