About a week of trying to get back on track - struggling with feeling sad

I made it as something of a joke, but the principle is sound-- check out www.fivedaymeattest.com. Eat meat, and nothing but meat (or maybe some dairy if you feel like it) for five days, and it's a good way to get your head back on track. There are a few sample menus on there, some sources for good meat recipes, and shopping list ideas.

The RNY folks do something similar once in a while, they run a CAMAW ("cheese and meat all week") in their menu threads, and it really does seem to help a lot of people.

I came back on here about the same day you 'came clean'.  I'm a psych NP, so I can tell you that cutting carbs is gonna really give you the blues.  Sugar withdrawal...  The best thing you can do for the blues?  Increase water and take a walk. 

I'm doing the same thing you're doing right now: increased protein and complex protein (chicken ;( ), raw veggies, more exercise and water.  Trying to kick start this old tool...

Keep up the great work.  And use your support!!!

It does, at least, make me feel a little better knowing that this big dietary change could be the main culprit.  Because if that is the case, then I feel this will pass as I adjust.

I suspect moving my body would be helpful... but I haven't been able to will myself to do it.  I think I just need to give myself a forced march and see what happens.  I couldn't feel any worse.  (Or maybe I could.  Walking hurts my head right now...) 

Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply!

If it helps, just start with a couple laps around the inside of the house, then the outside.  Then you can stretch it to around the block, etc. 

This is very good and reasonable advice.  I'm not sure why I can't just do it...  

if you don't feel like exercise- what helped me and my body - long bath with good quality salts (not bubble bath) , watching comedies on TV or netflix...  or google jokes on a computer... when yo start smiling - you brain would think you are happier and it may respond to it...."Fake it till you make it"  

when I start doing very low carbs - i NEED to increase magnesium and salt - take more - much more than normal. I found taht no sugar added pickles - were my answer... or drinking very nice chicken stock - bone broth... 

when changing diet drastically - also watch for constipation... you really don't want to deal with that... 

I use magnesium and miralax... 

good luck.. you can do it... 

I really can't add any insight more than what I've read here from the experienced people and what they all said was in line with what I was thinking from my old Lap-band days.

Most of all, I'm just going to say I hope your mood takes a nice upswing soon and that the issue really is only from the drastic change in your eating plan.

Keep your chin up.....we're here for you!

While it's not necessarily conventional science yet, I have directly observed food absolutely affects the moods of clients - especially going from high carb to low carb.  The brain is greatly affected by what we eat, as are our hormones which also affect moods.  

It's part psychological and part biological.  Biologically the body adjusts, and psychologically we, well, miss food even if we don't consciously.

Whenever we feel depressed, doing things helps to fix it.  I make a conscious effort to be around others and see people.  I go out of my way to be social even when I don't want to.  In about 20 minutes after I drag myself somewhere I feel my mood improve "magically."  Push past the tired funk and do stuff!  I didn't say it was easy, mind. :) It is worthwhile.  

If you are curious about the behavioral science aspect, I'm referring to the theory called behavior activation.  It is one of the most vital aspects of treating depression in particular.  It works for mild funks really well, too!  

How are you feeling?