A Question For The Girls......

v_addison
v_addison Posts: 114 Member
edited September 25 in Food and Nutrition
As I'm sure all you other woman have experienced, there are certain times of the month that I just CAN'T get myself to work that hard at the gym, after twenty minutes my legs turn to jell-o and there's no hope of me going longer. Has anyone figured out some meal plan that can help get you through those toughs days???

Replies

  • skinnylizzard
    skinnylizzard Posts: 460 Member
    I wonder if lack of iron is making you lethargic? Iron takes about 1 week to affect your levels, so maybe the week ahead you can eat iron rich foods.
  • witheredorchid
    witheredorchid Posts: 164 Member
    What usually works for me is a snack of fresh fruit before a work out. Grapes and kiwi are my fav. combo. It's light and energizing. Plus it makes me think of summer which makes me think of swimsuits which makes me just push through the work out that much more. :)
  • blessedmomof8
    blessedmomof8 Posts: 215 Member
    I take an iron supplement a day before (if I know), during, and a day after. I don't know if it will help everyone, but it helps me. I also try to get a natural iron supplement because the body will recognize it easier. One that is a jell cap (not solid) is a better choice.
  • ontheskinnyroad
    ontheskinnyroad Posts: 205 Member
    I don't have a meal plan. I know it's harder for some than others and the more you work out the shorter your TOM. For me any way. If you can work thru it; it will be rewarding!
  • anzura
    anzura Posts: 171
    I hear ya! I haven't found the miracle yet. I try to just tough it out and keep going, but most of the time I just cut my run short and say "something is better than nothing". It's not my legs, but more of an all over lack of energy. Maybe an iron supplement a few days a month would help?
  • mowrynation
    mowrynation Posts: 91
    I just listen to my body and switch to something else. I make sure that I bring a shake with me and have 1/2 before I work out and the other 1/2 part way through the workout. Also make sure that you are having enough H2O.
  • boobee32
    boobee32 Posts: 450 Member
    wonder if that is my problem....i have just benn blehhhhh this week...but i manage to get through it anyway.
  • amuhlou
    amuhlou Posts: 693 Member
    I've read that during "that time" our bodies can be iron deficient, which can lead to fatigue.

    This may help
    http://www.fatfreekitchen.com/nutrition/iron.html

    Interestingly, it says that things like tea/coffee inhibit iron absorption so it can be somewhat of a vicious cycle. You're fatigued due to iron deficiency so you reach for tea/coffee as a pick me up, which therefore inhibits iron absorption leaving you still fatigued.
  • MeliciousMelis
    MeliciousMelis Posts: 458 Member
    My cardio is typically done on the elliptical-- if I feel like I just don't have the energy to go full force, I take it slow, but at super high resistance (incline 15/resistance15). Its a good buns workout, but you can take it slower than you would normally. I still get some kind of calorie burn, so its not a total loss.
  • Debbisue52
    Debbisue52 Posts: 87 Member
    I am 58 years old and have had a hysterectomy so I don't know if my "tough days" are because of a certain time of the month...but I do have tough times. I do my workouts, (Walking / running), here at home on my treadmill and use hand weights to strength train while walking. When I find myself feeling like I can't get through my regular workout I just walk at a pace that is comfortable. Sometimes I get the urge to go faster so I do....sometimes I don't. I figure at least I am moving and doing something. As far as foods....I'm not sure I can help there...I'm not a nutritionist or a trained athlete so I don't have a clue....sorry.
  • _Lisa_
    _Lisa_ Posts: 61
    I find taking extra calcium around that time helps too.... calcium helps ward off muscle fatigue and cramps. It also helps with leg cramps at night (which I get at that time if I don't take extra calcium)
  • FaithandFitness
    FaithandFitness Posts: 653 Member
    I don't know about you, but I usually have a bit of grouchiness along with my TOM and I find exercising very helpful. If I don't have my most spectacular workout that is okay, I just go to get some of that negative energy out.
  • daotter
    daotter Posts: 1 Member
    I agree with the lack of iron but something else that may work with that is during your hard week changing up your workout routine. If you do a lot of cardio try and focus on weights that week or vice-versa.
  • CallMeMamaBoo
    CallMeMamaBoo Posts: 295
    Definitely look into taking a daily vitamin...focused on Energy and Metabolism. I just started taking Vitamin D a month ago and that seems to help on those 'lazy' feeling days. I work out everyday and when I start to feel sluggish like that it usually means it's time to take a day off.
  • up2me2lose20
    up2me2lose20 Posts: 360 Member
    I just take a bottle of ibuprofen with me where ever I go.:wink:

    All kidding aside (although I do use that bottle often during TOM) I think iron deficiency is big. And mental blocks. We think we can't because of TOM so it's easy to say we don't have to. I make myself do what I need to do as far as working out and then I always feel better afterwards.
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