Ask HN: Does dieting impact your productivity?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=34269727

by jorisboris • 4 years ago

10 25 4 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

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!

dieselgate2• 4 years ago

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!

jorisboris9• 4 years ago

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.

dieselgate2• 4 years ago

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• 4 years ago

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.

jorisboris9• 4 years ago

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.

NovaVeles2• 4 years ago

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.

jorisboris9• 4 years ago

I've been experimenting with One Meal A Day, at 5pm. But that's exactly what causes me to crash somewhere between 11am - 3pm

NovaVeles2• 4 years ago

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• 4 years ago

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.

jorisboris9• 4 years ago

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 !

jesuscript2• 4 years ago

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.

jorisboris9• 4 years ago

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.

jesuscript2• 4 years ago

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.

ineedausername2• 4 years ago

Yes, I skip breakfast about 4 times per week. That's it.

jorisboris9• 4 years ago

And don’t you feel hungry ?

ineedausername2• 4 years ago

I don't because I drink a ton of water, which helps a lot.

brezelgoring2• 4 years ago

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.

jorisboris9• 4 years ago

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)

brezelgoring2• 4 years ago

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• 4 years ago

This is something I’d talk to a professional rather than online.

mattpallissard• 4 years ago

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.

jorisboris9• 4 years ago

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!

heresjohnny2• 4 years ago

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.

jorisboris9• 4 years ago

So keto actually improved your stamina ?

heresjohnny2• 4 years ago

Behind the keyboard: yes! In the gym: definitely not. Every body is different, but mine desperately requires carbs to have an effective workout.

Ask HN: Does dieting impact your productivity?

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