Energy

stephaniejjenkins
stephaniejjenkins Posts: 3 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I do not have near the energy to do as much running as I did prior to following a low calorie diet. Suggestions? I usually have coffee (no sugar) and a scoop of peanut butter first.

Replies

  • spiriteagle99
    spiriteagle99 Posts: 3,740 Member
    Something with carbs like a banana or piece of toast would probably be better for your energy than peanut butter. I find eating fat before a run upsets my stomach. A light carb beforehand sits much better.
  • RunsWithBees
    RunsWithBees Posts: 1,508 Member
    I skip breakfast entirely and run on an empty stomach because I can’t stand to feel anything sloshing around in my stomach while I run. I have been maintaining for years but just out of curiosity I tried keto for supposed satiety. During the 6 months I was on keto I could run my regular schedule but it required much much more effort, like I was running through molasses every time... and I felt like I just generally didn’t have any energy. Well, for unrelated reasons I stopped the keto and as soon as I started eating carbs again I immediately felt my energy levels return and my running went back to normal again. I learned that my body just likes/needs carbs and keto is not for me, not to mention it did absolutely nothing for my satiety during those 6 months. Not sure what your diet looks like or what your calorie deficit is so I can only offer my personal experience from one runner to another :) also make sure you mention it to your doctor because low energy can be a symptom of so many issues. I had a full workup with my doc because I do have thyroid and anemia problems but in my case those levels were fine and it was just that my body craved carbs. Good luck :)
  • DancingMoosie
    DancingMoosie Posts: 8,619 Member
    I do better with fruit before a run or fruit with nuts/nut butter is fine. I had an egg last week and that was not good. I kept burping egg and felt like it was stuck up high instead of digesting.
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    It’s possible you may not be eating enough overall. Can you share more details so people can help you:
    How many calories do you eat per day?
    How much are you trying to lose weekly?
    Are you eating back your exercise calories?
  • steph6556
    steph6556 Posts: 575 Member
    I’m so thankful that you asked this question and after reading all the very informative responses I now know why my runs have felt like crap lately! When I wasn’t cutting or watching my calorie intake quite so hard I used to run with ease. My calories are now 1490 with a .5 per week loss and I always eat back my workout calories ( about 400 ) and still I feel sluggish but I push through anyway. After reading these helpful suggestions I’m going to bump up my carb intake which I’ve been avoiding. That’s why I love this community

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