Possibly stupid question

debi_f

I've had some significant weight loss in the last several months (roughly one third of my body weight), and I consider that a huge success. Here's the possibly stupid part, though: for the past week or so, I just feel weak. I'm eating fairly well (a few indescretions here and there) and exercizing daily, so shoukdn't I be feeling stronger? Why does my daily workout feel harder than before?

Anyone else have this problem?

ironanimal

You have less energy stored on your body. What kind of intake do you aim for daily? If you're at goal, you can try and up the calories some now until your weight holds steady and your energy levels are back to normal.

jazzygrace123

Have you tried B-12? Your body still needs nutrients that give you energy.

Heitor70

Perhaps you need more protein?

roberts1013

I would suggest eating some more of your exercise calories back for awhile to get your strength back up.

californiagirl2012

I have not had at that problem and I lost that amount of weight. You need to look at your diet, make sure you are getting enough of everything. I take an electrolyte (emergen-C sports zero calorie and it has vitamin B-12 like jazzy grace says) but I eat pretty healthy even if some people here think it's too low. I have plenty of energy, don't get fatigued and I don't get sick.

I you are eating enough and healthy and it keeps up I would go see a doctor. There are all kinds of things that can cause this, thyroid, adrenal fatigue, and the list goes on. Doctors can look at your lab results to help determine if something is amiss.

SirRunningShorts

Protein and Carbs.. Carbs aren't the enemy in moderation. Also If you are working out 7 days a week, your muscles might not be having a chance to repair, which would actually make you weaker.

pigeonhugger

Personally, because you have lost so much weight I would focus on maintaining your weight for a month or two before loosing more weight.

firstsip

If it's only been a short period like a week, it's also possible you're fighting something :P I thought I was also feeling weak from purely diet/fitness standpoints... then lo and behold, I had some sort of virus that I was fighting off.

Your increased fitness could be why you're not getting super severe symptoms, because of a stronger immune system, but you feel weaker overall.

See if resting for a day or two improves your strength & health.

LordBear

it could be a few different things such as other have mentioned..it could also be that maybe you are working harder or training more?? i always feel week and tired and sore.. but at same time my intensity has increased im working out longer and i am doing more and more every day that i havent done in years. and i am hitting my body hard and it is in shock im sure and im not giving it much if any time to recover. u could be doing something like this and not even realizing it.

so i would think about it.. maybe takes some vitamins, have a few more carbs before working out and maybe talk to a doc that might know something...it is possible maybe something else is going on with ur body..maybe fighting off a cold and not even know it.?... either way keep up the good work

mollysonnotice

I just looked through your diary for the past couple weeks and I noticed something. You are constantly averaging 1000cal intake PLUS your workout. Now, I know I shouldn't be talking much about that because I have that problem too sometimes, but still. You need more nutrients and calories, you dont have enough to run on. And you've met your goal, so I would aim for 1500-1800 NET cals a day, if at all possible. Don't make a sudden jump, but start increasing your cals by 100 every two weeks or so and take a rest day, you don't want the weakness, right? So rest, eat healthy, but eat enough.

heddy90

Looking at your diary it seems like you have quite a few days where you work out a lot, and eat 1200 calories or under. No wonder you don't have much energy! You need to fuel your body some more. I don't say you need to eat ALL your exercise calories back, but you should eat more than 1100-1200 calories a day when you're working out hard and burning as much as you seem to do.

Nerdy_Rose

Eat more.

AllonsYtotheTardis

I was getting to that point and it seemed like a combination for me - I needed a little more sleep and a little more protein.

It looks like you usually have a lot of leftover calories because of your exercise. Try having a little more to eat - it might make a difference to how you feel.

debi_f

Wow, such quick responses!

I've upped my calorie allowances to a maintenance level (though freely admit to feelimg guilty for eatimg so much), but haven't tried B12. *note to self: look into better suplements*

Thanks

cocolo89

I just looked through your diary for the past couple weeks and I noticed something. You are constantly averaging 1000cal intake PLUS your workout. Now, I know I shouldn't be talking much about that because I have that problem too sometimes, but still. You need more nutrients and calories, you dont have enough to run on. And you've met your goal, so I would aim for 1500-1800 NET cals a day, if at all possible. Don't make a sudden jump, but start increasing your cals by 100 every two weeks or so and take a rest day, you don't want the weakness, right? So rest, eat healthy, but eat enough.

I was going to say the same thing. You eat very little while exercising soo much. Gradually increase your intake.

dwarfstarzero

This story is similar to mine, so here's some suggestions.

When I was zumbaing a few months ago this happened to me, I hit a wall where I just felt so weak I couldn't move some days, I've determined it was a nutritional failing matched with physical disorder, as the above people suggested, add some calories back, especially if you've added any sort of muscle-gaining routine into your workouts.

More variation of vitamins, and more protein will help bring the energy back, also consider taking a day off of exercise to recoup. If this is an on-going problem with weakness see a doctor. That's actually how I found out I had fibromyalgia. With some prescriptive drugs to help me through the rough days I've been able to climb back on the horse and workout regularly again.

Good luck! Hopefully it's simply nutritional, and you'll be back to normal in no time!

noogie98

This story is similar to mine, so here's some suggestions.

When I was zumbaing a few months ago this happened to me, I hit a wall where I just felt so weak I couldn't move some days, I've determined it was a nutritional failing matched with physical disorder, as the above people suggested, add some calories back, especially if you've added any sort of muscle-gaining routine into your workouts.

More variation of vitamins, and more protein will help bring the energy back, also consider taking a day off of exercise to recoup. If this is an on-going problem with weakness see a doctor. That's actually how I found out I had fibromyalgia. With some prescriptive drugs to help me through the rough days I've been able to climb back on the horse and workout regularly again.

Good luck! Hopefully it's simply nutritional, and you'll be back to normal in no time!

First, the only stupid question is an unasked one! Secondly, ^^^ This!! :flowerforyou:

smantha32

I just looked through your diary for the past couple weeks and I noticed something. You are constantly averaging 1000cal intake PLUS your workout. Now, I know I shouldn't be talking much about that because I have that problem too sometimes, but still. You need more nutrients and calories, you dont have enough to run on. And you've met your goal, so I would aim for 1500-1800 NET cals a day, if at all possible. Don't make a sudden jump, but start increasing your cals by 100 every two weeks or so and take a rest day, you don't want the weakness, right? So rest, eat healthy, but eat enough.

I was going to say the same thing. You eat very little while exercising soo much. Gradually increase your intake.

What these guys said. Under 1200 calories isn't enough food for you.

IronSmasher

Go and see a doctor

debi_f

Thank you everyone. I have to admit that I 'm terrified of waking up fat again, so when my calorie intake gets up over 700, I go out for another bike ride to compensate. it used to feel great, though! I will try to up my intake, slowly and "right" and consider taking a day off to rest.

Thanks again