First day, so far so good....

[louless]

I have just started the 12 week NHS healthy eating plan and managed to keep below the 1400 calories, I have actually found sticking to the daily calorie limit quite easy, however I have been in a foul mood all day and really lethargic, does anybody know if this is normal at this early stage within the plan???

[Anna999]

Well done for sticking to it! How much under the 1400 are you going? If you reduce too much you won't be getting enough energy. It probably depends on the types of food you're eating as well, stay away from high sugar stuff as you will crash and maybe try having something like porridge in the morning for some slow release energy? It is a change from what you're used to so it may make you feel different at first, just stick with it! 🌸

[eeek1110]

I think it's probably because you are missing a sugar rush. Sugar is addictive and I find keeping it to a minimum keeps me on track as I don't seem to crave it as much. Keep with it and you'll feel so much healthier once you get into it. It is great to have self control too............ most of the time anyway!

[nhs2015]

Maybe you are coming up with something. If not, make sure you have a good breakfast. Check the content of what you are eating and try to reduce your sugar intake and you body will eventually get use to it. You will get there. Start on the fitness program. If you can't go out just do some of their home workout. It will slowly build up your energy level. You will be surprise at what you can do.

[HRHGaby]

What did you eat? Maybe you need some fruit, or maybe you ate too little. Meals high on protein are a win-win. Good luck!

[GRUMPYA]

Hi Louless

Sometimes a change can affect our mood, sometimes we are in terrible habits and eating less sugar or cutting out a couple of big milky coffees can produce some withdrawal symptoms. These normally pass within a few days. As long as you are eating a balanced diet that's probably all it is, if you have tried cutting out carbs then this will make you feel unwell as in effect you are using a low blood sugar to burn fat, obviously the body doesn't like this and one of the symptoms is bad temper along with headache and lethargy. You don't seem to be doing the 5:2 but that often produces the same effect. One thing to bear in mind is that the nhs diet is a one size fits all and if you have a bmi above 40 or if you are tall and over 35 you might be better off having a tailor made plan. Heavier people would get more calories a day and you can go on nhs choices bmi checker and see what the lower end of the range they suggest is, if its in the ball park of 1400 then its just your body adjusting but if it suggests a lot more you might be better off eating a little more as you would then have a way to go and it is never good to start too low, its too easy to get fed up with it.

If your just average overweight then give it a week or so, try to make the food youeat nnutritious and filling. Good luck

[louless]

thanks for all your advice, I was just under the 1400 calories yesterday, the way I was feeling yesterday was probably withdrawel effects of not eating any chocolate!! I am eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruit, veg etc.., so I think it will take some time to get used to the reduced calorie intake every day. I feel better today and more positive that this will work, as it is just healthy eating and remembering portion control.

Thanks