No energy -please read and help!
Angie5501
Posts: 15 Member
I have been on low carb diet for almost two weeks. Have been keeping the total carb count between 40 and 70 grams. At first, I felt great and could take walks. Now I have no energy and can't do much of anything. Even walking around a store, I feel like I am going to faint. MFP calculator says I should eat 1200 calories a day. I am 5'6.5", weigh 147.8 lbs, and would like to weigh about 135. I am female and 58 years old. Before I started the LCHF diet, I weighed about 157 lbs.
Over the last four years, I have had a very bad lifestyle. I began working as a freelance court reporter, driving over a huge area of my state. My schedule was erratic with long hours. Anyway, I did not exercise regularly, ate poorly, and had a ton of stress. Not doing that job anymore; have gone back to graduate school and have just one year left of classes and this semester of a part time internship. Have more time to eat right and exercise.
A little over two weeks ago, I had fasting blood work done. The blood glucose was only 81, but based on the lipid profile, the lab results indicated insulin resistance and a high risk for diabetes. Hence, the LCHF diet. However, I cannot study and do my internship, much less exercise, without enough energy to do anything other than stare at TV.
The lifestyle I've had, plus the extra fat around my middle, would support the Dx of insulin resistance. However, I have no idea how many total carbs I should be eating. I feel better cutting out sugar, candy, corn syrup solid coffee creamer, and other junk foods. However, I need to get some energy back. Is it possible that I should up the total carb number?
Thank you for reading this and for any help you can provide.
Over the last four years, I have had a very bad lifestyle. I began working as a freelance court reporter, driving over a huge area of my state. My schedule was erratic with long hours. Anyway, I did not exercise regularly, ate poorly, and had a ton of stress. Not doing that job anymore; have gone back to graduate school and have just one year left of classes and this semester of a part time internship. Have more time to eat right and exercise.
A little over two weeks ago, I had fasting blood work done. The blood glucose was only 81, but based on the lipid profile, the lab results indicated insulin resistance and a high risk for diabetes. Hence, the LCHF diet. However, I cannot study and do my internship, much less exercise, without enough energy to do anything other than stare at TV.
The lifestyle I've had, plus the extra fat around my middle, would support the Dx of insulin resistance. However, I have no idea how many total carbs I should be eating. I feel better cutting out sugar, candy, corn syrup solid coffee creamer, and other junk foods. However, I need to get some energy back. Is it possible that I should up the total carb number?
Thank you for reading this and for any help you can provide.
0
Replies
-
You've got to eat more calories. Up it to at least 1600. 1200 is far too low for your height. 70g of carbs should be enough but I hate MFP for suggesting that anyone eat 1200 calories, it's far too little for the average person.0
-
Um... eat?0
-
Hard to tell without seeing your diary .
are you eating plenty of green leafy veggies?0 -
Definitely up your calories. Change MFP to lose only 0.5 a week. You only have 12lbs to go and should not be aiming for big weekly losses.0
-
You've got to eat more calories. Up it to at least 1600. 1200 is far too low for your height. 70g of carbs should be enough but I hate MFP for suggesting that anyone eat 1200 calories, it's far too little for the average person.
Maybe it suggested that because she might have indicated at wanting to lose 2lbs a week.
I think you need to eat maybe 200kcal more and see how you feel for the first 2 weeks. If you feel better, stick to that but if not, then add 100kcal more. Good luck0 -
- 1200 is a really low calorie intake and is pretty much for sedentary. With MFP you're also supposed to log exercise and eat those exercise calories back. 1200 calories is basically ok for short old ladies who are sedentary or young girls who like starving their bodies. 1200 calories is the absolute most aggressive weight loss approach MFP will let you do per it's calculations. It is too aggressive for many people.
- Even if you have some insulin sensitivities, you can eat more carbs than that. I've done very low carb diets in the past and had nothing in the tank for exercise. I now have a pretty balanced macro ratio of 40carb/30protein/30fat and that seems to work well. VL carb diets aren't absolutely necessary and don't work for a lot of people's lifestyles.
- Make sure you're getting your vitamins and minerals...lots of veggies and supplement if you have to.0 -
Carbs are like premium gasoline for your body(car).
You are instead trying to use regular or sub-par gasoline to get your car running... which is fat.
Your car will run for a while but it will eventually poop...
Same for your body.
Being on a low-carb diet, your body will not efficiently burn fat to keep your body running long term. It's a short term solution.
Make sure you eat your carbs, but that it comes from complex carbs like brown rice, steel oatmeal etc.
I made a mistake of trying low-carb diet before because everybody raved about it. Only realized that all those people that raved about it all re-gained the weight lost and have no energy.... fail.0 -
Have you had your iron checked recently? Often with changes in diet, it's not hard (especially for women) to become iron deficient. That could explain a lot of your symptoms.
Although, I do agree that 1200 calories is probably too low. It looks like you're trying to lose 10-15 pounds. Make sure that you set the goal to "lose 1/2 pound per week" and have your activity level correct. It doesn't sound like you're sedentary, so don't use it.
Finally, make sure you're getting enough water! (But also don't overdo it, there's a balance)0 -
Try to do a but more protein. Try to eat 4-6 meals a day. The same thing happened to me when I first started Mfp. Exersize really helped after a bit. Fresh air helps too.
Good luck0 -
Thank you to you all who replied. It sounds like I need to eat more calories. I have been eating some green leafy veggies and broccoli each day, but more than twice a day was putting me over the carb limit. I have a hard time with dairy other than cheese or yogurt, so I'm not going to continue eating heavy cream or cream cheese. Do you all think I could add some calories in the form of berries and more almonds and walnuts? Also, what do you think of natures own double fiber bread? I have not been eating any grains, but have been craving a pb sandwich on that bread.0
-
You should talk to your doctor about how much and what kinds of carbs to eat.0
-
Avocados and Almonds have a great form of healthy fats, for the amount you're taking in you really reap the rewards.
& Yes, I would absolutely say increase the Caloric intake. It's just not worth loosing that weight that quickly, if you're going to feel crappy the whole time.
Best of luck on your weight-loss journey!
P.S. Play around with your food diary, find which foods you like that are low in carbs, and high in other nutrients like healthy fats and protein.
0 -
By the time I wrote my response, a few more people responded. I am definitely going to change my profile to a not sedentary lifestyle, decrease the amount I want to lose each week, eat more leafy veggies, and add in some complex carbs and a little more protein. I do drink lots of water. Thank you all extremely much for the rational and intelligent feedback!!!!0
-
I am very sensitive to a calories deficit. It does not take a lot to make me feel like poop. I would suggest talking with a nutritionist and setting yourself for 0.5 pounds lost a week. It is slower but it is worth it to feel normal.0
-
I took the advice and changed activity level and a goal of 1/2 lb loss per week. The MFP calculator upped me to 1510 cal per day. I know that is going to feel much better. I am planning on talking to a doctor and a nutritionist, also. I appreciate so very much all of the wise feedback I have received.0
-
When I had this issue I added in some low GI carbs like quinoa and sweet potato.
I think you are going to be mighty surprised that you can eat more and still lose weight, I know I was.
PS: The double fiber bread is okay, if you can afford it, try Ezekiel 4:19 bread.
Good luck.0 -
You need to increase your calorie count and pick GOOD CARBS. I'm not a doctor, but I'm sure he meant cutting out processed carbs. Bananas are great energy booster and good carb. Also try beans and oatmeal. All of them keep you full and provide you with tons of energy. Whole wheat products are great too because they are taking those good carbs out and processing them. Make sure to read the label and the first ingredient should say whole wheat. It has to say "whole wheat" and not just wheat. Wheat means it was processed and they took the good stuff out. One last thing, DRINK LOTS OF WATER! Your body can go into shut down mode when it is starting to get dehydrated. You will feel tired, grumpy, and often times get headaches. Good luck and I hope this helps.0
-
Thank you to you all who replied. It sounds like I need to eat more calories. I have been eating some green leafy veggies and broccoli each day, but more than twice a day was putting me over the carb limit. I have a hard time with dairy other than cheese or yogurt, so I'm not going to continue eating heavy cream or cream cheese. Do you all think I could add some calories in the form of berries and more almonds and walnuts? Also, what do you think of natures own double fiber bread? I have not been eating any grains, but have been craving a pb sandwich on that bread.
You should be able to eat a lot of leafy greens and broccoli without going over- are you subtracting the fiber they contain from the total carb count? Net carbs is what you are after. total carbs minus fiber = net carbs.
Some exanples- A big salad with spring mix, spinach, cukes, sugar snap peas, tomatoes etc has around 15g of carbs and 5g of fiber, so only 10 net carbs. 200g of Brussels sprouts is 20 carbs and 8 fiber, so only 12 net carbs. That's a LOT of sprouts. 365g of cauliflower- a HUGE pile of it, is only 85 calories, 15 carbs with 11 fiber- so only 4 net carbs for a giant, filling portion.
As far as feeling blah- it's a typical thing to have a "carb flu" for a couple weeks after you start. Stick with it and you'll regain your energy. You should also go to a site like this one:
http://keto-calculator.ankerl.com/
and calculate your nutritional needs, it'll help set you up with the right proportions of fat, protein and carbs based on your age, height, weight, and lifestyle. You'll probably find you are not eating enough.0 -
Great advice here re: uppping calories. Even a small bump can make a huge difference (100 cal increase was like a night/day difference for me. Your experience may be different of course. Just saying you can start small & experiment upward)
One other thing: please do ask your doc to *measure* your RMR (resting metabolism rate) so that you're dealing with your very OWN starting number and not something calculated. It's painless & simple. Even the really good online calculators are based on the average population and likely to be wrong if you have anything else going on.0 -
I would get nutrition counseling immediately and see a doctor to make sure your not a diabetic or that everything else is fine. That's my best advice. Fat around the middle at your weight sounds like something else could be going on. I had fat around the middle to and I am 5' 6.5 too. I had some issues. Make an appt to be sure.0
-
I am taking my lab results to my cardiologist tomorrow. I'm also going to call an endocrinologist who was recommended by a diabetic to schedule an appt. I am taking everyone's advice and feedback seriously. The lab work had said that I was at high risk of developing diabetes which is why I did a lot of Internet research, found this website, and started to make changes. However, I do agree that I need to get information from a nutritionist and doctor based on my individual case. Thank you all, again. I come on this site several times a day and will continue to read any and all feedback.0
-
How does a doctor measure the resting metabolism weight? Is it done after overnight fasting?0
-
I've been counting total carbs and not net carbs. Some of the carb total is coming from drinking organic whole ground psyllium husk for increased fiber intake and heart health. Also, some fat is coming from taking fish oil. I have been drinking about 12 to 15 cups of water per day.0
-
Carbs are like premium gasoline for your body(car).
You are instead trying to use regular or sub-par gasoline to get your car running... which is fat.
Your car will run for a while but it will eventually poop...
Same for your body.
Being on a low-carb diet, your body will not efficiently burn fat to keep your body running long term. It's a short term solution.
Make sure you eat your carbs, but that it comes from complex carbs like brown rice, steel oatmeal etc.
I made a mistake of trying low-carb diet before because everybody raved about it. Only realized that all those people that raved about it all re-gained the weight lost and have no energy.... fail.
I've been doing keto since July. I have yet to experience failure or zero energy. Today I felt a little sluggish, but that's because I didn't sleep as soundly as I could have. I'm sorry it didn't work for you, but that's no excuse to try to use fear-mongering towards the OP.0 -
Carbs are like premium gasoline for your body(car).
You are instead trying to use regular or sub-par gasoline to get your car running... which is fat.
Your car will run for a while but it will eventually poop...
Same for your body.
Being on a low-carb diet, your body will not efficiently burn fat to keep your body running long term. It's a short term solution.
Make sure you eat your carbs, but that it comes from complex carbs like brown rice, steel oatmeal etc.
I made a mistake of trying low-carb diet before because everybody raved about it. Only realized that all those people that raved about it all re-gained the weight lost and have no energy.... fail.
I've been doing keto since July. I have yet to experience failure or zero energy. Today I felt a little sluggish, but that's because I didn't sleep as soundly as I could have. I'm sorry it didn't work for you, but that's no excuse to try to use fear-mongering towards the OP.
QFT!0 -
I have been on low carb diet for almost two weeks. Have been keeping the total carb count between 40 and 70 grams. At first, I felt great and could take walks. Now I have no energy and can't do much of anything. Even walking around a store, I feel like I am going to faint. MFP calculator says I should eat 1200 calories a day. I am 5'6.5", weigh 147.8 lbs, and would like to weigh about 135. I am female and 58 years old. Before I started the LCHF diet, I weighed about 157 lbs.
Over the last four years, I have had a very bad lifestyle. I began working as a freelance court reporter, driving over a huge area of my state. My schedule was erratic with long hours. Anyway, I did not exercise regularly, ate poorly, and had a ton of stress. Not doing that job anymore; have gone back to graduate school and have just one year left of classes and this semester of a part time internship. Have more time to eat right and exercise.
A little over two weeks ago, I had fasting blood work done. The blood glucose was only 81, but based on the lipid profile, the lab results indicated insulin resistance and a high risk for diabetes. Hence, the LCHF diet. However, I cannot study and do my internship, much less exercise, without enough energy to do anything other than stare at TV.
The lifestyle I've had, plus the extra fat around my middle, would support the Dx of insulin resistance. However, I have no idea how many total carbs I should be eating. I feel better cutting out sugar, candy, corn syrup solid coffee creamer, and other junk foods. However, I need to get some energy back. Is it possible that I should up the total carb number?
Thank you for reading this and for any help you can provide.
Glucose fasting is 81 is AWESOME if it was 150 or higher not so good. You are most concerned about your fatigue add back more carbs. At our age weight around the middle is pretty normal. Your weight is good. My DH is Type 2 so I am getting educated with all the ups and downs. Have you been to a GI Doctor? Diverticulitis, Chrons Disease and other GI issues can cause fatigue. Two years ago I was hospitalized for mono at age 51. Missed diagnosed and tested for a lot. I was training for a half marathon and the fatigue and low grade fever only at night was my only symptom. For 3 months. So move pass the sugar and look at symptoms of fatigue. Again your weight is not bad and your sugar is well in range of normal.
Good Health to you be your own advocate.
Patsy0 -
I agree. OP: you're my height, and not so much older than me that our calorie recs would be different, and you don't have a lot to lose. You really need to eat more calories. If you and your doc are sure you want to go low carb, try to be sure the carbs you're getting are good nutritious ones. Nutrient dense, high fiber carbs.You've got to eat more calories. Up it to at least 1600. 1200 is far too low for your height. 70g of carbs should be enough but I hate MFP for suggesting that anyone eat 1200 calories, it's far too little for the average person.0 -
Patsy, thanks for the feedback. I do have IBS, diverticulitis, etc, but I had energy until i got about a week and a half into this diet. One positive thing is that my body doesn't ache all over all the time like it did before. I think all the sugar and junk food I was eating was causing inflammation. I upped my calories today and already am starting to feel better. I really like to make jewelry and do other creative things, but even thinking about that and designing jewelry takes energy, which I had completely lost.0
-
I agree. OP: you're my height, and not so much older than me that our calorie recs would be different, and you don't have a lot to lose. You really need to eat more calories. If you and your doc are sure you want to go low carb, try to be sure the carbs you're getting are good nutritious ones. Nutrient dense, high fiber carbs.You've got to eat more calories. Up it to at least 1600. 1200 is far too low for your height. 70g of carbs should be enough but I hate MFP for suggesting that anyone eat 1200 calories, it's far too little for the average person.0 -
I upped the calories today. It felt really good. Will balance them out better throughout the day tomorrow. Thanks for your feedback.0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.6K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.3K Health and Weight Loss
- 176K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.6K Fitness and Exercise
- 431 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.4K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.8K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions