Headache/Moodiness

I started really-really counting calories and going to the gym on Feb 1 and I have had a headache and been very moody this whole week!!  I don't understand why, I eat 1800-1900 calories a day there is no reason I should feel like this.  And its not that girly time of the month, so whats the deal?  Should I eat more calories to see if this helps?  The calorie estimator thing says I should eat 1700 calories... well sorry But that seems way too low for me - not sure but I think maybe I should do 2000 calories- Im 5'9 and medium to large build.   Any ideas??  Oh crap - no wonder people give up this stinks!!

I can totally relate!! There was a short thread about this not too long ago (more related to post-workouts, not just general moodiness). I have really bad moody days and days when I feel pretty darn good. I think this whole calorie counting thing just becomes consuming and for a lot of people, their progress (or lack of) directly affects their mood. I think I'm gonna try starting a multi-vitamin to see if that helps pick me up. I, too, am 5'9'' med build and pretty active. On workout days I know I should be getting a bit more than 2000 cals. I just had my first real road block last weekend (converted to a healthier lifestyle in October, new to calorie counter though). I was about to give up after being weak and giving in BIG TIME to temptation and gaining a few pounds. I was starting to think that I was happier when I would eat whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, although my body was nothing like I wanted it to be. I've come to my senses and it took until about yesterday for the bloat and the few gained pounds to go away. I'm feeling re-dedicated and ready to be healthy again.

I don't feel qualified to answer your question about how many cals you should be eating. It depends on your activity level and if you're trying to lose or maintain weight. Of course, make sure you're keeping yourself hydrated (headaches can definately be a sign of dehydration). Don't know the cure for the moodiness, but I'll let you know if I come across something that helps! Good luck and stick with it!!

What kind of calorie defecit are you running? 

Danielle : Well- I am not sure I am doing this correct but - My burn meter at sed- is 2300- so I would take 500 from that and that should be how many calories I eat to lose 1 whole whopping pound a week, right?  So if I exercise I add that to my burn meter total and from that total I would subtract total amount of calories ate and that would be my deficit?

osugrrl:I just got back on the " real" diet also- I take a Vitamin B and E-  I have been loging my food intake onto the mypyramid tracker web site and it tells you how much of a vitamin you consume and so on-  And it shows that I lack E and B and Potassium- so I take those vitamins every other day.  But I think I am doing my deficit thing wrong - or just not eating enough.(go figure)  I drink plenty of water- but I have a desk job 50 hours a week and not much time to do anything - I finally got so fed up of gaining the weight I decided to do somthing and quit talking - and go to the gym- now I just have to stick to it!! lol

I would keep an eye on four things.  I've been there with the headache/moodiness and here are my triggers:

1) Dehydration - You're going to need more than normal if you started working out more recently. (ETA: Oh, wait - I see you are drinking enough)
2) Meal timing - if you aren't taking in food after your workout, it could trigger moodiness.  Consider also eating pre-workout.  Not eating after workouts makes me super moody.  It's kind of funny actually.  Unless you're my boyfriend :)
3) Caffeine - did you recently cut back on coffee or soda?  This is probably more of a headache issue, but something to consider.
4) Total calorie defecit - consider that you may actually be at a "light activity" level.  You'll probably know more after a few weeks of dieting where you are... but sedentary really does mean sitting around all day.  If you're running around after kids or cleaning and such, you might want to try setting it to Light Activity and going from there.

ETA:Why not up the calories a little bit until you get the moodiness/headache thing figured out?  You can't maintain a diet if it makes you miserable.

Thanks for the info - I guess my activity should be light- so that would put me at 2000-2200 calories- and still lose 1lb roughly a week-- hopefully.  I didn't realize my deficit was so high on the days I go to the gym-   I guess like alot of the post on here not too many are not sure they are doing this correctly...  the Caffeine factor I have thought about but I have been off of the caffiene for about a month now-and the headaches would have been instant( I think)-- Well - I am going to try and up my calories and see how I feel- I thought that maybe I should eat more but - didn't think that sounded right....And I drink nothing but water and juice from the moment I get out of bed.  I will see what happens..  Thanks for you help!!

Check on what are you eating. There are certain food which could be giving you a headeache. Most surprising is Papaya,  but it could be any smoked meat, any instant soup (even clear oxo cube), chinese food, flavour additives/spices with salt/mixes. Citrus fruit.  These are not bad foods, but some people are sensitive to them in more or lesser amounts. Hope you figure it out.

Good luck.

I have recently found out that anything with EGCG makes me jittery and headachey...not like a strong headache more like a wishy washy, barely there headache.  I bought the Crystal Light + Meatbolism and even adding 1 packet to 64 oz of water (it is made for a 16 oz. bottle) I got the feeling I am describing.  I realized then what it was, because the same thing had happened to me when I tried taking some weight loss supplements (supposedly all natural) I am staying away from the EGCG and haven't had the feeling since.

 

Also remember that the needs calculator may not be accurate for everyone. I need much more to eat than it says I do; if I don't I too get moody and don't feel well.

also have you cut soda or tea out of your diet..i know that i get headaches when i cut tea out ..regular tea that is..southern girl loved her sweet tea..lol

but even soda as i loved mountain dew when i would cut it out i would get headaches like you wouldn't believe..

just a thought..

I've never really had a problem with headaches before. I can count on one hand the headaches I have had in my lifetime and they were the kind that make you throw-up, have to lay down in a DARK room and sounds make you want to pluck your eyes out. However, since changing my lifestyle for the better...everyday, I have one of those wishy-washy headaches, just as you described. Not enough to interfere with life, just enough to be slightly irritating.  I've lost 20 lbs. since January 5th.  I eat well, have lots of energy and I'm up to 40 minutes a day on the recumbent bike. The only time I have the mood swings is when I'm PMSing. (I'm 48 so hopefully that will go away soon). Now I see I'm not the only one with this issue. Have fun everybody!