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low energy levels

Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2016 8:19 am
by marvande
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 :)

Thank you for your help.

Re: low energy levels

Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2016 11:26 am
by miniboes
Welcome to the forum!

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.

Re: low energy levels

Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2016 11:28 am
by brimstoneSalad
Hi marvande, welcome!

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.

http://veganhealth.org/articles/dailyrecs
Here are some daily recommendations for vitamins, etc.

Re: low energy levels

Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2016 3:49 pm
by marvande
Thank you I'll try that site out. I am already feeling a lot better so it probably was just a phase :)

Re: low energy levels

Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2016 4:03 pm
by brimstoneSalad
That's good to hear. Maybe you caught a bug or something.

Please keep us updated, we're happy to help with any questions or problems.

Re: low energy levels

Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2016 11:15 pm
by guitaramole
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.

Re: low energy levels

Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2016 11:20 pm
by brimstoneSalad
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.

Re: low energy levels

Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2016 11:33 pm
by guitaramole
Yeah, I definately have been reaping that benifit.