Migraines while dieting?

[swbsam]

I know you guys all hate the term dieting ("you can't diet, you need to change your way of life!"), that's why I didn't post this in health and fitness....

I cut calories significantly (to jump start a life change, I assure you) and my energy levels are fine, but I get pretty massive migraines. I'm not eating anything out of the ordinary - lean proteins, low G.I. carbs, etc., and cut out caffeine at first, but now am drinking coffee to fight off the head aches.

Is it normal for a cut in calories to lead to migraines?

 

[nageov3t]

headaches are a symptom of caffeine withdraw and should pass if you stay off the coffee/soda.

 

[FoBoT]

just my opinion, but i think many headaches are related to dehydration and/or lack of protein in the diet

try upping your water and protein intake and see if it helps

 

[SociallyChallenged]

First of all, are you tracking your calories? If you read the fat loss sticky, you are. If you didn't, then you likely aren't. If you're eating under your caloric maintenance so far that you are eating under your basal metabolic rate, your body responds via starvation mechanisms. You can't say "I know I'm not starting myself" because you aren't tracking calories. If you're not eating enough, that's probably the reason. You can't "jump start" weight loss by not eating. The caffeine withdrawal may have contributed to it though. If you get off and stay off of it and you won't have any problems.

 

[swbsam]

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged
First of all, are you tracking your calories? If you read the fat loss sticky, you are. If you didn't, then you likely aren't. If you're eating under your caloric maintenance so far that you are eating under your basal metabolic rate, your body responds via starvation mechanisms. You can't say "I know I'm not starting myself" because you aren't tracking calories. If you're not eating enough, that's probably the reason. You can't "jump start" weight loss by not eating. The caffeine withdrawal may have contributed to it though. If you get off and stay off of it and you won't have any problems.

Hi, I use fit day to track things.

Caffeine withdrawal seems very likely - I had a cup of coffee this morning and am still jittery, and am migraine free

 

[StageLeft]

If you generally have coffee a lot and frequently and then stop you absolutely can get a headache. In my experience if you make it a day or so it will get better; it's not like it takes weeks to get over a caffeine withdrawal--at least not physiologically. Psychologically you will miss it forever 😉

 

[swbsam]

Thanks guys - I'm pretty positive you're all right, caffeine withdrawal's the culprit! I wanted to cut caffeine out because I just don't like having any vices (and I wanted to cut my sodium intake as much as possible) but will drinking coffee and diet coke have a significant impact on my weight loss?

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: swbsam
Thanks guys - I'm pretty positive you're all right, caffeine withdrawal's the culprit! I wanted to cut caffeine out because I just don't like having any vices (and I wanted to cut my sodium intake as much as possible) but will drinking coffee and diet coke have a significant impact on my weight loss?

They will not as long as you're careful with creamer on the coffee.

 

[Gonad the Barbarian]

Aspartame might set off headaches as well.

 

[swbsam]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: swbsam
Thanks guys - I'm pretty positive you're all right, caffeine withdrawal's the culprit! I wanted to cut caffeine out because I just don't like having any vices (and I wanted to cut my sodium intake as much as possible) but will drinking coffee and diet coke have a significant impact on my weight loss?

They will not as long as you're careful with creamer on the coffee.

Perfect.. This is all pretty ironic since I ordered a coffee maker a few hours ago - I *really* missed coffee!

 

[Titan]

When I started my diet (more of a permanent lifestyle change) 3 months ago I got bad migraines for 4 days I'm pretty sure from sugar withdrawal. I used to be a caffeine junkie and withdrawal from that never gave me migraines, but normal headaches. Everyone is different, the list of foods that can cause migraines is a mile long. For me it was sugar, as in simple sugars, soda and candy. I felt so good after I got through that phase.