melissel Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 (edited) For the last week or so I've been very strict with my calorie intake. I'm still pretty much eating what I would normally eat, but I'm tracking the calories very carefully and just generally eating less of everything. I feel fine, my blood sugar hasn't been a problem, I'm eating a decent balance of protein, carbs, and fat, etc. I'm definitely eating fewer carbs because I'm just eating less in general, but it's not like I cut them out altogether. My energy level feels about the same. The problem is that I've had a headache for a week, and I've been so irritable, I can barely even stand to be around myself, let alone other people :glare: My typically already-short fuse is now nonexistent, and I'm finding myself thinking angry thoughts all day long, about the smallest of things. DH says the headache is a detox thing and will pass, and I'm wondering (hoping!) that the irritability is too. Has anyone experienced this? TIA! Edited April 5, 2009 by melissel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2cents Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 Yup! I started back on my diet (Weight Watchers) last week and I'm just getting over a headache I had for a solid 4 days...it was horrible! I always get this when I go off the diet and overdo the sugar and wheat. On Weight Watchers I'm forced to eat a lot healthier and the detox is awful but once it is over I feel a lot better. Give it a few days and it will get better. Just remember to drink LOTS of water and don't push the exercise until you're feeling better. Good luck! :) Adding: About the mood thing...I got that too. Totally grumpy and on a short fuse...that too passes. Hang in there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in KY Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 The problem is that I've had a headache for a week, and I've been so irritable, I can barely even stand to be around myself, let alone other people :glare: My typically already-short fuse is now nonexistent, and I'm finding myself thinking angry thoughts all day long, about the smallest of things. DH says the headache is a detox thing and will pass, and I'm wondering (hoping!) that the irritability is too. Has anyone experienced this? TIA! Sounds like sugar withdrawal to me.:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wagnfun Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 For the last week or so I've been very strict with my calorie intake. I'm still pretty much eating what I would normally eat, but I'm tracking the calories very carefully and just generally eating less of everything. I feel fine, my blood sugar hasn't been a problem, I'm eating a decent balance of protein, carbs, and fat, etc. I'm definitely eating fewer carbs because I'm just eating less in general, but it's not like I cut them out altogether. My energy level feels about the same. The problem is that I've had a headache for a week, and I've been so irritable, I can barely even stand to be around myself, let alone other people :glare: My typically already-short fuse is now nonexistent, and I'm finding myself thinking angry thoughts all day long, about the smallest of things. DH says the headache is a detox thing and will pass, and I'm wondering (hoping!) that the irritability is too. Has anyone experienced this? TIA! Yes the whole grumpy thing was/can be totally me. I get mad at the pillow for sitting wrong on the bed!!! For me, when I cut out carbs, I am at my worst-- however, this passes after a few days & then I feel sooo much better. When I plan on a short bit of being carb free, I wait until hubby is out of town, it helps the marriage last longer :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissel Posted April 5, 2009 Author Share Posted April 5, 2009 Thanks for the replies. It helps to know it's not outside the range of normal! Today is somewhat better, though I think I'm needing a break from the kids too. Having no down time is not helping! Maybe I'll sneak off to B&N tonight and read the nutrition books to keep myself motivated :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SusanNN Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 Whenever I start significantly cutting back on my intake of food, I experience headaches. I am headache (migraine) prone to begin with. Basically I have learned I have to: 1) do it gradually --- there will be no quick weight loss for me! 2) learn to have healthy snacks -- A lot of people say this, but I really do HAVE to have small meals, can't go too long without a little something to eat, etc. The best things for me (to snack on in between meals) are a few almonds or mini carrots and hummus (something with protein - NOT crackers or pretzels). I have always needed to eat frequently - what I had to learn is to eat much LESS at actual meals so I could continue small snacks. I don't know how to avoid the grumpiness!!!!! Exercise maybe?! :glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CactusPair Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 Yes! I'm not dieting now, but have experienced detox symptoms in the past. I never did a diet where I "starved" myself with too few calories and I've never been much of a sugar-starch eater. But when I started a diet with different, healthier foods I got major headaches, crazy emotions, and generally awful feelings all over my body, almost as though I were sick. After a few days the symptoms disappeared and I felt great. But the beginning was very hard to get through and I gave up the 1st day more times than I like to admit. Hang in there and get healthier! Good for you!:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIch elle Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 I've learned to start slowly when cutting back food or coffee otherwise I get headaches (otherwise VERY uncommon for me). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cathy in IL Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 You didn't say how many calories you are consuming, but eating too few calories can give you a headache. When I was in the hospital with anorexia, they said that a headache is a sign of hunger. It eventually passes as the body goes into starvation mode, but they wanted us to learn to recognize it as a sign of being hungry and needing to eat. If your calories are too low, hunger could be driving your headache. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 Yes, when I cut out carbs, I experience things like this, too....Perhaps extra fluids (water, broth, tea) would help? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 Yes, I get withdrawal symptoms about 15 minutes into any diet! :D I don't know if it goes away because I cave every time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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