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Ask HN: Does dieting impact your productivity?

10 points by jorisboris ↗ HN
New year, new commitments.

I've been loosing weight successfully in the past but I have the impression it impacts my productivity and my mood: I get tired, I have low energy, even lethargic.

I want to remove the excess kgs again in next 6 months and would love to hear your hacks to dieting without loosing my positive energy.

Many thanks!

25 comments

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dieselgate
In my personal experience you can eat less and maintain energy better if you get sufficient protein (caffeine helps too, though).

Edit: and proper hydration is important for energy too!

jorisboris
Thanks for the feedback.

What protein would you recommend, I used to binge on cashew and almond but they also contain fat? Google tells me eggs, lentils, chicken, spinach, ... is low on calories while high on protein.

dieselgate
cashews, almonds and other nuts are pretty high in fat. they're good in smaller amounts but probably not a good "staple" with weight loss in mind.

In the US (and Canada?) protein powder from costco is a good deal, basically any type works - whey is common but also pea-protein is common. i personally don't eat meat so typically get protein from rice/beans, soy, wheat gluten, dairy, etc

thghtihadanacct
This ... and exercise. Not just for losing weight etc but just getting out and moving. Ive noticed that even when im not at my desk I am frequently still working in my head and the best way to refocus is something strenuous. I realize the question was geared to diet but everything with your person is so intimately entwined.
jorisboris
Doing a 20 minute workout every morning. That and meditation / visualisation to set my intentions for the day. I notice if I do these two my discipline for dieting is much stronger.

Would love to do more cardio (1-2 hours per day) but it just doesn't fit the schedule atm.

NovaVeles
Yeah, I'm going to be one of those folks. Intermittent fasting always worked for me.

I think because it just keeps everything even or at least the hour-to-hour delta to a minimum. When you break it down into smaller meals, even if you are following the low calories through out the day, it can create a higher high/low that can swing through out the day.

Your mileage may vary.

jorisboris
I've been experimenting with One Meal A Day, at 5pm. But that's exactly what causes me to crash somewhere between 11am - 3pm
NovaVeles
Actually that would make sense. I usually eat much later 8-9pm and so that crash would come after the work day is done.
rahuldan
Try taking cold showers, the adrenaline rush helps me get awake and be active. Plus regular exercise also helps towards a general good mood throughout the day.
jorisboris
Yes, considering stretch yoga and shower in afternoon.

For cold showers, I live in Bangkok and water temperature is at minimum 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit).

I wish I could take cold showers, I did an ice bath twice and it’s such a booster !

jesuscript
but I have the impression it impacts my productivity and my mood: I get tired, I have low energy, even lethargic.

You are making something come true in your head when it might not be true at all. I used to think I needed breakfast soon as I woke up. Then I went a few days without breakfast till a bit later. It was fine.

What you start to believe adjusts the ceiling and floor of what you can do. Right now you've just moved that ceiling way down.

jorisboris
I understand what you mean, and I have been trying to overcome low energy by shifting my mindset eg walking, meditation, reading, smiling, thankfulness, affirmation… still want to try shower and yoga but these requires a little more logistics.

But in the end, I can’t really confirm that these actions have the same outcome as just eating a piece of chocolate cake to kickstart my tired brain.

I realize by writing this I’m again creating a belief for myself.

jesuscript
My guess is you haven't adjusted for the diet. There is one supplement that will get you through the grogginess before it hits - Caffeine pills.
ineedausername
Yes, I skip breakfast about 4 times per week. That's it.
brezelgoring
If you are feeling that way, it might be worth it to investigate your caloric intake and macros, and adjust expectations once your diet is set to a healthy level. Can you share a bit of your diet plan, if it's not too personal?

What I mean is, are you eating 1200 calories a day and near zero protein? That might explain your lack of energy. I've been known to do that before and learnt from the experience.

jorisboris
I’m trying a combo of keto and paleo in a One Meal A Day intermittent fasting.

So mostly veggies, fruit, dairy, nuts, red meat, chicken, fish, eggs.

Avoiding carbs by not eating bread, pasta, rice … though not 100% (eg fruits)

brezelgoring
There's an adage in psychology to see if a behavior or thought is a problem - "Things are a problem if they cause problems" I'd be wary of running thematic diets if they are doing damage to your well-being, as they're known to do.

While your ingredient selection seems pretty complete, I'd try taking a multivitamin for a few days to see if you're lacking some micros, and troubleshoot from there.

Best of luck, jorisboris.

pryelluw
This is something I’d talk to a professional rather than online.
mattpallissard
I'm not Muslim, but I participate in the fasting aspect of Ramadan every year. It absolutely impacts my energy level. Rather than try to feel normal, I just try to accept the situation and keep a good attitude about the whole thing. Works fairly well.
jorisboris
I guess this was the kind of confirmation I was looking for. Accepting that if impacts , and keep a good attitude sounds like a good solution. Thanks!
heresjohnny
Absolutely! I did keto for a while: I was literally able to have productive 12+ hour days that way. Having perfectly stable blood sugar (or rather the lack of it) did wonders for my concentration.

The downside: I lost too much weight, got terrible keto rash, and had constant bad breath. Also no social food events at all.

I’ve since settled on a mixed diet with lots of animal protein and whole grain carbs. This is a sustainable compromise that still positively influences my ability to focus and my physical performance.

jorisboris
So keto actually improved your stamina ?
heresjohnny
Behind the keyboard: yes! In the gym: definitely not. Every body is different, but mine desperately requires carbs to have an effective workout.