Low-calorie diet and feeling ill

Since beginning the lo-cal diet I've started to feel, for the lack of a better word, hung-over? Headaches and lacking energy as well. I can't figure out why. Maybe I started too low too fast? Anyone else experience this?

Replies

  • MikePTY
    MikePTY Posts: 3,814 Member
    How many calories are you eating? You are likely in too big a deficit which is not giving your body enough energy, which is why you are feeling those symptoms. That would be very easily explainable if that was the case.
  • tcunbeliever
    tcunbeliever Posts: 8,219 Member
    This could also be a lack of sufficient sodium...particularly if you are drinking more water and have cut out processed foods. Salt is an essential nutrient.

    You might get more specific recommendations if you open your food diary.
  • NovusDies
    NovusDies Posts: 8,940 Member
    I would vote in favor of either the eating too few calories or the electrolyte imbalance as either being the cause or a combination of the two being the cause.

    Less likely but possible is that you are having an unfavorable blood sugar response. This can happen to me so the last 4 or 5 times I have started a weight loss plan I transitioned myself for a full week.
  • Jthanmyfitnesspal
    Jthanmyfitnesspal Posts: 3,522 Member
    1) Deficit of no more than 25% or 500kcals, whichever is smaller. (Less is also a fine choice!) 2) Plenty of liquids. You can try adding electrolyte powder, lemon, or apple cider vinegar at your preference.
  • kimny72
    kimny72 Posts: 16,011 Member
    Since beginning the lo-cal diet I've started to feel, for the lack of a better word, hung-over? Headaches and lacking energy as well. I can't figure out why. Maybe I started too low too fast? Anyone else experience this?

    What is your height and current weight?

    How much weight do you want to lose, and how many lbs per week did you choose?

    Do you exercise, and are you logging that?

    How many calories are you eating per day?

    How long have you been eating that way and feeling that way?
  • redeve17
    redeve17 Posts: 33 Member
    Same here...am on Day 1 of the Cambridge diet and gonna stick for 3weeks to see some
    changes and then hit the gym again with 1400cals per day—hang on dear
  • SuzySunshine99
    SuzySunshine99 Posts: 2,989 Member
    edited October 2019
    Did you give up caffiene? That would definitely cause those symptoms.

    But, yes, please give us your stats so we can offer better suggestions.
    Especially height, weight, and how many calories you are eating.
  • RichInCastaic
    RichInCastaic Posts: 1 Member
    I do intermittent fasting where I go for very long periods of time without any calories and I only feel that way when I forget to drink plenty of water.