So I've begun my Lenten eating: no dairy, flesh, sugar,yeast, strict vegetarian I suppose, though with apologies to real vegetarians.

Yesterday felt fine, although I only managed a little over 1000 calories. Today (3:30pm) I've only managed 360 calories but I've got the evening meal to come. Incidentally, I'd be glad to know how vegetarians keep their calories up?

I felt kind of feak and weeble when I got up this morning but that might just have been life - I doubt that one fat-free day could make me feel this wafty.

I've drunk 20oz black instant coffee, 10 oz fruit/herb tea and 52oz plain water. I don't have anyone to tell me if I've got bad breath but I've certainly got a bad taste in my mouth, tho I've brushed my teeth and my tongue.

Question: can low fat or too low cal eating give you manky breath? I'd rather be fragrant than pungent!

Uhh calories, that doesn't seem to be an issue with me

Are you eating legumes? (beans, etc) Are you eating nuts? Are you eating fruit? ok what are you eating?

The answer to the breath question is yes it can!

I hope you're not going totally fat-free. The body needs some good fats for all those fat-soluble vitamins it needs, not to mention your skin and hair will appreciate it. Good sources of fat and kcals are nuts, seeds, avocados, EVOO....

Vegetarians are going to add nuts to their diet for protein, as well as eating beans and veggies that are full of nutrients (spinach vs. iceberg lettuce, for instance); this will also bring your calorie count up. If you are going to eat this way for Lent you should take a few moments and look up healthy vegetarian diets, or by the end of Lent you are going to be ill. Getting enough protein and getting all your nutrients is the key, not just eating veggies.

For your breath, drink a lot of good fresh water, brush your teeth often and just be cognizant of it....it can be a problem with any restricted diet...

when I did atkisn the bad breath never went away. even after brushing.

thanks for the help.

yesterday I had oats in the morning; an apple and seeds snack; a vegetarian paella at lunch and a dish with chickpeas and mushrooms at night.
today I had oats in the morning with pears; a hearty vegetable soup at lunch and couscous salad with flatbread and salad at night.
I've had lots of veggies, pints of fluid, a few pulses but not much fruit.
ok, thankyou, that helped focus!
ps the couscous recipe is TDF! happy to post it if anyone's interested.

I never have any problems with too few total calories, between whole grains, beans, fruits, nuts, avocado and olive oil.

Yeah I'd say add in some nuts. You can add some walnuts to your morning oatmeal and such.

Overall, your diet sounds fine but just may need some tweaking.

BTW, chewing on raw parsley is a good, natural way to freshen breath. Just be sure to check for any green bits stuck between your teeth before you smile!

Might be a sinus problem, especially since you don't feel right in general.

Because of the diet plan I am following and I'm not snacking all day like I used to, my breath because terrible after 2 hours or so. There are days when I'm afraid to talk to people because I know my breath is bad. I started carrying a little travel size bottle of mouthwash and making sure I have something to snack on in case it gets bad. Usually I carry a little baggie of almonds with me...good protein for a pick-me-up and they help with the breath.

Thanks for that, Amanda. It's payday/big food shop day today, so I'll stock up on both!

Well, solved the low calorie problem today. Added some dried fruit and nuts. Also found a great flatbread recipe - just flour and water and seasoning and a very hot pan - yummy! Got the mouthwash just in case though.