Feel weak often?

stephweeks
stephweeks Posts: 9
in Getting Started
I've only been following myfitnesspal for about 10 days now, but I've found that I frequently feel very weak. Nothing else in my life has changed except for eating fewer calories now (I'm on 1760...I upped it because of feeling so weak in the beginning). I often start to feel progressively weak to the point that I can't do anything but sit down. I'll usually have a snack then, but it takes a while before I feel ready to get up and go again. I was going to two 90 minute yoga classes a week, but past week I had to skip them entirely because I was just feeling too weak.

I noticed I am almost always not eating enough fat (who knew?), and my protein is usually under the recommended amount (but not by a lot). Any ideas as to what's going on? Anyone else feeling this? I've tried to search this in the posts multiple times but I can't seem to find anyone else mentioning it.

Thanks for your help!

Replies

  • greattimes
    greattimes Posts: 123 Member
    Have you checked your blood sugars. Less food and more activities can cause low blood sugars.
  • astrampe
    astrampe Posts: 2,169 Member
    A quick look at your diary shows a lack of protein, very little fat, and not very nutritionally good food....Red wine and cookies are OK, but not for dinner..lettuce does not have much nutritional value, and mini wheats for breakfast will make me pass out by ten...

    Up your protein to at least 30% - have protein with every meal and snack, add good fats like avocado and nuts, and drop the cookies and wine every day...Make it a weekend treat or once a week...You cannot get along with minimal nutriton and lower calories....
    Your day is almost nothing but carbs, which will lead to ups and downs in blood sugar, which in turn will make you feel weak....
  • obsidianwings
    obsidianwings Posts: 1,237 Member
    My thoughts are that you might be eating enough calorie wise, but because it is calorie dense food you're not really getting to eat that much. Definitely work on the protein.
  • stephweeks
    stephweeks Posts: 9
    Yeah, I didn't realize I was so carb heavy until I started myfitnesspal!
    Haha, looks like you were looking at last night's dinner! I wanted to make up for my calorie-heavy lunch, but was craving wine and chocolate, so that's all I gave myself.
    The problem is more during the day too, by the way. But yes, I agree I need more fat and protein. I've decided to give up the frosted shredded mini wheats (god I love them so....) and replace them with steel cut oatmeal with peanut butter or whole wheat toast with peanut butter.
    I guess I just find it hard to stay at my calories and still add more fat and protein. The vegetarian options I can think of take up a lot of calories, and I don't tend to feel very full on protein-heavy foods (for me quantity really does trump density).
  • teeduran
    teeduran Posts: 54 Member
    Make sure you take vitamins and drink lots of water. Talk to you're Doctor. Eat more protein. change up slowly till you make sure it's not a medical thing.
  • stephweeks
    stephweeks Posts: 9
    Oh yeah, and I'm finding I need to front-load my calories. I'm not usually all that hungry at dinner time, so I guess I should start making THAT the time I just have a huge salad.
  • stephweeks
    stephweeks Posts: 9
    Agreed. I do drink a good amount of water (am the type to always carry a water bottle around) but I could work on that more. I also just started taking a multivitamin about two weeks ago. I am, however, seeing my doc in December, so if it isn't resolved by then I'll definitely bring it up. Thanks!
  • philanthropichelmick
    philanthropichelmick Posts: 24
    Don't drink too much water. 8 glasses is enough and anymore can make u feel woozy and lightheaded. Remember one bottle of water = TWO servngs of water
  • lilred806
    lilred806 Posts: 195 Member
    Eggs, quinoa, carrots with hummus all help me feel full.
  • stephweeks
    stephweeks Posts: 9
    I don't have as much of a problem with feeling full as I do just feeling WEAK. Today I've already had 43g of fat and 48g of protein and I STILL feel weak. I finally broke down and ate 5 small animal cracker-type cookies, and that's the only thing that made me feel better. Well, that and sitting down for a while.
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    I don't have as much of a problem with feeling full as I do just feeling WEAK. Today I've already had 43g of fat and 48g of protein and I STILL feel weak. I finally broke down and ate 5 small animal cracker-type cookies, and that's the only thing that made me feel better. Well, that and sitting down for a while.
    I'm going to repeat it: eat more FOOD. Food that will nourish you. Not just cookies and carbs. Nutrient dense foods. (like eggs, quinoa, hummus....)
  • mama2redhead
    mama2redhead Posts: 132 Member
    I am vegetarian as well. I find that cooking vs processed food fills me up more and is more satisfying. some weeks I do better than others. Allrecipies.com and pinterest are great resources. If you are feeling weak, definitely up your protein, but also break your meals into larger snacks, so that you are eating something every 3 hours or so.

    If you still aren't feeling well, definitely contact your doctor!
  • michaelalalalala
    michaelalalalala Posts: 32
    I feel really weak when i dont do any exercise.. I can't see your diary so not sure if you are or not, but even adding in 30 min walks makes me feel so energised, especially after sitting inside at my desk for the whole day?

    Also - i've found protein isn't a "fill me up now" food - it just makes you feel fuller for a longer period of time as opposed to a carb rich meal which fills you for an hour or so and leaves you starving afterwards - quinoa is a great way to get the protein and also feel like you've eaten quite a bit.

    Definitely up your fats and protein levels and see how you go?
  • ThriceBlessed
    ThriceBlessed Posts: 499 Member
    You need more protein, but you say you are vegetarian? If you are just vegetarian and not vegan try cottage cheese its a great source of protein. Eggs are pretty good too.
  • swet02
    swet02 Posts: 52
    You might be eating few calories, gbut have you check the quality of the food you are taking? Quantity and quality
    of food is important, and do at least 30 min exercise a day. Also try to eat nuts for your protein or chicken, these are low calorie high in protein foods.
  • stephweeks
    stephweeks Posts: 9
    Good suggestion for the cottage cheese! I don't know why I hadn't thought of that!
    Last year my doctor told me to only eat one egg a week because I have high cholesterol (despite consuming virtually no cholesterol?!), so unfortunately, despite LOVING eggs, I try to limit them.
  • uconnwinsnc
    uconnwinsnc Posts: 1,054 Member
    Don't drink too much water. 8 glasses is enough and anymore can make u feel woozy and lightheaded. Remember one bottle of water = TWO servngs of water

    We also get water in other drinks+foods.
  • uconnwinsnc
    uconnwinsnc Posts: 1,054 Member
    Good suggestion for the cottage cheese! I don't know why I hadn't thought of that!
    Last year my doctor told me to only eat one egg a week because I have high cholesterol (despite consuming virtually no cholesterol?!), so unfortunately, despite LOVING eggs, I try to limit them.

    I am not a doctor, so take what I say with a grain of salt, but egg cholesterol will not harm you. Recent studies have shown that eggs, while high in cholesterol, will not raise your level of LDL (bad cholesterol).
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    Any chance you've had your iron tested recently? A deficiency (possibly anemia) could cause extreme fatigue, dizziness, etc.

    Quinoa and greek yogurt are also great sources of protein. Check labels on the yogurt though as they're not all made alike. I prefer Fage or Chobani. Some of the other brands are "greek style" which isn't the same thing.
  • Danny_Boy13
    Danny_Boy13 Posts: 2,094 Member
    A quick look at your diary shows a lack of protein, very little fat, and not very nutritionally good food....Red wine and cookies are OK, but not for dinner..lettuce does not have much nutritional value, and mini wheats for breakfast will make me pass out by ten...

    Up your protein to at least 30% - have protein with every meal and snack, add good fats like avocado and nuts, and drop the cookies and wine every day...Make it a weekend treat or once a week...You cannot get along with minimal nutriton and lower calories....
    Your day is almost nothing but carbs, which will lead to ups and downs in blood sugar, which in turn will make you feel weak....

    ^^^ This is a good start.
  • Synchronicity
    Synchronicity Posts: 82 Member
    Good suggestion for the cottage cheese! I don't know why I hadn't thought of that!
    Last year my doctor told me to only eat one egg a week because I have high cholesterol (despite consuming virtually no cholesterol?!), so unfortunately, despite LOVING eggs, I try to limit them.

    I am not a doctor, so take what I say with a grain of salt, but egg cholesterol will not harm you. Recent studies have shown that eggs, while high in cholesterol, will not raise your level of LDL (bad cholesterol).

    Eggs are fine... UNLESS you happen to be predisposed to high cholesterol due to genetics. For most of us, dietary cholesterol is no big deal. We make cholesterol anyway, so if we eat it, we either make less or we get rid of the extra we don't need in our feces. And you are correct that recent studies and recent opinions align with yours. HOWEVER if the OP's doctor said to avoid them, then the OP should listen to her doctor. If she thinks her doctor is wrong, she should get a second opinion from a qualified medical professional, and not base her decision on what she's reading on MFP. No offense meant to anyone, of course... but... even if someone is a qualified professional, they shouldn't be giving medical advice to a stranger online.

    Egg whites, however, provide protein without the cholesterol. They are not as awesome as a whole egg, but they are a good way to sneak in some protein.

    I agree with those that say: more protein and more fat. You won't regret it. Use your veggies to add bulk, since quantity works better for you, but eat that protein in whatever form you feel most comfortable.
  • stephweeks
    stephweeks Posts: 9
    Thanks so much everyone so far for all the replies!
    Quick update: I've upped my protein (snuck in a few extra eggs out of desperation, but just went shopping and got some great non-egg sources: tofu, tempeh, quinoa, raw nuts, nut butters, cottage cheese, avacado), so we'll see if that helps.

    I went to my regular yoga class on two days ago and really struggled to get through the class. That's NOT like me. I couldn't hold poses for very long because my muscles felt really weak.
    Then I weighed myself two days later--and have lost 4.5lbs in 14 days. So I think I may also need to up my calories a bit too, since that is MUCH faster than I intended. I don't have much to lose, so I'm fine with it coming off real slow if I means I have enough strength to work out more!!
    I also have a doctor's appointment coming up in two weeks. I'll be sure to tell her my symptoms and ask her about all the things you guys have mentioned: anemia, iron deficiency anemia, and most of all CAN I PLEASE EAT MORE EGGS????? (shout-out to both uconnwinsnc and Dr._RBC!)

    Again, just wanted to thank everyone for putting in the time to respond! Happy Turkey day and keep up your amazing hard work!!
  • Sierra_Mitchell
    Sierra_Mitchell Posts: 10 Member
    I used to have the same problem..I began feeing weak and started getting weaker. It led to me getting ill and collapsing due to dizziness and exhaustion. I then had many tests. They found out I was anemic(low iron counts). Now I take iron vitamins and feel much better. I would recommend talking to your doctor.

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