Vegan diet - Headaches - Diet & Nutrition Message Board

CarryOn · 12-08-2005, 09:10 AM

For about two weeks I've completely stopped eating animal products--meat, dairy, eggs, etc. I got a book that gave me a good idea of what to eat and be able to get the nutrition I need. I feel great! I've had more energy, my skin's been clearing up; the results so far are very positive. But, I've been having headaches. It's not that unusual for me to get a headache especially during this time of year (end of the semester, finals, holidays, etc.), but they seem to have gotten more persistent since I started this Vegan diet a couple weeks ago. Do you think that has anything to do with my headaches? If so, is there some kind of nutrition I could be lacking? I'd really appreciate any advice!! Thanks

mursy · 12-08-2005, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarryOn

For about two weeks I've completely stopped eating animal products--meat, dairy, eggs, etc. I got a book that gave me a good idea of what to eat and be able to get the nutrition I need. I feel great! I've had more energy, my skin's been clearing up; the results so far are very positive. But, I've been having headaches. It's not that unusual for me to get a headache especially during this time of year (end of the semester, finals, holidays, etc.), but they seem to have gotten more persistent since I started this Vegan diet a couple weeks ago. Do you think that has anything to do with my headaches? If so, is there some kind of nutrition I could be lacking? I'd really appreciate any advice!! Thanks

Let me first ask you are you using any artificial sweetners? If not list me the foods you are eating and your activity level so that I can judge better..Lisa

llamamuffinmama · 12-08-2005, 11:33 AM

I doubt strongly that it has anything to do with the fact that your diet is free of animal products, but it could have something to do with what you are eating- things like not getting enough calories, eating lots of high protein foods but not enough carbohydrates, eating very sugary foods sporadically, etc can contribute to headaches whether you're eating vegan or not. also, end of semester stress and/or lack of sleep certainly could be contributing, too.

congrats on going vegan!! it's the best thing i ever did!

CarryOn · 12-08-2005, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Let me first ask you are you using any artificial sweetners? If not list me the foods you are eating and your activity level so that I can judge better..Lisa

Hey Lisa, no I'm not using artificial sweeteners (hate that stuff!). As far as foods that I eat... for breakfast I'll usually have oatmeal, or fruit (usually banana w/ peanut butter), with a cup of coffee every morning. At lunch time I'll incorporate whole grains (usually pita bread) with a vegetable (usually spinach, carrots or salad). If that's not enough I'll mix in a tofu product (LOVE Tofurky!) or vegetable soup. For a snack between lunch and dinner I'll have granola with soy/rice milk, or nuts. At dinner I'll have a lot of vegetables and sometimes make a pasta dish. I also love vegan microwave dinners such as burritos, and veggie burgers are good too. I love Bragg's Liquid Aminos and add it to a lot of my dishes ^_^ When I'm craving sweets I'll eat rice milk ice cream, or a Tropical Source vegan chocolate bar. I've only been doing this for a couple weeks so I'm excited to go shopping again and get a bit more variety!

At any rate... as far as my activity level, during the week I run about 3-6 miles a day and do more intense training on the weekends (hard runs, sprints, etc.). And that's it! Thanks for your reply.

Thanks for your advice llamamuffin

mursy · 12-09-2005, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarryOn

Hey Lisa, no I'm not using artificial sweeteners (hate that stuff!). As far as foods that I eat... for breakfast I'll usually have oatmeal, or fruit (usually banana w/ peanut butter), with a cup of coffee every morning. At lunch time I'll incorporate whole grains (usually pita bread) with a vegetable (usually spinach, carrots or salad). If that's not enough I'll mix in a tofu product (LOVE Tofurky!) or vegetable soup. For a snack between lunch and dinner I'll have granola with soy/rice milk, or nuts. At dinner I'll have a lot of vegetables and sometimes make a pasta dish. I also love vegan microwave dinners such as burritos, and veggie burgers are good too. I love Bragg's Liquid Aminos and add it to a lot of my dishes ^_^ When I'm craving sweets I'll eat rice milk ice cream, or a Tropical Source vegan chocolate bar. I've only been doing this for a couple weeks so I'm excited to go shopping again and get a bit more variety!

At any rate... as far as my activity level, during the week I run about 3-6 miles a day and do more intense training on the weekends (hard runs, sprints, etc.). And that's it! Thanks for your reply.

Thanks for your advice llamamuffin

You sound to me that you have a well balanced diet of good foods it's probably the stress from school or it could also be that maybe you are not getting enough calories.