feeling weak on the primal diet
nikibob
Posts: 165 Member
So, I started following my own version of the primal diet on Friday night. I have excluded sugar and grains from my diet. I am breastfeeding a 4 month old who can't tolerate dairy in my diet so I haven't had dairy in any real amount in the last 3 months. I eat between 1500-1700 calories daily but yesterday and today have been having a really hard time having the energy to do anything. Today especially I feel exhausted and like my limbs are very very heavy.
My question is, should I expect to go through a period like this until my body adjusts to a new energy source without the grains and sugars? Or is this a sign that my body is not getting what it needs anymore? Perhaps taking vitamins would help? Just curious if anyone else went through this and what they did to see it through. I would really like to continue the new diet but not at the expense of my energy or breastmilk production. Thanks for any help in advance!
My question is, should I expect to go through a period like this until my body adjusts to a new energy source without the grains and sugars? Or is this a sign that my body is not getting what it needs anymore? Perhaps taking vitamins would help? Just curious if anyone else went through this and what they did to see it through. I would really like to continue the new diet but not at the expense of my energy or breastmilk production. Thanks for any help in advance!
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Replies
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Your body is telling you "I need more fuel" so give it more fuel. It's not an adjustment period, it's your body's way of telling you to eat.
So eat.0 -
Make sure to eat all your calories. Your intake has been pretty low since starting, especially if you are breastfeeding. I'm mostly primal too, 50% fat, 25% protein & 25% carbs.
You can eat carbs, it's the grains to stay away from. Add in some sweet potatoes if you feel it's a carb issue but definitely up the calories if your diary has been correct since starting.
It does take a while to get used to it, at least 2 weeks typically. Some call it the low carb flu. It eventually goes away but you'll need a good calorie intake also.0 -
I think you should be eating more.
Please note: I am trying to be helpful. My post is not meant to be rude and/or negative in any way.0 -
Make sure to eat all your calories. Your intake has been pretty low since starting, especially if you are breastfeeding. I'm mostly primal too. You can eat carbs, it's the grains to stay away from. Add in some sweet potatoes if you feel it's a carb issue but definitely up the calories if your diary has been correct since starting.
There are a lot of evenings where I know how many calories I have left so I eat most if not all of them but don't end up logging the rest of what I eat. I need to get away from that habit, but not everything I eat is reflected.0 -
I had the same problem and everyone told me it was the "carb flu" and should pass in a week. 2 weeks later I was still weak and could barley think...maybe it's just not the right fit for you?
That being said, if you'd like to stick with it, keep in mind your body is going from using simple carbs/sugar for fuel to fat. So to up your energy eat more good fat.0 -
If you're breastfeeding, I would talk to a doctor about excluding foods or going on special diets, especially if said diet is causing issues such as feeling weak.0
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For the well being of you and your baby, eat when your body tells you to. Diets dont work, lifestyle changes do.0
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carb flu!!0
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You may need more food in general. I don't know. Breastfeeding typically adds 500 calories a day to a woman's basic calorie needs.
The lack of grains and sugar would not cause weakness and tiredness. Grains are not an essential nutrient, and as long as you are eating vegetables and fruits, fats, and protein (with enough calories), you'll get what you need.
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because you are in a HUGE deficit! you should be eating at least 2100 cals a day.
http://caloriecount.about.com/calories-breastfeeding-burn-q22890 -
If you're breastfeeding, I would talk to a doctor about excluding foods or going on special diets, especially if said diet is causing issues such as feeling weak.
When I was still nursing and tried to reduce carbs/grains...my supply diminished quickly and significantly. I (and not implying for you) was more concerned and focused on my breastfeeding goals for my child rather than my desire to lose weight at the time.
I had to make a decision whether nursing (which I struggled with supply) was a higher priority or my poochy belly?
I just delayed my need for hers.
DISCLAIMER **this is not meant as a pro-bfing post, simply what I experienced and ended up having to decide. I support anyone who attempts bfing, but also am aware that it is not always perfect for every single family lifestyle.**0 -
So, I started following my own version of the primal diet on Friday night. I have excluded sugar and grains from my diet. I am breastfeeding a 4 month old who can't tolerate dairy in my diet so I haven't had dairy in any real amount in the last 3 months. I eat between 1500-1700 calories daily but yesterday and today have been having a really hard time having the energy to do anything. Today especially I feel exhausted and like my limbs are very very heavy.
My question is, should I expect to go through a period like this until my body adjusts to a new energy source without the grains and sugars? Or is this a sign that my body is not getting what it needs anymore? Perhaps taking vitamins would help? Just curious if anyone else went through this and what they did to see it through. I would really like to continue the new diet but not at the expense of my energy or breastmilk production. Thanks for any help in advance!
I understand why you cut out dairy because you're baby can't tolerate it....but eliminating sugar and grains in addition to the dairy is very restrictive, especially if you're breastfeeding! Maybe this 'diet' isn't right for you. Find something sustainable, that fits into your lifestyle. And make sure your netting enough calories a day for you and your baby!!!0 -
I eat between 1500-1700 calories daily but yesterday and today have been having a really hard time having the energy to do anything. Today especially I feel exhausted and like my limbs are very very heavy.
My question is, should I expect to go through a period like this until my body adjusts to a new energy source without the grains and sugars?
Definitely eat a little more. Breastfeeding takes 300-500 calories a day, IIRC.
Yes, it's likely just the "low-carb flu". Adjusting to burning fat instead of sugar can take 2 to 3 weeks. You've probably used up all your muscle glycogen at this point.0 -
If you're breastfeeding, I would talk to a doctor about excluding foods or going on special diets, especially if said diet is causing issues such as feeling weak.
^^^^^This!0 -
So, I started following my own version of the primal diet on Friday night. I have excluded sugar and grains from my diet. I am breastfeeding a 4 month old who can't tolerate dairy in my diet so I haven't had dairy in any real amount in the last 3 months. I eat between 1500-1700 calories daily but yesterday and today have been having a really hard time having the energy to do anything. Today especially I feel exhausted and like my limbs are very very heavy.
My question is, should I expect to go through a period like this until my body adjusts to a new energy source without the grains and sugars? Or is this a sign that my body is not getting what it needs anymore? Perhaps taking vitamins would help? Just curious if anyone else went through this and what they did to see it through. I would really like to continue the new diet but not at the expense of my energy or breastmilk production. Thanks for any help in advance!
I understand why you cut out dairy because you're baby can't tolerate it....but eliminating sugar and grains in addition to the dairy is very restrictive, especially if you're breastfeeding! Maybe this 'diet' isn't right for you. Find something sustainable, that fits into your lifestyle. And make sure your netting enough calories a day for you and your baby!!!
Well someone needs to explain to me how the baby can't tolerate dairy and yet is drinking breast milk.0 -
Well someone needs to explain to me how the baby can't tolerate dairy and yet is drinking breast milk.
Not sure if SRS....but you know dairy is cow's milk, right? They're a different species.0 -
Well someone needs to explain to me how the baby can't tolerate dairy and yet is drinking breast milk.
Not sure if SRS....but you know dairy is cow's milk, right? They're a different species.
^^^^^^^ you're my NEW hero! :drinker:0 -
So, I started following my own version of the primal diet on Friday night. I have excluded sugar and grains from my diet. I am breastfeeding a 4 month old who can't tolerate dairy in my diet so I haven't had dairy in any real amount in the last 3 months. I eat between 1500-1700 calories daily but yesterday and today have been having a really hard time having the energy to do anything. Today especially I feel exhausted and like my limbs are very very heavy.
My question is, should I expect to go through a period like this until my body adjusts to a new energy source without the grains and sugars? Or is this a sign that my body is not getting what it needs anymore? Perhaps taking vitamins would help? Just curious if anyone else went through this and what they did to see it through. I would really like to continue the new diet but not at the expense of my energy or breastmilk production. Thanks for any help in advance!
I understand why you cut out dairy because you're baby can't tolerate it....but eliminating sugar and grains in addition to the dairy is very restrictive, especially if you're breastfeeding! Maybe this 'diet' isn't right for you. Find something sustainable, that fits into your lifestyle. And make sure your netting enough calories a day for you and your baby!!!
Well someone needs to explain to me how the baby can't tolerate dairy and yet is drinking breast milk.
Breast milk is made up of whatever is in the mom's diet. If mom stays away from all dairy then her breast milk wouldn't have any dairy in it. Some babies can be highly sensitive to foods mom eats. Dairy & soy are often triggers for some babies.0 -
Breastfeeding is a not the best time to go on a restrictive diet. I understand the want to lose baby weight, but your baby needs a healthy mom before a skinny mom. Breastfeeding can be draining (no pun intented). Give yourself the fuel for now, and if you still want to try primal in a few months when your LO is eating food and not as dependent on you, that would probably be a better time to start.0
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Well someone needs to explain to me how the baby can't tolerate dairy and yet is drinking breast milk.
Not sure if SRS....but you know dairy is cow's milk, right? They're a different species.
Maybe I should have been more clear. I get that babies should not drink dairy milk under 1 year and that dairy milk is cows milk. What I meant was how do you tell if a 4 month old baby can't tolerate breast milk from a mother that drinks dairy milk?0 -
Well someone needs to explain to me how the baby can't tolerate dairy and yet is drinking breast milk.
Not sure if SRS....but you know dairy is cow's milk, right? They're a different species.
Maybe I should have been more clear. I get that babies should not drink dairy milk under 1 year and that dairy milk is cows milk. What I meant was how do you tell if a 4 month old baby can't tolerate breast milk from a mother that drinks dairy milk?
Because the baby starts showing symptoms that something in his/her diet (and since it's breast milk, the mom's diet) is irritating them: eczema, reflux, vomiting, etc. Babies are seen by the pediatrician quite often in the beginning, so it's not uncommon for a baby to be diagnosed at this early of an age.
And to the OP: ditto the others, if you are only getting 1500 - 1700 cals/day, you should probably be eating more. Talk to your pediatrician, OB/GYN or lactation consultant to see if they have any advice on your symptoms and this diet.0 -
I've been eating Primal since July. When I first started, I also felt week and foggy-brained, and it was a combination of adjusting to reduced sugar (carb flu) AND not eating enough calories (I was following the stupid 1200 MFP directive). Once I realized that I really wasn't eating enough and bumped up my cals I felt much better very quickly. I felt lethargic from day 2-10, and then on day 11 it was like a switch flipped and I felt great. And, my sugar cravings were gone.
As others have said, you need around +500 cals above maintenance right now for breastfeeding. That can mean A LOT of food on Primal, maybe more than you're used to eating. Since you won't have calories from junk food or low-nutrient grains, you'll apply those calories to yummy veggies, fruits, nuts and protein. And, you can have plenty of carbs coming from veggies like sweet potatoes, root veggies, and fruit. Some people eat low carb Primal, others eat high carb Primal. The key thing is that your carbs come from fruit and veggies, not Frankenfood, which you wouldn't want your baby to be eating anyway (and s/he eats what you eat).
As for vitamins, I took my Prenatals while I was breast-feeding. They should be all you need, but you can ask your doc. You could also drink something like Kombucha or a dairy-free probiotic to help your gut microflora. I also take Vitamin D and Omega-3 fish oil. I don't take anything else, since I figure I get lots of good vitamins from my food.
Giving your baby the gift of lots of nutrient-rich veggies, fruits and protein is wonderful. You're maximizing your health for your baby. Congrats!0 -
Well someone needs to explain to me how the baby can't tolerate dairy and yet is drinking breast milk.
Not sure if SRS....but you know dairy is cow's milk, right? They're a different species.
Maybe I should have been more clear. I get that babies should not drink dairy milk under 1 year and that dairy milk is cows milk. What I meant was how do you tell if a 4 month old baby can't tolerate breast milk from a mother that drinks dairy milk?
Because the baby starts showing symptoms that something in his/her diet (and since it's breast milk, the mom's diet) is irritating them: eczema, reflux, vomiting, etc. Babies are seen by the pediatrician quite often in the beginning, so it's not uncommon for a baby to be diagnosed at this early of an age.
And to the OP: ditto the others, if you are only getting 1500 - 1700 cals/day, you should probably be eating more. Talk to your pediatrician, OB/GYN or lactation consultant to see if they have any advice on your symptoms and this diet.
Thanks for that. I've never had or been around babies so it's an alien topic to me.0 -
Any well balanced diet should not require extra vitamins, unless you have a medical condition that depletes vitamins from your body or stop you absorbing vitamins.
As the others said, I would eat all your calories, to the maximum of your TDEE until you have stopped breast feeding. I've experienced what you are going through a couple of times but that was during a week long fast/detox (stupid fad idea by the way!). I was seriously under calories on all those days and almost fainted a couple of times.
On another note I've never understood this paleo/primal diet. Even our earliest ancestors ate some form of seeds/grains when they could. Perfectly preserved people from 8000BC have been found and their stomach contents contained grains. Still, experiment and remember there isn't a diet that can't be tailored to suit your own needs, and that of your child.
Best of luck :-)0 -
On another note I've never understood this paleo/primal diet. Even our earliest ancestors ate some form of seeds/grains when they could. Perfectly preserved people from 8000BC have been found and their stomach contents contained grains. Still, experiment and remember there isn't a diet that can't be tailored to suit your own needs, and that of your child.
Best of luck :-)
That's because humans began cultivating grains around 10,000 BC give or take a millennium. But homo sapiens in the form of anatomically modern humans have been around for about 200,000 years as hunter gatherers until about 10,000 BC (more or less, depending on the part of the world).
Personally, I don't get caught up in what our paleolithic ancestors ate. That is very interesting, and I enjoy reading about it. But to me, it serves only to provide a blueprint... a framework to make choices within. Ultimately... it's about eating the healthiest foods I can enjoy and afford within our current society.0 -
Well someone needs to explain to me how the baby can't tolerate dairy and yet is drinking breast milk.
Not sure if SRS....but you know dairy is cow's milk, right? They're a different species.
Maybe I should have been more clear. I get that babies should not drink dairy milk under 1 year and that dairy milk is cows milk. What I meant was how do you tell if a 4 month old baby can't tolerate breast milk from a mother that drinks dairy milk?
by a tedious process of elimination usually. my baby was really fussy after almost every feeding. i knew my husband has an intolerance to milk so thats what i started with. once i eliminated it from my diet, no more fussy. her doctor confirmed and she's been great ever since.0
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