Diet and mood change
Posted by Bruce on Apr 17, 2010 · Member since Jun 2008 · 53 posts
Since I have been free of animal products, after several months I have noticed that psychologically things have changed for me. This is unscientific, and it really could be any of a lot of other things. But I don't have another explanation. One day I noticed that I felt a pretty consistent change to a better mood and clearer thinking.
I didn't make the connection to my diet until I read something about it in a vegan blog somewhere that a vegan diet can affect a persons mood and attitude in a positive way. Has anyone else noticed a better mood and/or clearer thinking in themselves? Or is this something else?
I don't know about clearer thinking because I've always been a ditz (and a clutz) but definitely my mood has lightened and brighted. For me I didn't realize what a burden my hipporcrisy was on my psyche and once that was lifted I felt better.
After a while I came off my pink cloud and don't notice it as much.
Congratulations!
I have been vegan for about 5 months now, and I have noticed a change in my mood. I definitely feel happier. One big change I noticed was that my workouts have greatly improved. I thought I was a pretty good runner before I became vegan. Recently I have not only been able to increase my mileage but also my speed! I feel so much stronger and have more endurance than I have had in the past (I have been a runner for 14 years). I am vegan now for life!
Wow, thanks for the replies.
After a couple months of eating vegan, I've definitely noticed this as well. I think part of it is the physical effects the (better) foods I've been eating are having on my body, and part of it is just a result of feeling good about how I'm treating myself. With my old lifestyle, I frequently felt sad, physically uncomfortable (eating too much!) and just down after meals because I knew they weren't really good for me. Now, every meal is a chance to feel good about what I'm eating, and I look forward to it instead of dread it.
Anyway, kind of cheesy, but overall being vegan has drastically changed my moods for the better. Here's hoping that continues!
So far I have only been vegetarian for a couple of weeks and I have noticed a large difference. I never feel stuffed, but I always feel much more full if that makes any sense. I have been recovering much quicker from my strength training workouts which is fantastic. I also feel I have more energy. This could all be a placebo effect but I doubt it. The increased energy level alone is having a very positive effect on my mood. Things just seem easier than they did before. I feel I can push my limits further than before as well.
After becoming vegan I felt like I became a better runner--going farther and faster than as a junk-eating vegetarian. This made me happy, and it lightened my mood. It still does.
I'm so happy for you. Anything to make us happier is a step in the right direction!
Ever since I made a lifestyle change and became a Vegan and started exercising and drinking more water, I've noticed that I not only feel better physically but mentally as well. I seem to be able to deal with stress in a lot more healthier way. I'm much more calm in hostile situations than I used to be. I think I've become a much nicer person which is good for me and good for those around me. -Vega Sinclair, Medical Insurance Advisor
I definitely have felt a change in mood! Particularly in my "inner monologue" if that makes sense. I am trying to lose a little weight and have been working on it for a while, but now the little voice in my head is much kinder and gentler. Instead of "holy crap, fatty" it says things like "good choice on making kale chips instead of hitting up the vending machine for potato chips". It has made a huge difference on my outlook. It definitely could have to do with eliminating toxins, avoiding blood sugar spikes, but I also think it's because I feel very in control of what I'm putting in my body, I feel connected to what I'm eating and I feel that my eating choices have a positive impact on the earth and the people around me.
I have been thinking about the "inner voice" change for a few days and I'm glad I'm not the only one experiencing increased positivity. :)