Dealing with fatigue

CherylG1983

I need some advice. I am dealing with some pretty serious fatigue, and it's getting in the way of my workouts, and when I do get to a workout, I find I don't have as much energy as usual. I've had bloodwork done, and all is normal. I don't have depression, so that doesn't explain it either. I eat very healthy, exercise 30 minutes daily, some days more when I can fit a jog in. But for some reason, I can STILL nap like it's my job. I've even cut out starchy and refined carbs before 6 p.m. And the worst part is, I can't stop it from happening. It just takes over and I'm out for at least two hours. I don't get it... Open to hearing any suggestions. I'm at my wit's end.

spah33

I was really tired for a while when I first cut my carbs and calories. You didn't mention how long you've been working out/ eating differently etc...

AliceDark

You're not eating enough calories. Your body needs fuel in order to function, and you're not putting enough fuel in for it to keep running all day.

_Southern_Comfort_

I agree, on the average day, you need to be eating more.

CherylG1983

I can't eat any more than I already am. If I were to increase my calorie intake, it would have to be from eating crappy food, which I don't want to do.

amberj32

AliceDark wrote: »

You're not eating enough calories. Your body needs fuel in order to function, and you're not putting enough fuel in for it to keep running all day.

I agree with this!! ^^^^

You can eat more and not eat "crappy" food.

jillmarie125

ok- if you don't want to eat more and your blood work is normal...what kind of answer are you looking for? Not to be rude, but well... you say you are eating 800 calories a day...what did you expect to hear?

dbmata

cherylmurray83 wrote: »

I can't eat any more than I already am. If I were to increase my calorie intake, it would have to be from eating crappy food, which I don't want to do.

lol. No.

You're chronically under eating, and now reaping the "benefit."

Continue eating as you are and continue feeling as you are or worse.
Or.
Increase intake.

brandigyrl81

-Are you getting enough sleep at night? For me, if I don't get my 8 hours of sleep, then I'm no good throughout the day.
-Do you drink coffee in the morning? Sometimes, when I drink coffee in the morning around 9, I "crash" early in the afternoon and I feel like I need a nap, urgently.
-Could it be SAD (Seasonal Affect Disorder)? Since it's significantly colder out and gets dark earlier, that may play a role as well.

CherylG1983

I never said I eat 800 calories a day. Someone went into my diary and picked a day that only had 800 calories because I SLEPT for four hours that day and missed a snack and a full meal. I typically eat between 1200 and 1500 calories a day, so this "not eating enough" business is BS. I'm not an idiot, I know how to eat and what to eat and when to eat.

wilsoncl6

Eat more calories. You want to reach a level where you are not full but satiated most of the time without cravings but aren't hungry all of the time either. Daily persistent hunger is a good sign that you either aren't eating enough or enough of the right foods. Eat high protein, high fiber, nutrient dense foods such as beans, nuts, lean meats and some dairy that takes longer to digest and provides a continuous stream of energy. Stay away from high sugar items as they can cause crashes.

brandigyrl81

*SAD = Seasonal Affective Disorder

jillmarie125

cherylmurray83 wrote: »

I never said I eat 800 calories a day. Someone went into my diary and picked a day that only had 800 calories because I SLEPT for four hours that day and missed a snack and a full meal. I typically eat between 1200 and 1500 calories a day, so this "not eating enough" business is BS. I'm not an idiot, I know how to eat and what to eat and when to eat.

No one said you were an idiot. Over the past 10 days your calories average 1220. Try adding 200 to 300 calories a day. It will most likely help with your fatigue.

rml_16

cherylmurray83 wrote: »

I need some advice. I am dealing with some pretty serious fatigue, and it's getting in the way of my workouts, and when I do get to a workout, I find I don't have as much energy as usual. I've had bloodwork done, and all is normal. I don't have depression, so that doesn't explain it either. I eat very healthy, exercise 30 minutes daily, some days more when I can fit a jog in. But for some reason, I can STILL nap like it's my job. I've even cut out starchy and refined carbs before 6 p.m. And the worst part is, I can't stop it from happening. It just takes over and I'm out for at least two hours. I don't get it... Open to hearing any suggestions. I'm at my wit's end.

Get a second opinion and ask to see a specialist. Unless this is temporary and PMS-related, something is wrong.

I recommend a gynecologist and an endocrinologist.

CherylG1983

misskittyninja wrote: »

Okay this might help you. http://www.livestrong.com/article/34818-highcalorie-foods/

Not sure about your dietary requirements though. But heaps of awesome tips.

This is helpful, and I will try to incorporate more of these things into my diet.

As for SAD, I was diagnosed with it about 7 years ago, but I haven't experienced the effects of it as far as sadness/depression in a few years. Is it possible to have SAD and not have those symptoms? Just the fatigue?

jillmarie125

cherylmurray83 wrote: »

misskittyninja wrote: »

Okay this might help you. http://www.livestrong.com/article/34818-highcalorie-foods/

Not sure about your dietary requirements though. But heaps of awesome tips.

This is helpful, and I will try to incorporate more of these things into my diet.

As for SAD, I was diagnosed with it about 7 years ago, but I haven't experienced the effects of it as far as sadness/depression in a few years. Is it possible to have SAD and not have those symptoms? Just the fatigue?

So you are going the depression route and over looking the suggestions of eating more? Just so I know...I will stop checking this thread and replying with sound advice.

skullshank

cherylmurray83 wrote: »

I'm not an idiot, I know how to eat and what to eat and when to eat.

who said you were?

cherylmurray83 wrote: »

I can't eat any more than I already am. If I were to increase my calorie intake, it would have to be from eating crappy food, which I don't want to do.

why's that now?

Skinny_minny_mo

have you tried a vit b5 injection?

brandigyrl81

"As for SAD, I was diagnosed with it about 7 years ago, but I haven't experienced the effects of it as far as sadness/depression in a few years. Is it possible to have SAD and not have those symptoms? Just the fatigue?"


I think it's possible to feel more fatigued during the colder/darker months without actually feeling depressed and sad.
I looked at your diary and it looks to me like you're eating enough.

mojohowitz

cherylmurray83 wrote: »

I never said I eat 800 calories a day. Someone went into my diary and picked a day that only had 800 calories because I SLEPT for four hours that day and missed a snack and a full meal. I typically eat between 1200 and 1500 calories a day, so this "not eating enough" business is BS. I'm not an idiot, I know how to eat and what to eat and when to eat.

Hangry!

jillmarie125

mojohowitz wrote: »

cherylmurray83 wrote: »

I never said I eat 800 calories a day. Someone went into my diary and picked a day that only had 800 calories because I SLEPT for four hours that day and missed a snack and a full meal. I typically eat between 1200 and 1500 calories a day, so this "not eating enough" business is BS. I'm not an idiot, I know how to eat and what to eat and when to eat.

Hangry!

but let's not talk about it. it must be something else.

ZiezieO

Some people just need more sleep than other people. I went to the doctor because I went through a spell of about a year where I needed to take cat naps and would be able to nap anywhere. She said that some people just have periods of change in their life where their body just needs to shut down a little extra. It's good that you have consulted your physician. If they aren't worried about it, I would just listen to your body and relax when you need to unless it's messing with your night time sleep.

chivalryder

Waiting for the mean people thread in 3.... 2..... 1.....

The0dora07

MY BF has to eat 3500 calories a day to maintain..of non-junky calories. It can be done, and I agree with everyone else; you're fatigue because you don't eat enough, and/or you don't get enough rest, or...you're hangry Good luck and get well

AsaThorsWoman

Yes...!!! I've been having this same issue. Sleeping 12 hours a night. I know it's SAD, I get it every year.

dbmata

cherylmurray83 wrote: »

I never said I eat 800 calories a day. Someone went into my diary and picked a day that only had 800 calories because I SLEPT for four hours that day and missed a snack and a full meal. I typically eat between 1200 and 1500 calories a day, so this "not eating enough" business is BS. I'm not an idiot, I know how to eat and what to eat and when to eat.

Then you're fine, stay the course. You're doing it right.

MyChocolateDiet

I'm sorry you are very tired. When you see your doctor mention your cal goals and whether you are acchieving them and ask for a nutritionist referral.

Also explore other ailments you have just in case there is a medical reason for your tireds. I just found out there is a medical reason for mine. There are many so you really need to go if you think it might be something.

In the meantime, I'd suggest meeting your cal goal more days than not. On the random day or days that you are only able to eat 800 cals because you fall asleep or for whatever other reason. Make up those calories on the following day. Otherwise if this happened two to three times a week you could be 800 to 2100 cals short on your weekly goal depending on which is your true cal goal and how many days that happend. Can you see how that could add up to being tired?

Good luck, I hope you come back to this thread when you DGAF about what people online say or at least care less enough to read the good suggestions others have given you and focus on those instead of the misunderstandings that might be going on.

Karen_DisneyFan

Hi Cheryl. I looked back at your diary for a couple weeks and it looks like you're averaging about 1000 calories net (after you subtract your exercise). Maybe try to eat back at least 1/2 of your workout calories for a few days and see if that helps with the fatigue. You can increase your calories without eating crap by just incorporating some good fats; some avocado or an extra serving of nuts or nut butter (mmm, peanut butter for me ).
Good luck to you - I hope you are able to figure out your fatigue issue.

MeanderingMammal

cherylmurray83 wrote: »

Open to hearing any suggestions. I'm at my wit's end.

Eat more. You're underfuelled.

It really is that simple

dbmata

MeanderingMammal wrote: »

cherylmurray83 wrote: »

Open to hearing any suggestions. I'm at my wit's end.

Eat more. You're underfuelled.

It really is that simple

Yeah, OP doesn't want to hear that, but that's the case.

jillmarie125

dbmata wrote: »

MeanderingMammal wrote: »

cherylmurray83 wrote: »

Open to hearing any suggestions. I'm at my wit's end.

Eat more. You're underfuelled.

It really is that simple

Yeah, OP doesn't want to hear that, but that's the case.

which makes me sad. because i actually have been there. but i listened to other people...still have managed to lose 87 pounds and well i have more energy than ever. At least I have never had to post the "help I am eating 1200 calorie diet and so hungry all the time" thread....because I think that post will be in 2 weeks.