Feeling LESS energetic, decreased performance!

dakotababy

What the heck. I have lost about 80lbs...and I am actually starting to feel WORSE! I am often lethargic, tired...and when I work out, my performance has actually decreased. I am starting to hit the lowest weight I have ever been (169lbs, 5'7 25yo) and I am thinking maybe this has to do with my Macros?

My diary password is cypressbaby for anyone who wants to take a peek (yeah, did not log on thanksgiving weekend, but there is more days logged prior to that).

Any information on macros and suggestions on what I am supposed to be doing with that would be great. I have tried days with higher protein, and find myself to even more tired on those days.

My typical work outs include turbo fire (performance decreased) and gym about 40 mins 3x per week which includes maybe 10mins on the tredmill, the rest is lifting heavy up to 8 reps.

Also to add, my sodium is high because some days I feel dizzy and light headed, thinking maybe it is low blood sugar. I track my calories with my bodymedia armband as well.

50sFit

When I get that way, I take off from training and engage a "Reset Day" where I shock my body with a flood of calories. Rest and a good feed usually perk me right up!

SkepticalOwl

It didn't look like there's anything terribly out of sorts with your diary, though I didn't look at it in any great detail -- might benefit from some more protein, though. It sounds, from what you're describing, like you might to have your vitamin levels checked -- specifically B12, B6, and D, and also your thyroid. Wouldn't hurt to have fasting glucose and HbA1c checked as well, if you think you might have blood sugar issues.

Edited for readability

Liftng4Lis

You need to consult your doctor on this one. Could you be pregnant?

dakotababy

^ Thanks so much for that information, I just scheduled an appointment for a full check-up and Ill mention all of these. Unfortunately it will not be for about 8 weeks...thought I would see if it is something to do with my diet first.

Regarding "resets" - is it basically a day to just binge on whatever I want? I would have almost considered thanksgiving to be enough of that, though I did continue to work out and ate within reason for a thanksgiving dinner.

dakotababy

I am 100% sure I am not pregnant.

Liftng4Lis

dakotababy wrote: »

I am 100% sure I am not pregnant.

Good that you're seeing your doctor. Have you adjusted your goals recently, to incorporate your weight loss?

girlviernes

If you are pretty strong could it be that for you your current weight is a bit low? I think we all have different places that are our bodies' "happy place"

But I agree, first thing is to get a good medical screen to make sure nothing else is going on.

dakotababy

My goals have changed - every time I log my new weight, bodymedia will adjust. I do think my body might be in that "happy place". Like I mentioned, I have never really been able to get down past 170lbs. So I do believe I have to now "push" to get to the weight goal. I still have TONS of fat on me though. (which is why I am also enquiring about my macros)

My original goal was to get to 140-150lbs...then do recomp and build some muscle.

SLLRunner

Congrats on a job well done! Since your issue is decreased energy.....

Maybe you need more protein.

I notice you don't log each day, so it's difficult to really see your macro ratio.

Have you looked into food sensitivities? Lactose and soy both make me feel icky and steps my energy.

Have you been to the doctor for blood tests?

girlviernes

You know, it might be hard after losing 80 lbs to really see yourself accurately and the fat that you have may not be as much as you perceive.

If it comes down to it, would you rather weigh 20 lbs less but feel poorly all the time, or weigh a bit more but have energy and feel good?

I guess it will take time to figure out what is right for you especially after such a significant loss (congratulations!). There could be something medical going on of course so figuring that out should be #1.

davert123

I would second the doctors appointment :-) How long have you been feeling like this though - if its a week to 2 you may be just fighting off an infection ? Also this time of year can affect people in the northern hemisphere with Seasonal Affective Disorder where the lack of sunlight affects serotonin levels making people feel crap. From my basic understanding the macros look ok. How about experimenting with sugar - cut refined sugar completely out of your diet for 4 days and see how you feel. I am sensitive to sugar and if I eat it in makes me feel completely wiped out. 4 days is enough to see. It may also be worth eating at your TDEE for a few days, could be that you are missing something in your diet and eating more and more varied things (not that you arn't doing this already) may help. This is what I would do but if you have been feeling it more than a couple of weeks then I would really make sure you get to the docs so they can do test etc. Good luck
x

dakotababy

This has been going on for a few months now. It seems to get worse, then a bit better. But overall - I do not remember feeling this low energy back when I was 250lbs. I also was not exercising back then as well.

I am starting to think it is likely that I am missing something, so blood work must be done!

SLLRunner

dakotababy wrote: »

This has been going on for a few months now. It seems to get worse, then a bit better. But overall - I do not remember feeling this low energy back when I was 250lbs. I also was not exercising back then as well.

I am starting to think it is likely that I am missing something, so blood work must be done!

Good Luck on the MD appointment.

One thing i forgot-it could be hormone issues.

mitch16

Checking in with your doctor is a good idea.

Any consideration into it being related to the time of year? The shorter days, the colder weather--kind of makes me want to crawl into bed and hibernate like a bear. Just a thought...