Any runners out there?

silkysly

I need some help with my diet. I eat along the GI to control migraines, but I don’t think I’m getting enough umph to run past 3-4 miles. I’m also trying to lose weight & I’m not seeing a big different. (4 lbs in a month) I eat around 1200 calories a day & weigh around 128ish. I’m hungry at night before I go to bed…, ARG! Help! Please & thank you.

PBmaria

1200 net calories? or just 1200 overall?
Sounds to me like you're not eating enough. One of the beauties of being a runner is we get to CARB UP!!

astroub

I love to run! I try to get in at least 3 runs a week in conjunction with other exercise. Are you getting enough protein? My daily intake is 30% .... hope this helps and good luck!!

PBmaria

Also, 4 pounds in a month is a great loss!!

DizzieLittleLifter

I'm not sure what you are asking about running? :laugh: You are glucose sensitive but are feeling fatigued because of the lack of carbs? You can get carbs in fibrous veggies like broccoli. It sounds like you have a complicated issue and should probably see a R.d. or at the very least a nutritionist. :flowerforyou:

aejbx4x7s

I agree that you might not be eating enough. Also, at 128lbs, 4lbs a month is a good pace. You don't have much to lose and 1lb/week is a good rate. You might try upping your calories some, but it would be difficult for you to lose more quickly. I am trying to lose 15lbs overall; the first 6-8 came off easily, but these last 7 are tougher. Slow and steady wins the race.

LilRedRooster

When I'm running, I don't aim for 1200 calories a day. Even eating back exercise calories so my net is around 1200 leaves me feeling dead and tired, and unable to get my long runs in with enough stamina. (And my long runs are a minimum of 10 miles, so I need to have that energy.)

So I aim more for 1600-1800 calories or so for net, for the most part, and keep my fat and protein levels up. The fat levels, I've noticed, make a big difference to me in my running. So things like nuts and avocado are staples in my diet. I also never go to bed completely hungry. If I'm hungry, I'll drink a protein shake before bed, because I don't like the feeling of being hungry, and don't think it's conducive to my metabolism being more efficient.

Changing that has allowed me to get past my plateau of that last 10 lbs, and I now have only six more to go to hit my goal weight.

kunibob

I really had to bump up my calories once I started running -- I eat about 1700-1900 a day now, and I was trying to do it on 1200-1400 before.

Agreed with others that 1 lb a week is a really good pace for your weight! The lower your weight, the harder it is to lose.

So I aim more for 1600-1800 calories or so for net, for the most part, and keep my fat and protein levels up. The fat levels, I've noticed, make a big difference to me in my running. So things like nuts and avocado are staples in my diet.

Wow, I'm glad I read this comment -- thank you for that! I was literally just about to make a post about fat levels, because I noticed that I tend to have quite a low-fat diet, and I was wondering how that was affecting me. I'll try adding some more healthy fats to my diet!

BECav0602

How often do you run? If you are running 3-4 miles 5 times a week you probably need to add more calories. You are hungry before bed because your body isn't getting enough fuel (that would be my guess anyways). If you would open your diary it would be easier for people to make suggestions.

However, I do high intensity workouts 5 times a week and eat about 1500-1600 calories a day. (Total, not net) Some days more depending on the calorie burn. I would try to up your calorie intake by 100 calories a day to see if that helps.

auticus

Yeah 120ish is teeny tiny. You aren't going to drop a ton of weight when you are that low. You are doing fine IMO.

silkysly

I can’t eat too many carbs because of the migraines…, sign.

bonastigg

Sounds the same to me, like you're not getting nearly enough calories. 1200 calories is really low and I believe would be reccommended for someone who was obese and trying to lose weight and you do NOT fall into that category. I would suggest ramping up your calories (with healthy foods of course) and I bet your energy would increase. I also run and while I weigh about 100 lbs more than you I have to get at minimum 1500 calories in during the day! I have enough energy to get my 3-4 mile run in, walk 2.25 miles, stationary bike for 30 minutes AND lift weights (not every day) as well as do extras like push mow the lawn or go swimming (and work and run around with 2 kids too!). Calories = energy!

silkysly

I think your right..., I need to take in more, but I can't do carbs because of the headaches.

silkysly

Yes.., I do.

silkysly

I eat my dinner & I’m full, but around 8pm I’m hungry again. I think I will snack on some nuts or something like that to bang it down. Thanks…

silkysly

I thought it was open.., I need to go do that. Thanks!

silkysly

(I just opened it) BTW.., I had to take some time off running for some medical testing. I’m fine, I’m just donating my kidney to a friend.

silkysly

I walk about 2 mies after to cool down. Thanks for the help, I so appreciate it!

auticus

Good luck

silkysly

Thank you!!