Keto energy slump

Strawberrygrl
Strawberrygrl Posts: 147 Member
edited November 28 in Health and Weight Loss
Keto peeps, I am little over a month into keto. The first couple of weeks, I had a burst of energy that I never experienced before. I was all over the place and able to do anything. I was cooking all day, cleaning all day, etc. Now, that burst of energy is gone for some reason. I have no motivation to do anything anymore. I am strict keto and have not wavered at all from the diet, I take both a multivitamin and magnesium at night, I add potassium salt to every bottle of water I drink through the day, and I follow the exact same routine that I had when I was bursting with energy. Has anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions for what is going on or what I need to be doing?
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Replies

  • happytree923
    happytree923 Posts: 463 Member
    The problem is you're not eating carbs which is a much more readily available energy source for your body. Maybe try regular low carb instead of strict keto.

    Keto is not about not eating carbs, although some people do follow keto taking in no carbs. I am not one of them. I am getting the required amount of carbs a day per my macro count. 5% carbs, 70% fat, and 25% protein.

    5% carbs is nothing which is why it is not enough to keep your body out of ketosis. Keto wouldn't be keto if you could get all the energy you need from 5% carbohydrate. My post probably should have said almost no carbs but I had the exact same experience when I was trying low carb.
  • Strawberrygrl
    Strawberrygrl Posts: 147 Member
    heybales wrote: »
    Some that go on keto discover they are creating too big a deficit.

    So just like any other diet that could cause just fat loss - bigger is not always better - and body adapts to bigger than it wants by slowing you down so you burn less. Which obviously makes the deficit smaller.

    If that's not enough adapting to limit a crazy situation, that's where the hair can start falling out, nails get brittle and stop growing, skin replacement slows and gets bad, ect.

    So just because a diet can make it easier to adhere and not feel hungry, doesn't mean you shouldn't be eating enough.

    Just as you can have vitamin & mineral deficiency at a level that causes harm but may take a bit of time to show up - so also with calorie deficiency.

    I mention this because you didn't share any details regarding calorie burning or eating level - so it may not have come to mind, thinking it's only related to keto aspect of diet.

    Because no, I didn't experience that.
    Actually, I'm odd ball because I can go into keto without having brain fog either for period of time.

    I don't really exercise, so as far as burning calories due to exercise, there is no burning of calories that I record on my food log to deduct from my macros. I follow my macros as closely as possible each day in my log. I am within my calorie range since MFP does not allow logging when you are under 1000 calories (I usually stay within the lower range of what MFP gives me to fulfill my calories), and I usually stay within 10 g of both my fat and protein but I almost always stay under my macros. There are days when I reach my max amount or go over a gram or two, but most often it stays within 10 g of reaching max amount.
  • rsclause
    rsclause Posts: 3,103 Member
    I can't remember where I saw it but is it not correct that carbs are something the body can do without completely? I don't do this and obviously you would need to replace those calories. I am asking this not telling this.
  • Strawberrygrl
    Strawberrygrl Posts: 147 Member
    edited September 2018
    rsclause wrote: »
    I can't remember where I saw it but is it not correct that carbs are something the body can do without completely? I don't do this and obviously you would need to replace those calories. I am asking this not telling this.

    I don't know of anyone that does this, but I believe this is true because I have read that some people are able to do a no carb diet and be fine. Ketosis is where the body grabs fat for fuel. No carbs means that it grabs the fats instead that are taken in and stored instead of immediately using the carbs that enter the body. Either way, the body gets energy. Fat is the backup source when carbs are not taken in.
  • This content has been removed.
  • Strawberrygrl
    Strawberrygrl Posts: 147 Member
    Because carbs = energy?!?

    The sugars get absorbed and used as energy. Correct.
  • NovusDies
    NovusDies Posts: 8,940 Member
    edited September 2018
    heybales wrote: »
    Some that go on keto discover they are creating too big a deficit.

    So just like any other diet that could cause just fat loss - bigger is not always better - and body adapts to bigger than it wants by slowing you down so you burn less. Which obviously makes the deficit smaller.

    If that's not enough adapting to limit a crazy situation, that's where the hair can start falling out, nails get brittle and stop growing, skin replacement slows and gets bad, ect.

    So just because a diet can make it easier to adhere and not feel hungry, doesn't mean you shouldn't be eating enough.

    Just as you can have vitamin & mineral deficiency at a level that causes harm but may take a bit of time to show up - so also with calorie deficiency.

    I mention this because you didn't share any details regarding calorie burning or eating level - so it may not have come to mind, thinking it's only related to keto aspect of diet.

    Because no, I didn't experience that.
    Actually, I'm odd ball because I can go into keto without having brain fog either for period of time.

    I don't really exercise, so as far as burning calories due to exercise, there is no burning of calories that I record on my food log to deduct from my macros. I follow my macros as closely as possible each day in my log. I am within my calorie range since MFP does not allow logging when you are under 1000 calories (I usually stay within the lower range of what MFP gives me to fulfill my calories), and I usually stay within 10 g of both my fat and protein but I almost always stay under my macros. There are days when I reach my max amount or go over a gram or two, but most often it stays within 10 g of reaching max amount.


    There is a max amount of carbs because of keto but not a max amount of protein or fat for most people (people without certain medical problems).

    What is your age, current weight, goal weight, gender, height, and activity level? What other benefits are you getting from Keto that are worth the energy slump if it persists?
  • kimny72
    kimny72 Posts: 16,011 Member
    heybales wrote: »
    Some that go on keto discover they are creating too big a deficit.

    So just like any other diet that could cause just fat loss - bigger is not always better - and body adapts to bigger than it wants by slowing you down so you burn less. Which obviously makes the deficit smaller.

    If that's not enough adapting to limit a crazy situation, that's where the hair can start falling out, nails get brittle and stop growing, skin replacement slows and gets bad, ect.

    So just because a diet can make it easier to adhere and not feel hungry, doesn't mean you shouldn't be eating enough.

    Just as you can have vitamin & mineral deficiency at a level that causes harm but may take a bit of time to show up - so also with calorie deficiency.

    I mention this because you didn't share any details regarding calorie burning or eating level - so it may not have come to mind, thinking it's only related to keto aspect of diet.

    Because no, I didn't experience that.
    Actually, I'm odd ball because I can go into keto without having brain fog either for period of time.

    I don't really exercise, so as far as burning calories due to exercise, there is no burning of calories that I record on my food log to deduct from my macros. I follow my macros as closely as possible each day in my log. I am within my calorie range since MFP does not allow logging when you are under 1000 calories (I usually stay within the lower range of what MFP gives me to fulfill my calories), and I usually stay within 10 g of both my fat and protein but I almost always stay under my macros. There are days when I reach my max amount or go over a gram or two, but most often it stays within 10 g of reaching max amount.

    It's possible you're undereating, which can cause fatigue regardless of macro distribution.

    What is your height and weight, and about how many calories are you averaging per day? How much weight have you lost since you started keto?
  • Strawberrygrl
    Strawberrygrl Posts: 147 Member
    I have a lot more energy on keto, the only time I have a slump in energy is when I’m due on my period, I feel low moods, drained, sluggish and tired a couple of days before and a few days into it.

    I would see your doctor if it continues, it could be something else causing it and not keto

    Thank you. That was helpful and might be the cause. :)
  • Strawberrygrl
    Strawberrygrl Posts: 147 Member
    heybales wrote: »
    NovusDies wrote: »
    heybales wrote: »
    Some that go on keto discover they are creating too big a deficit.

    So just like any other diet that could cause just fat loss - bigger is not always better - and body adapts to bigger than it wants by slowing you down so you burn less. Which obviously makes the deficit smaller.

    If that's not enough adapting to limit a crazy situation, that's where the hair can start falling out, nails get brittle and stop growing, skin replacement slows and gets bad, ect.

    So just because a diet can make it easier to adhere and not feel hungry, doesn't mean you shouldn't be eating enough.

    Just as you can have vitamin & mineral deficiency at a level that causes harm but may take a bit of time to show up - so also with calorie deficiency.

    I mention this because you didn't share any details regarding calorie burning or eating level - so it may not have come to mind, thinking it's only related to keto aspect of diet.

    Because no, I didn't experience that.
    Actually, I'm odd ball because I can go into keto without having brain fog either for period of time.

    I don't really exercise, so as far as burning calories due to exercise, there is no burning of calories that I record on my food log to deduct from my macros. I follow my macros as closely as possible each day in my log. I am within my calorie range since MFP does not allow logging when you are under 1000 calories (I usually stay within the lower range of what MFP gives me to fulfill my calories), and I usually stay within 10 g of both my fat and protein but I almost always stay under my macros. There are days when I reach my max amount or go over a gram or two, but most often it stays within 10 g of reaching max amount.


    There is a max amount of carbs because of keto but not a max amount of protein or fat for most people (people without certain medical problems).

    What is your age, current weight, goal weight, gender, height, and activity level? What other benefits are you getting from Keto that are worth the energy slump if it persists?

    40, 160 lbs, 135 lbs, F, 5' 7.5", and I don't have much activity except for walking as needed throughout the day. I no longer have digestive issues that I had weekly not being on keto. I have never had an issue since starting keto. I have lost a few pounds and inches off my waist which is nice, and I have yet to have another migraine. My acne seems to have cleared up dramatically as well.

    Oh - 500 cal max deficit then - you are way too much attempting 1000.

    And you probably have the activity level wrong too - making deficit bigger.
    Sedentary is really bump on a log 7 days a week - no kids or pets, no household duties - less than 4K steps.

    Desk job with minimal walking, home to chair and TV/computer, bed - that's sedentary.

    Yes, it is set to sedentary. MFP will not let me log my food diary if I am under 1000 calories because it deems the lack of calories as unhealthy. MFP set my goal to 1391 so to log I have to be within 1000-1391.
  • Strawberrygrl
    Strawberrygrl Posts: 147 Member
    kimny72 wrote: »
    heybales wrote: »
    NovusDies wrote: »
    heybales wrote: »
    Some that go on keto discover they are creating too big a deficit.

    So just like any other diet that could cause just fat loss - bigger is not always better - and body adapts to bigger than it wants by slowing you down so you burn less. Which obviously makes the deficit smaller.

    If that's not enough adapting to limit a crazy situation, that's where the hair can start falling out, nails get brittle and stop growing, skin replacement slows and gets bad, ect.

    So just because a diet can make it easier to adhere and not feel hungry, doesn't mean you shouldn't be eating enough.

    Just as you can have vitamin & mineral deficiency at a level that causes harm but may take a bit of time to show up - so also with calorie deficiency.

    I mention this because you didn't share any details regarding calorie burning or eating level - so it may not have come to mind, thinking it's only related to keto aspect of diet.

    Because no, I didn't experience that.
    Actually, I'm odd ball because I can go into keto without having brain fog either for period of time.

    I don't really exercise, so as far as burning calories due to exercise, there is no burning of calories that I record on my food log to deduct from my macros. I follow my macros as closely as possible each day in my log. I am within my calorie range since MFP does not allow logging when you are under 1000 calories (I usually stay within the lower range of what MFP gives me to fulfill my calories), and I usually stay within 10 g of both my fat and protein but I almost always stay under my macros. There are days when I reach my max amount or go over a gram or two, but most often it stays within 10 g of reaching max amount.


    There is a max amount of carbs because of keto but not a max amount of protein or fat for most people (people without certain medical problems).

    What is your age, current weight, goal weight, gender, height, and activity level? What other benefits are you getting from Keto that are worth the energy slump if it persists?

    40, 160 lbs, 135 lbs, F, 5' 7.5", and I don't have much activity except for walking as needed throughout the day. I no longer have digestive issues that I had weekly not being on keto. I have never had an issue since starting keto. I have lost a few pounds and inches off my waist which is nice, and I have yet to have another migraine. My acne seems to have cleared up dramatically as well.

    Oh - 500 cal max deficit then - you are way too much attempting 1000.

    And you probably have the activity level wrong too - making deficit bigger.
    Sedentary is really bump on a log 7 days a week - no kids or pets, no household duties - less than 4K steps.

    Desk job with minimal walking, home to chair and TV/computer, bed - that's sedentary.

    Yes, it is set to sedentary. MFP will not let me log my food diary if I am under 1000 calories because it deems the lack of calories as unhealthy. MFP set my goal to 1391 so to log I have to be within 1000-1391.

    This is why you are lacking energy. You are under fueling your body so it is trying to get you to stop moving and using up what little fuel you are giving it. It is asking you to stop and eat. With your stats, 1 lb per week would be a realistic goal, and you need to eat your calories if you want to feel well. Eat more :smiley:

    I take in roughly 1200 per day, whatever the max amount of what my fat and protein are. If I don't hit my max, I try to get within 10g of my max to get as close as I can to the max. 1 lb per week would be great for me, but since starting keto a little over a month ago, I have only lost 3 lbs and 2.5" off my waist. So I should just do lazy keto and worry about staying under my carbs and just eat no matter what the grams of fat and protein are? (I'm legitimately asking, not being sarcastic- lol)
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    edited September 2018
    You need to eat more calories. Using scoobysworkshop TDEE calculator set at lightly active, I get this for you...

    s7z5q56sz3p6.jpg

    BMR is the amount of calories if you were bed-ridden, absolutely no exercise. You're eating 250 calories UNDER that!!! 1600 calories looks like a good place to start.
  • Unknown
    edited September 2018
    This content has been removed.
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    kimny72 wrote: »
    heybales wrote: »
    NovusDies wrote: »
    heybales wrote: »
    Some that go on keto discover they are creating too big a deficit.

    So just like any other diet that could cause just fat loss - bigger is not always better - and body adapts to bigger than it wants by slowing you down so you burn less. Which obviously makes the deficit smaller.

    If that's not enough adapting to limit a crazy situation, that's where the hair can start falling out, nails get brittle and stop growing, skin replacement slows and gets bad, ect.

    So just because a diet can make it easier to adhere and not feel hungry, doesn't mean you shouldn't be eating enough.

    Just as you can have vitamin & mineral deficiency at a level that causes harm but may take a bit of time to show up - so also with calorie deficiency.

    I mention this because you didn't share any details regarding calorie burning or eating level - so it may not have come to mind, thinking it's only related to keto aspect of diet.

    Because no, I didn't experience that.
    Actually, I'm odd ball because I can go into keto without having brain fog either for period of time.

    I don't really exercise, so as far as burning calories due to exercise, there is no burning of calories that I record on my food log to deduct from my macros. I follow my macros as closely as possible each day in my log. I am within my calorie range since MFP does not allow logging when you are under 1000 calories (I usually stay within the lower range of what MFP gives me to fulfill my calories), and I usually stay within 10 g of both my fat and protein but I almost always stay under my macros. There are days when I reach my max amount or go over a gram or two, but most often it stays within 10 g of reaching max amount.


    There is a max amount of carbs because of keto but not a max amount of protein or fat for most people (people without certain medical problems).

    What is your age, current weight, goal weight, gender, height, and activity level? What other benefits are you getting from Keto that are worth the energy slump if it persists?

    40, 160 lbs, 135 lbs, F, 5' 7.5", and I don't have much activity except for walking as needed throughout the day. I no longer have digestive issues that I had weekly not being on keto. I have never had an issue since starting keto. I have lost a few pounds and inches off my waist which is nice, and I have yet to have another migraine. My acne seems to have cleared up dramatically as well.

    Oh - 500 cal max deficit then - you are way too much attempting 1000.

    And you probably have the activity level wrong too - making deficit bigger.
    Sedentary is really bump on a log 7 days a week - no kids or pets, no household duties - less than 4K steps.

    Desk job with minimal walking, home to chair and TV/computer, bed - that's sedentary.

    Yes, it is set to sedentary. MFP will not let me log my food diary if I am under 1000 calories because it deems the lack of calories as unhealthy. MFP set my goal to 1391 so to log I have to be within 1000-1391.

    This is why you are lacking energy. You are under fueling your body so it is trying to get you to stop moving and using up what little fuel you are giving it. It is asking you to stop and eat. With your stats, 1 lb per week would be a realistic goal, and you need to eat your calories if you want to feel well. Eat more :smiley:

    I take in roughly 1200 per day, whatever the max amount of what my fat and protein are. If I don't hit my max, I try to get within 10g of my max to get as close as I can to the max. 1 lb per week would be great for me, but since starting keto a little over a month ago, I have only lost 3 lbs and 2.5" off my waist. So I should just do lazy keto and worry about staying under my carbs and just eat no matter what the grams of fat and protein are? (I'm legitimately asking, not being sarcastic- lol)

    1200 calories is not a magic number. You can eat 1200 calories and still be underfueling. Especially if you chose the most aggressive weight loss goal (2 pounds per week).
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