Need help understanding body cues

MatthewLewis81

I've been logging here at MFP for almost two weeks now and have been at or under my calorie goal every day except one (about a 750-per-day deficit).

This is obviously not long enough for huge results, but I have definitely noticed some physical and mental symptoms of eating so little.

To start with, I'm having a much harder time focusing or concentrating. It's not just distraction from hunger (although I'm literally hungry all the time), but rather like my brain has slowed down and just isn't working as well as it did before I started reducing calories.

Second, I'm having trouble with my eyes hurting, burning, and not wanting to focus. Basically like being really, really tired all the time, even though I've been sleeping well and don't really feel tired otherwise.

Third, my mood has gone to pot. My wife tells me I'm cranky and irritable. I've noticed this to some extent, but most of the time I *think* I'm feeling in a fine mood only to find out I've been snapping at my family.

Fourth, I'm dizzy and have kind of a "reeling feeling" most of the time.

Most of these symptom are familiar enough when I haven't slept well enough for a period of time, but that's not the case right now. The only identifiable change has been going on a calorie-restricted diet.

I'm not hugely overweight - 220 lbs at 5' 11" tall and approximately 12-18% body fat (depending on which calculator I use). So I don't actually have that far to go before I'll be where I want to be. I've added near-daily brisk walks of 2+ miles, as well as weight training three times per week.

My question is, are all these symptoms a sign that I'm trying to do things too fast, or are they expected symptoms that I just need to plow through?

Thanks,

Matthew

Mitzigan94

I've been logging here at MFP for almost two weeks now and have been at or under my calorie goal every day except one (about a 750-per-day deficit).

This is obviously not long enough for huge results, but I have definitely noticed some physical and mental symptoms of eating so little.

To start with, I'm having a much harder time focusing or concentrating. It's not just distraction from hunger (although I'm literally hungry all the time), but rather like my brain has slowed down and just isn't working as well as it did before I started reducing calories.

Second, I'm having trouble with my eyes hurting, burning, and not wanting to focus. Basically like being really, really tired all the time, even though I've been sleeping well and don't really feel tired otherwise.

Third, my mood has gone to pot. My wife tells me I'm cranky and irritable. I've noticed this to some extent, but most of the time I *think* I'm feeling in a fine mood only to find out I've been snapping at my family.

Fourth, I'm dizzy and have kind of a "reeling feeling" most of the time.

Most of these symptom are familiar enough when I haven't slept well enough for a period of time, but that's not the case right now. The only identifiable change has been going on a calorie-restricted diet.

I'm not hugely overweight - 220 lbs at 5' 11" tall and approximately 12-18% body fat (depending on which calculator I use). So I don't actually have that far to go before I'll be where I want to be. I've added near-daily brisk walks of 2+ miles, as well as weight training three times per week.

My question is, are all these symptoms a sign that I'm trying to do things too fast, or are they expected symptoms that I just need to plow through?


Thanks,

Matthew

Have yountried upping your calories or eat at your bmr? For me the 1200 calorie goal on mfp is much better for short people only because it's too low. For your height, you must up your calori or eat at your b.m.r. Experiment with the calories. Say 1600 this week

Mitzigan94

Also from what u have posted regarding of ur behavio, tiredness.. that can only mean one thing. Youre probably not getting enough cals and nutrients for ur body

Pinkranger626

I would say from your description that you're not eating nearly enough calories. The other things of it could be that you're not eating enough good calories (fresh fruits, veggies, lean proteins) and maybe eating too much sodium? I can't see your diary so I don't know exactly what you're eating. You can adjust your plan for a more gradual weight loss, a 750 calorie deficit is going to be difficult since you don't have a ton to lose anyhow. And the fact that you're weight training 3 times a week means you're definitely going to need more food to help in muscle repair and building.

quirkytizzy

I'm with the others who suggest bumping up the calorie goal. A 750 deficit is HYYYYUUUGE. What you are experiencing are symptoms of hunger. Take steps to ease that by adding in healthier calories.