Seemingly Stuck

[ggen]

For the past 4 or 5 days I have found myself to be down. Low. Tired. Unmotivated. I have done quite a bit of the work as per all suggestions on this site. I have reread parts of Secret History, finished the first wave book for the second time, am half way through In an Unspoken Voice, finished The Myth of Sanity and Trapped In The Mirror, and just received Women Who Run With The Wolves in the mail last week. That is my current 'book' read. I have also been recapitulating and working through the breathing program. I've modified my diet and believe I'm getting enough sleep. As for excercise, I walk or run 3-4 days a week. As for 'life', financially I'm breaking even, my partner and I are growing together, and I'm setting very needed limits with family.(I know...all the I's. Just trying to give a picture of where 'I' am)
I understand that there are points when one is drained. I understand that with growth comes the inevitable pain but I've never felt more alive than I do today. I feel/know that I'm making progress. With the pain has come a profound sense of 'understanding' and joy as well. So...
Fortunately, there aren't many 'illusions' that I have to dispose of, as I have seen much of reality for a very long time. In the past few years I've typically been able to 'identify' what was zapping my strength and deal with it. Currently I cannot. It's not even that 'figuring' out the problem is of the greatest importance. I just want the negative energy that I feel to dissipate somewhat. I'm getting much better at observing my thoughts and feelings. So any clue as to what I may be dealing with? I thank you in advance for any feedback.

 

[truth seeker]

What exactly are you eating, particularly last week? Also, did anything out of the ordinary happen last week? Just trying to narrow it down a bit. There could be several reasons for what you're going through such as zapping but perhaps before going there, we can try to rule out any immediate causes. :)

 

[ggen]

What exactly are you eating, particularly last week? Also, did anything out of the ordinary happen last week? Just trying to narrow it down a bit. There could be several reasons for what you're going through such as zapping but perhaps before going there, we can try to rule out any immediate causes. :)

I'm eating 4-6 servings of fruits and veggies every day. (organic and local whenever possible) Quinoa, lentils, beans, and rice for protein and complex carbohydrates. Ice cream 3-4 times (the kind with the LEAST amount of junk ingredients) ;) No alcohol or other mind altering substances.
I forgot to mention in the original post, that I've been remembering my dreams more. They aren't 'bad', just that I am recalling them more often than usual...

 

[Foxx]

Hi BrightLight11,

It sounds like you haven't read much or any of the Diet and Health board or the "Life Without Bread" thread. I'd recommend reading that whole thread, and at least the books Life Without Bread and Primal Body, Primal Mind, as soon as possible. You sound like you're eating a lot of carbohydrates (complex or not they end up as glucose in your blood with raised insulin, and there are no essential carbohydrates) and very little meat and fat.

 

[ggen]

Hi BrightLight11,

It sounds like you haven't read much or any of the Diet and Health board or the "Life Without Bread" thread. I'd recommend reading that whole thread, and at least the books Life Without Bread and Primal Body, Primal Mind, as soon as possible. You sound like you're eating a lot of carbohydrates (complex or not they end up as glucose in your blood with raised insulin, and there are no essential carbohydrates) and very little meat and fat.

You are correct in that I need to read more through the diet and health threads. I've only read a few of the threads there. I have given up actual bread and most wheat gluten and soy products as I have become aware of the negative effects on the body/brain. I was born and raised a vegetarian and 'breaking' those habits has been slow going on my end.
I neglected to mention that I do eat yogurt every morning (Greek style) as well as cheese every other day. I'm still having difficulty trying to introduce actual meat into my diet. So, yes, I have made some changes but I have much more to research and implement. Thank you for the reminder. As for whats been going on with me recently, I understand that my diet could directly be involved but why starting now? I can't believe it's entirely diet related...

 

[anart]

I neglected to mention that I do eat yogurt every morning (Greek style) as well as cheese every other day. I'm still having difficulty trying to introduce actual meat into my diet. So, yes, I have made some changes but I have much more to research and implement. Thank you for the reminder. As for whats been going on with me recently, I understand that my diet could directly be involved but why starting now? I can't believe it's entirely diet related...

Read the book Primal Body Primal Mind and you'll understand why.

 

[truth seeker]

You are correct in that I need to read more through the diet and health threads. I've only read a few of the threads there. I have given up actual bread and most wheat gluten and soy products as I have become aware of the negative effects on the body/brain. I was born and raised a vegetarian and 'breaking' those habits has been slow going on my end.
I neglected to mention that I do eat yogurt every morning (Greek style) as well as cheese every other day. I'm still having difficulty trying to introduce actual meat into my diet. So, yes, I have made some changes but I have much more to research and implement. Thank you for the reminder. As for whats been going on with me recently, I understand that my diet could directly be involved but why starting now? I can't believe it's entirely diet related...

The Vegetarian myth book/thread may also be helpful in explaining why vegetarianism is not beneficial for people and help with getting used to the idea of eating meat as quite a few of us are former vegetarians.

 

[Mr. Premise]

Hi BrightLight11,

It sounds like you haven't read much or any of the Diet and Health board or the "Life Without Bread" thread. I'd recommend reading that whole thread, and at least the books Life Without Bread and Primal Body, Primal Mind, as soon as possible. You sound like you're eating a lot of carbohydrates (complex or not they end up as glucose in your blood with raised insulin, and there are no essential carbohydrates) and very little meat and fat.

You are correct in that I need to read more through the diet and health threads. I've only read a few of the threads there. I have given up actual bread and most wheat gluten and soy products as I have become aware of the negative effects on the body/brain. I was born and raised a vegetarian and 'breaking' those habits has been slow going on my end.
I neglected to mention that I do eat yogurt every morning (Greek style) as well as cheese every other day. I'm still having difficulty trying to introduce actual meat into my diet. So, yes, I have made some changes but I have much more to research and implement. Thank you for the reminder. As for whats been going on with me recently, I understand that my diet could directly be involved but why starting now? I can't believe it's entirely diet related...

Well, to summarize those books and threads, everything you've been eating is wrong. Try eliminating all dairy, grains, legumes, sugar (ice cream has a ton), fruits, and many vegetables (those high in carbohydrates) and see what happens. But do read the threads, especially about the issues some people had transitioning.

 

[ggen]

Okay...I'm ordering Primal Body, Primal Mind as we speak. I will also spend the next few days reading and re-reading threads from the diet and health section. I know that 'we are what we eat' and it seems that my choices and past influences aren't cutting it for me. I hope modifications will aid in these awful feelings I've found myself immersed in. Thanks you guys!

 

[mcb]

... As for whats been going on with me recently, I understand that my diet could directly be involved but why starting now? I can't believe it's entirely diet related...

Yes, it is kind of hard to believe. A lot of us who thought we were knowledgable about food and aren't all that easily shocked were shocked to discover what is really going. The Vegetarian Myth provides a good overview (and perhaps a really good jolt), and Primal Body, Primal Mind is a good guide to where to start doing something about it. Then there is the dreaded (for its length) "Life Without Bread" topic, but that's where we figured things out and there's no avoiding reading it.

There is no way to appreciate the problem, I don't think, without doing quite a bit of reading, and trying things for yourself once you have a good understanding of what to do. (Don't rush it!)

 

[Carl]

Okay...I'm ordering Primal Body, Primal Mind as we speak. I will also spend the next few days reading and re-reading threads from the diet and health section. I know that 'we are what we eat' and it seems that my choices and past influences aren't cutting it for me. I hope modifications will aid in these awful feelings I've found myself immersed in. Thanks you guys!

Good luck. The transition won't be easy (judging from your current diet) but you will see the value in time if you stick with it. The change in mood and clarity of mind that you experience is subtle but powerful.

Periods of down-ness melancholy will still come, but I've found that they are not as crushing, don't last as long, and provide good opportunities for introspection.

 

[herondancer]

Then there is the dreaded (for its length) "Life Without Bread" topic, but that's where we figured things out and there's no avoiding reading it.

There is no way to appreciate the problem, I don't think, without doing quite a bit of reading, and trying things for yourself once you have a good understanding of what to do. (Don't rush it!)

Yes BrightLight11, the LWB thread is one of the Tests of Discipline. ;) Maybe look on it as the saga of a Company of Adventurers (which you are most welcome to join) as they fight their way through the jungles of dietary misinformation, while comparing their experiences along the way.

Seriously though, it's chockful of data which would take one individual years to gather. As Mr. Premise said, your current diet is doing you no favours. The brain fog and depression you mentioned was a problem for many on the forum. It will clear faster than you can imagine when you cut out dairy (make sure you read labels, it's everywhere). Between that and cutting gluten (also everywhere, hiding under many names), the quality of your health and mental clarity will improve by orders of magnitude. Enjoy the ride!

 

[ggen]

Then there is the dreaded (for its length) "Life Without Bread" topic, but that's where we figured things out and there's no avoiding reading it.

There is no way to appreciate the problem, I don't think, without doing quite a bit of reading, and trying things for yourself once you have a good understanding of what to do. (Don't rush it!)

Yes BrightLight11, the LWB thread is one of the Tests of Discipline. ;) Maybe look on it as the saga of a Company of Adventurers (which you are most welcome to join) as they fight their way through the jungles of dietary misinformation, while comparing their experiences along the way.

Seriously though, it's chockful of data which would take one individual years to gather. As Mr. Premise said, your current diet is doing you no favours. The brain fog and depression you mentioned was a problem for many on the forum. It will clear faster than you can imagine when you cut out dairy (make sure you read labels, it's everywhere). Between that and cutting gluten (also everywhere, hiding under many names), the quality of your health and mental clarity will improve by orders of magnitude. Enjoy the ride!

Well! After oredering PBPM, I ventured once again over to the diet and health section. WOWZA!! The LWB thread is 203 pages...so far! I sighed but laughed as well. Megan is correct about lengthy. With so much disinformation abound I can see why. I keep reminding myself that all of 'this' is the journey. Thank you all for your insight and advice. I shall keep you posted...except next time I'll know where to post such questions. ;)

 

[SeekinTruth]

Good luck, BrightLight11. It'll take you a while to get all the reading done, but I assure you it will be worth it when followed through with the dietary changes. As was mentioned you can start immediately by eliminating all grains, dairy, sugar, and legumes. The benefits will be great and get you closer to the full transition to an optimal diet. :)

 

[anart]

Good luck, BrightLight11. It'll take you a while to get all the reading done, but I assure you it will be worth it when followed through with the dietary changes. As was mentioned you can start immediately by eliminating all grains, dairy, sugar, and legumes. The benefits will be great and get you closer to the full transition to an optimal diet. :)

Actually, for someone with your diet, it's usually wiser to eliminate one thing at a time so you don't set yourself up to fail. For instance, you could remove all grains (gluten, rice, etc.) first, then in a few weeks, eliminate dairy, then in a month or so, eliminate sugar - to try to do it all at once is usually too much for most people.