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Hi!
I have been a vegan for two weeks now. I transitioned slowly, first going vegetarian for three years, then reducing my dairy intake until I was completely dairy free.
I have read that for many vegans their energy levels are much higher since they have transitioned, but I am experiencing just the opposite. I am feeling more tired and less concentrated. It's hard to say if it's because of the diet change or if it's just because I had a rough year and finished my exams a few weeks ago so I don't want to blame it immediately on my diet.
Anyway, I wanted to know if someone else had experienced this when they transitioned or if you have some tips for me
Can you give us an overview of what you eat on an average day? If you'd fill it in on https://cronometer.com/ and send us a screenshot that'd be especially useful, since then we can instantly see if you're deficient in anything. An iron deficiency, for example, could cause the problems you describe.
"I advocate infinite effort on behalf of very finite goals, for example correcting this guy's grammar."
- David Frum
Have you used cronometer before? I would recommend inputting a couple sample days there and seeing what it says your nutrients are. Also, if you could give us a breakdown of what you normally eat now (and what you normally ate as a vegetarian) that would help.
In order for diet to affect you in only two weeks, it may be that you protein levels or overall calories are two low. If I were to guess, I would say you should add more beans and nuts to your diet.
A serious vitamin or mineral deficiency is unlikely after just two weeks, but if your diet was poor as a vegetarian, you could have low iron or a B-12 deficiency. For iron, the best prescription is lentils. Make sure you're taking B-12 through a supplement. Let us know if you don't like lentils, and we'll help you find another option.
Are low energy levels usually a lack of calories too? If you change to a diet that is less energy dense, but still eat the same volume, I imagine a person could be unintentionally eating very low calorie diet.
guitaramole wrote:Are low energy levels usually a lack of calories too? If you change to a diet that is less energy dense, but still eat the same volume, I imagine a person could be unintentionally eating very low calorie diet.
Yes, this can be a problem for new vegans. It's one way people who are used to eating a large volume and are overweight can benefit, but it cuts both ways.
