Moods, Cognitive Function, Memory while dieting

[Ms. Jiggles]

I believe eating as recommended by Dr. Cohen IS a balanced plan, but overall it is a low calorie, low starch, low fat way of eating that balances our hormones and helps our bodies utilize fat as it's main energy source.

BUT....it does affect my ability to function and since I have done this three times, I can really notice the changes in brain function. Maybe you have, too.

After about two weeks, I notice my mood elevates due to the weight lost. By about the third week, it is obvious that I am experiencing some cognitive function loss. I take longer to make decisions, it takes me longer to process things around me and is harder to concentrate.

I also have less patience dealing with others and have to work really HARD to keep myself from snapping at people around me. So my mood becomes irritable.

I space out my snacks and meals and try to get enough sleep. I could do a little better with the water.

So........anybody else? Thanks......and I will try to cope my best and try to be aware of this because this diet is worth it. But would be nice to know other's experience and see if we can help each other!

Ms. Jiggles

[new_ruby]

Hi Ms Jiggles!
Yes, we repeaters do have the benefit of hindsight don't we?!!
My experience has been a bit of 'fuzzy head' as I call it, a bit like post-prego brain. But I second what you said about the euphoria in the first few weeks due to weight loss.
I would say that I also find it a little more difficult to concentrate, but the benefits I experience outweigh this deficit! I have so much more energy, and am actually calmer while on Cohens. I think that carbs make me a little crazy to be honest! I have noticed when not eating to program and having too many refined carbs, that's when I am snappy and a little bit 'psycho' !?!
I guess our bodies will all respond differently. But I hear you with the brain fuzzies; could this be the low carb component of the plan, or perhaps all the toxins floating around trying to get out of our bodies in the first few weeks??
Be good to hear what others have to say too.
Ruby

[RevampedTramp]

Hi Mj
I could just copy and paste your experience. Absolutely my functioning in many ways is compromised.
Most notably is - nobody crosses me...or I will slice them finely and serve them up on a platter. Ability to cope and deal and make rational decisions is quite impaired.
I am irrational, but heaven help anyone mentioning it...
However I am also quite emotional - and in a positive way - so that is good.
I actually got really angry last night when I cooked a full roast meal for my family, starting plating it up, added the gravy and when I asked people to come and put them on the table, no-one turned up...lost it!!! How come I am cooking these requests for you guys, smelling it, looking at it - the least you could do is eat it....aaarrgghh..
Cue: Garlic "bread" for dinner tonight - the ultimate pacifier for me.
So, please dont feel along!!
I am with you Sister
Donna

[Wendym1221]

cannot say I have any problems with this, I make decisions all the time without any affects, I also have not noticed anything with my focus or anything like that.

[RevampedTramp]

Interestingly, since I last posted in agreement about the moods etc, a whole sense of calm has come along. I have been feeling happy, content and not moody at all for the last few days. Thought it was an interesting update - and perhaps signifies my body stabilising with hormonal issues.
I am 4 weeks in today - but really have to agree that prior to this, the initial post reflected my altered state of functioning.
Donna

[sundaymorningstaple]

Here all along I though my brain fuzziness was because of being 63! Thanks! That gives me a whole new outlook on life!

[dissociative_identity]

Wow, interesting to read. The opposite has happened to me. I mean, I agree with the difference between concentration, I get headaches and I find it harder to study. I think it's because I used to always eat junkfood when I did.

But behavior wise, everyone says I have become alot calmer. I used to throw terrible tantrums when I was angry but overall I'm not as impatient or antsy. I was always fidgety before.

On the other hand if anyone messes with my food, I lose it. I really, really lose it. I scream and cry. I don't know why but if anyone messes with my exact measured proportions, I go insane.

[Mich]

Okay, this forum is not liking me today, I did a long response to this and its not working.

Tantrum!!!!

[Mich]

yes of course then it works... *sigh*

anyway I was saying how much I love this thread, its good to know we all seem to experience similar things.

I think part of it, well in my case, is I've spent years eating/drinking away my feelings and responding to most things with anger. but now its different, i'm less angry at smaller things and more confident to express what I'm REALLY feeling, not just anger.

Its amazing what Cohens gives us aside from weight loss.

i also think the "people pleaser" in me, is definatley dimishing espectially with my businesses. Not that I'm heathen evil *****, I think I'm just learning to love myself more, therefore the "need to please" most is leaving becuase I'm becoming happier in my own skin.

As for concentration, I seem to have more for my businesses now. I think its because I'm giving them more quality time, and not time spend self obessing about my weight, as thats being delt with!.

End of my theories!

Keep on going strong everyone, through the spaciness, mindlessness, moodiness and europhoric highs!! its all worth it!

[ciaranfurness]

I have been feeling really spaced out lately and have had a couple of dizzy spells after getting up too fast. Few and far between though, but it does slow the concentration down a bit. Hopefully it will get better soon

[Wendym1221]

Funny thread this after making my declaration how it is not affecting me, I have had the last 3 days of having a fuzzy head and easily distracted.
Must say though that my mood is not that bad.
Wendy

[goodlucktummy]

Thank you, Ms. Jiggles, for posting this! I thought it was only me experiencing something like this. Not so much the moods, but definitely the cognitive functioning and MEMORY. I swear, it's like one second I think of something I want to Google and then forget it the next. I've always had good memory, I had a knack for memorizing the most random, most trivial things - like plate numbers - but I'm having problems with that now. I've always been super quick at mental math and I noticed that I've slowed down considerably (not good considering my major). I've never had to use a diary to keep track of my tasks and assignments but now I feel like I have to write everything down. Also can't seem to focus on my readings for more than 5 minutes (again, not good for a college student!)

I hope things normalize during refeed! I'm getting scared!

[Ms. Jiggles]

Hi! I'm glad to see I'm not the only one experiencing these things.

Another thing I noticed: I like to play online games and lately, I have not been able to score as high or anywhere near my previous scores!

Thank goodness this is all temporary!! Be careful driving, too!