I need some sort of diet...

[Justin]

Not necesarrily to lose weight, but to eat healthy. I generally don't eat a wide range of foods, but I'm trying to change that. I don't take vitamins at all. I'm surprised my health hasn't deteriorated faster actually. Anway, I've been feeling all of this as of late. My eyesight tends to get fuzzy and it's as if I have trouble seeing things I know I should be able to see. I've been a lot more tired lately too, even when I get enough sleep. That and just not really feeling that well. I know some of my issues with being tired come from all of the caffeine I drink, but wouldn't be surprised at all if some of these things were related to me not really eating that healthy.
This brings me to my question, what vitamins should I really try to get enough of, and how much? What foods should I eat to get them, or should I just take a multivitamin? I'm sure there are people that know much more than myself. Any help would be much appreciated.

[CharityAJO]

B vitamins are sumposedly good for energy. Try to eat decent carbohydrates (I say "decent," not "good" - by that I mean some sort of grains, rather than coke and candy - even potatoes are better than coke), and some beans/legumes.

It's really pretty easy to get most of your vitamins. Did you ever hear the saying to "eat the rainbow"? Pick fruits and vegetables of various colors, and you'll probably be straight.

I think the best diet is to just opt for healthy things when you can. Like, "I need a snack. I could eat a donut... OR... I could have an apple with peanut butter."

[Justin]

I don't eat donuts. :D

[rabid_child]

I try to take a multivitamin every day, just to cover all my bases. I track what I'm eating on fitday periodically, and I'm usually pretty good without the multi, but it can't hurt!

[bluegrrrl79]

Well why don't you post what you normally eat in a day so we can get a better idea of what to suggest? Also, are you sure you're eating enough? Some of the symptoms you described could be from not consuming enough calories.

[Blue Plastic Straw]

I think I've posted this before. This link has a week's worth of vegan meal ideas, plus links to more meal plans on other sites. The meals are simple and nutritionally balanced. You can use this as a jumping off point to give you ideas.

http://www.bryannaclarkgrogan.com/page/page/657466.htm#VEGAN%20MENUS

[zoebird]

justin:

i can't give you a lot of specific advice because i don't know your specific diet--what you eat now, what you don't, and how you want to eat. (are you vegan, ovo, lacto, ovo lacto or what?)

i find that a whole foods diet, with lots of fresh fruits and veggies, legumes, whole grains (not many breads, unless whole grain/sprouted), and eggs meet all of my dietary requirements.

as for your eyes, you may have trouble converting beta carotene to vitamin a. you may be having a b12 related issue. you may be having an exhaustion issue. you may be having a too much tv/computer issue (glare is hard on the eyes). so, it could be a number of factors.

do your research. look up nutritional information related to eyesight, fatique, etc. you'll be surprised at what you'll find. then, figure out what *you* want to do and what you need. :) it's really the only way that anything is going to stick with you anyway.