so TIRED! any ideas as to what i can do?

calliope_music

hi everyone. i have recently started cutting meat out of my diet and i have found that i am EXHAUSTED since doing so. like, i need a nap 2 hours after i have gotten up tired. i do take a vitamin with iron in it, so i don't think my iron is too low - although haven't had blood tests done.

are there any foods to help naturally give me energy? i have been trying some slower-digesting carbs like oatmeal, but that's not doing much. thanks!

lrodriguez83

Protein shakes maybe???

CatchThatKitten

Peanut Butter and honey

Cmuchoa

It could be anything and I would suggest that you see your primary care doctor and have him run blood work and any other tests that they feel is necessary - pls do not rely on this site for medical advice.

CountryDevil

You are not getting enough protein and need to replace it with something. Peanut Butter, protein shakes. nuts.

kimmerroze

I am just curious as to why you are cutting meat out of your diet?


I would say that you are tired because you are not getting enough protein in your diet. which is a direct result of cutting meat out if you don't know how to get a substantial amount from other foods.

derbylea

Is there any chance you could be diabetic or pre diabetic? Perhaps with the cutting of the meat you have upped the carbs, which in turn (if you are diabetic or pre diabetic) could up your blood sugar? One of the main symptoms of diabetes is this overwhelming feeling of tiredness. Another symptom is extreme thirst. If thats not the case then I would look for some vegetarian meals that have soy protein in them. I am sure a quick search on the web would lead you to some good recipes. Eggs are a good source of protein if you are not a strict vegetarian.

Onesnap

Make sure to include healthy lean protein in every meal. Get it from real, whole foods versus processed protein shakes.

You can make things like quinoa and incorporate things like beans and tofu into your meals.

Check out Everyday Food magazine (there's also free recipes online) and www.dailygarnish.com for healthy recipes without meat.

bcattoes

I took a glance at the last few days of your diary and you are under on protein almost daily, sometimes way under. That is likely why you are tired. Try adding more nuts (or nut butters), beans, tofu, eggs, or low fat dairy to your diet. Your body needs a good mix of protein, good carbs (veggies/fruit/whole grains) and good fat to function at it's best.

Tennis2Win

Of course make sure something serious is not going on, but nuts, protein shakes will help. When I exercise I love the 5 hour energy shot. I'm NOT a coffee drinker and it helps me get a little more pep in my step. Hang in there!

calliope_music

It could be anything and I would suggest that you see your primary care doctor and have him run blood work and any other tests that they feel is necessary - pls do not rely on this site for medical advice.

i have an appointment next month with my doctor - the soonest they could get me in and i made this appointment in JUNE. crazy.

daniellerp

I get a vitamin B12 shot once a week and it's awesome for energy

koosdel

Get some rest!!!!!!!!!!!!

You haven't had a single rest day this month, take it easy for a few days.

l3ugjuice

You need to eat protein, which is typically found in the meats you just cut out of your diet.

yes, there are natural foods that add this. These magical, natural foods are called "meat". If you have some specific reason for cutting meat out of your diet and dont want to add it back, you need to find another way to supliment your protein intake. So...nuts, eggs, fish, whey protein shakes, etc. Quiona is probably a good vegan protein replacement, but I sure as heck cant figure out how to cook it. I've read some quiona faux-risotto recipees that may be good

lind3400

Protein Builds muscle make sure your using alternatives!!! Like PB, Protein powder, QUinoa, BEANS

fitniknik

I would eat meat again... seems pretty simple!

Humans are meant to eat meat and vegetation! You cant cut a whole food group out of your life and expect to feel the exact same way you felt before you cut it out!

dayzeerock

Any time you "cut something out" of your diet, you need to replace it with something. I'm not saying to not cut out meat (I'm a vegan, afterall!), but I'm saying when you cut out something that provides you certain nutrients, you need to make sure they are replaced. What are you eating for protein and iron now that you are cutting down on meat? Make sure you are eating foods rich in these nutrients, like beans, legumes, and dark greens.

dayzeerock

I would eat meat again... seems pretty simple!

Humans are meant to eat meat and vegetation! You cant cut a whole food group out of your life and expect to feel the exact same way you felt before you cut it out!

Ummm....seriously? And how much nutritional training have you had exactly?

starracer23

You can get plenty of iron and protein w/o eating meat...You just need to make sure that you are replacing meat with something that is still good for you and supplies you with what your body needs to sustain it's self.

You could be anemic, you could be sleeping too much, you may not be getting "good" sleep at night....there could be so many different reasons why you are feeling tired.

Next time you feel tired, try taking a power nap...fall asleep for only 5 mins. Then get up and m-o-v-e your body. Turn on some music and dance around for the whole song...do 50 jumping jacks...skip around....do something to get your blood pumping.

calliope_music

i will be going shopping this weekend and buying nuts, quinoa, nut butters, etc this weekend. i needed another paycheck! but thank you for the ideas.

yes, i will try rest more!

i have stopped eating meat for ethical reasons, but i still eat dairy and eggs, so i will add more of those. i do also eat soy products.

thank you for your suggestions!

l3ugjuice

Ummm....seriously? And how much nutritional training have you had exactly?

I'm not sure how much 'nutritional training' is necessary to recognize that protein is kinda important, and cutting it out of your diet is likely to have consequences. Pretty standard, simple stuff really. Kinda like asking someone how much legal training they have had if they tell you you might get a ticket for running a redlight.

All of you condescending MFP forum-warriors really crack me up.

calliope_music

sorry that my response above appeared to be completely incoherent, as well.

- i probably do need to rest more. i have a high stress job, and i actually feel antsy when i am just sitting around. one of my life goals is actually learning how to relax, haha.

- i have an appointment with a doctor for a physical/bloodwork early next month. i am also trying to get a nutritionist appointment so that i can really understand what is best for me to eat without eating meat.

- i eat eggs, cheese, yogurt, etc. and prefer greek yogurt. i will eat more of these. we have them in the fridge right now. i also eat soy products, and am planning on incorporating more into my diet. i am also aware that lentils, quinoa, beans, etc have lots of protein/fiber in them. i just haven't had the chance to get to Whole Paycheck (err, Whole Foods) which has the best selection in terms of things like that around here. i will be going tomorrow after i get paid.

i do thank you all for your suggestions, though. i will add more nuts and nut butters, dark leafy greens, etc. into my diet. i know they are good sources of essential nutrients, i just can't seem to remember that while i'm at the store shopping.

quietlywinning

Meat provides lots of B vitamins, too - protein is only one nutrient you are missing.

meggers123

i have stopped eating meat for ethical reasons, but i still eat dairy and eggs, so i will add more of those. i do also eat soy products.

Good for you, making ethical choices. Not to be a debbie downer, but a lot of dairy/eggs come from animals that are also treated like crap. I *do* eat meat [local, organic and/or hunted... free, organic, forrest living. ], some dairy and loooooove eggs... but only organic, free range, small/local farmes, etc.

While buying eggs and dairy, keep an eye out for cage free, land-raised, organic sybols since these animals are not being force-fed, pumped full of yuckiness and the likes.

Foods and approx. amounts of protein (grams)
Egg, large - 6 grams protein
Milk, 1 cup - 8 grams
Cottage cheese, ½ cup - 15 grams
Yogurt, 1 cup – usually 8-12 grams, check label
Soft cheeses (Mozzarella, Brie, Camembert) – 6 grams per oz
Medium cheeses (Cheddar, Swiss) – 7 or 8 grams per oz
Hard cheeses (Parmesan) – 10 grams per oz

Tofu, ½ cup 20 grams protein
Tofu, 1 oz, 2.3 grams
Soy milk, 1 cup - 6 -10 grams
Most beans (black, pinto, lentils, etc) about 7-10 grams protein per half cup of cooked beans
Soy beans, ½ cup cooked – 14 grams protein
Split peas, ½ cup cooked – 8 grams
Peanut butter, 2 Tablespoons - 8 grams protein
Almonds, ¼ cup – 8 grams
Peanuts, ¼ cup – 9 grams
Cashews, ¼ cup – 5 grams
Pecans, ¼ cup – 2.5 grams
Sunflower seeds, ¼ cup – 6 grams
Pumpkin seeds, ¼ cup – 8 grams
Flax seeds – ¼ cup – 8 grams

lind3400

MMMM Vanilla SILK soy milk sooooooo good taste like a vanilla milkshake

AlsDonkBoxSquat

Sounds like you need iron and more sources of protein. Take suppliments and eat more beans, maybe some quinoa, legumes, what not.

bbjnkidz

Jillian Michaels wrote a book called "Master Your Metabolism". I highly reccomment it. She goes into a lot of things that cause fatigue that you wouldn't expect. This book isn't about exercise, or about dieting, but rather about the effect certain foods, products, enviromental issues, etc have on your body. It is a very interesting book - I was amazed! It also has a companion cookbook. Check it out, you may be surprised at the things that are affecting your health.

fitniknik

Ummm....seriously? And how much nutritional training have you had exactly?

I'm not sure how much 'nutritional training' is necessary to recognize that protein is kinda important, and cutting it out of your diet is likely to have consequences. Pretty standard, simple stuff really. Kinda like asking someone how much legal training they have had if they tell you you might get a ticket for running a redlight.

All of you condescending MFP forum-warriors really crack me up.

Thank you!

xxrouguexx

I have the same issues when I am trying to lose weight, I still eat meat, but its the reduced portions at each meal which make you feel so exhausted - I recently started having as a snacke 1 piece of light oatmeal or wheat toast topped with 1 teaspoon of nutella twice a day. Nutella has the same nutrition as peanut butter, but its chocolate flavored. Its a little protein booast with out going over your daily calories. You could also try adding a tablespoon of sliced almonds to salad, they too are packed with protein. If the only reason you cut meat out of your diet is for health reasons, try eating fish 3x a week.

katmett

Iron...Make sure you are getting enough green leafy like veggies or foods with iron and protien. It's amazing what a lack of iron does to a person, which meat has a lot of!