Will I ever get this right?

samthepanda
samthepanda Posts: 569 Member
in Motivation and Support
Long time at maintenance (18 months), no real prob with that, and love my exercise. Lots of life changes, and I do get very stressed but exercise helps with that. Not getting in right though as I am SOOOO tired, and keep getting ill. Nothing major just feel more often than not have hoarse voice or no voice (but no sore throat), feel the cold really badly, shivery, headachy, and totally exhausted. If I didn't exercise whenever I felt rough then I never would, and generally feel better for doing it. Last night PT cut session short as he said I was all over the place - seeing black spots, dizzy and being a total pain in the butt I think.
I know the answer is probably better nutrition. I think I eat pretty healthy but have toddler and am bad not having lunch as while she is in her highchair having lunch I do jobs, and if I exercise in evening I don't like to eat tea before I go. Last night I realised I hadn't had lunch, and hadn't really eaten night before either as out all night (packet of crisps and banana).
So I know my fault this time but generally I do eat a lot better than that and still feel rough.

Recently had work up from GP and all clear. She said as an older mother what do I expect - you're going to tired! Picky vege, feeling tired and stressed. Not giving up but feeling fed up and blurgh.

Replies

  • alienbabyjen
    alienbabyjen Posts: 36 Member
    Just wondering, but did your GP check all your thyroid levels and check for any antibodies of hashimoto's or graves disease?
  • aylajane
    aylajane Posts: 979 Member
    I will be 43 this week, basically at maintenance now (working on recomping muscle/fat) and yes, I get tired sometimes but no - you shouldnt just accept it. First make sure everything you can do is being done:

    1) Are you getting *enough* sleep and *good* sleep? I know I can be in bed for 7 hours but I am awake all night. If needed, take some melatonin or somtehing to make sure you are truly resting while in bed.
    2) Are you overdoing the cardio? Strength training is really more important, and if you are keeping up with that (esp with a trainer), you dont need nearly as much cardio. Cut back and do more accessory work, or play with your kid at the park instead. Think "recess" not "aerobics"!
    3) Caffeine? I get into a vicious cycle of being so exhausted I feel like I need it, but when it wears off I am worse than before - seriously it is like walking through jello. If you can suffer through a few days, try to quit if possible. Or cut back and only in the mornings.
    4) Are you eating *enough*? Yes quality of food certainly matters, lots of protein too, but if your calories are too low, your body will slow you down to compensate. Food=energy!!! It is better to burn 2500 and eat 2500 than to burn 1500 and eat 1500... I have found that every time I increase my calories, I get more energy and naturally move more, so I stay at maintenance without really trying.

    Good luck. I have had the blackout/dizzy/puking thing at training as well. My trainer is a little evil and thinks it means he is doing a good job :) (just kidding... he jokes about it). I have to be careful about what I eat or drink before going to the session. My blood sugar tends to drop fast which causes those symtpoms - exercise can induce it. You might try putting gatorade in your water bottle to sip during your workout instead of just water or 0 cal drink. The small amount of carbs will keep your blood sugar up and more level during your workout.
  • 4legsRbetterthan2
    4legsRbetterthan2 Posts: 19,590 MFP Moderator
    If you are low carb I would start there, otherwise you might get better responses if you open your diary
  • samthepanda
    samthepanda Posts: 569 Member
    I would be truly embarrassed to show my diary for the last few days - its been awful! However it is a fair point I should make an effort to log again for a while and see how it looks. My protein is low I know - picky veggie I struggle there. Lots of fruit and veg, potatoes, pasta, but not much protein.

    I'm 43 too. Yes, life is busy. One toddler and an older one with autism who is having a rough time at moment so last couple of weeks have been very stressful.

    Sleep - probably not enough, and not always good.
    Caffeine - normally 1-2 in morning, but then not more than 1 more in the day, rarely at night.
    Cardio - not too much in , more strength . Lots of walking with kids, running about etc.

    GP checked thyroid and was in limits, didn't mention the other things. Also checked iron and blood sugar which were within normal limits. Was worried about my bp at first but decided it was white coat hypertension. After 24 hour monitor it was okay, and actually though not low it was at low end at some times so guess possible it drops low when I exercise.

    Pointless I know but I get frustrated with myself when I crash out, feels like giving up and I've done that too often.
  • Emerald5671
    Emerald5671 Posts: 19 Member
    I have Hashimoto's and some of your symptoms sound similar to mine. Here's a clip from Women's Health:

    What are the symptoms of Hashimoto's disease?

    Many people with Hashimoto’s disease have no symptoms for years. An enlarged thyroid, called a goiter, is often the first sign of disease. The goiter may cause the front of the neck to look swollen. You or your doctor may notice the goiter. If large, it may cause a feeling of fullness in the throat or make it hard to swallow. It rarely causes pain.

    Many people with Hashimoto’s disease develop an underactive thyroid. They may have mild or no symptoms at first. But symptoms tend to worsen over time. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid include:

    Fatigue
    Weight gain
    Pale, puffy face
    Feeling cold
    Joint and muscle pain
    Constipation
    Dry, thinning hair
    Heavy menstrual flow or irregular periods
    Depression
    A slowed heart rate
    Problems getting pregnant
    (Hoarse throat .....I get this too)
  • samthepanda
    samthepanda Posts: 569 Member
    Thanks Emerald5671 Is that something that would not normally come up on a blood test?

    Probably I am just stressed, and not feeding myself well enough. I am so much fitter than I used to be, and 5 stone ,lighter, but I get really frustrated with myself when I don't feel I am keeping up. Maybe I am just my own worst critic. Not giving up, but bit demoralised today. Have eaten better today, and slept a good 7.5 hours last night, but still got really cold during toddler swimming (already wear a rash vest) , and feel knackered.

    Hey ho, new day tomorrow,

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