So sleepy!

smreid88
smreid88 Posts: 7 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I've been tracking on MFP for about a week and am experiencing extreme tiredness.

I drink upwards of 3 litres of water/day, get 8+ hours per night and am including lots of whole foods in my diet. Im moderately active at my job and go to the gym 3-4 times/wk for running or cycling and strength training.

Has anyone else experienced the need to sleep for extra time at the beginning of their journey? Maybe because my body is used to higher calories in?

Thoughts?

Replies

  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    edited January 2015
    You diary is closed, so hard to offer any advice.

    But if you're getting enough sleep and water, I'd review your daily calorie goal - what is it and are you meeting it? Or coming in well under? Could be an issue of under fueling, or it could be just because your body is adjusting to new activity and calorie intake.

    But if you make your diary public, it will be easier to offer advice. :smile:
  • Chrisparadise579
    Chrisparadise579 Posts: 411 Member
    You are most likely not eating enough, set your calories to 1600 and you should feel fine and start losing quickly, youll have to set up your macro split as well. If you like some help shoot me a message.
  • smreid88
    smreid88 Posts: 7 Member
    I've made my diary public and MFP recommended 1650 calories to start which seems reasonable. I've been close to meeting this every day. Leaves room for indulgences however I am not reaching the recommended protein intake (83g) which I'm finding difficult as I don't eat meat and don't really want to take supplements/powder.

    What's a macro split?
  • BWBTrish
    BWBTrish Posts: 2,817 Member
    The first 2 weeks i had about 3 or 4 days with a bit of feeling hungry....Now i say it wasnt hungry but more the idea of wanting food instead of needing it. And yes i had some sleepy days too. But it all went.

    I ate right and in my allowance and started training. Had a nap sometimes in the afternoon lol. Just to give my body the rest.

    It all went away and i am full of energy now :) Just keep it up eat healthy and in your allowance and your body will adjust.
  • paxbfl
    paxbfl Posts: 391 Member
    Your diary looks good to me. You eat healthier than I do. :)

    Do you work out? I have a lot more energy on days when I work out vs days when I don't. Plus I sleep like a ROCK, especially when I've gone for a long run. If possible, try to work out first thing in the morning - that helps jump-start your metabolism for the whole day.

    The workout will increase your metabolism and allow you to eat a little more (you don't have to eat back all your exercise calories but you can eat back some). The increase in food will boost your metabolism/energy level too. So it's all positive all the way around.

    Don't be too afraid of protein powders. I use one that is absolutely delicious, lots of whey protein. There are good soy ones too if you prefer. Just something to think about, especially if you get into working out.

    Hope that helps!
  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,151 Member
    Eat more protein.
  • RodaRose
    RodaRose Posts: 9,562 Member
    smreid88 wrote: »
    I've made my diary public and MFP recommended 1650 calories to start which seems reasonable. I've been close to meeting this every day. Leaves room for indulgences however I am not reaching the recommended protein intake (83g) which I'm finding difficult as I don't eat meat and don't really want to take supplements/powder.

    What's a macro split?

    Cut back somewhere (carbs or fat) in order to get enough protein.
    Protein is very important.

    You could try reducing bread and rice and potatoes in order to fit in beans and nuts and sunflower/pumpkin seeds.
  • FatFreeFrolicking
    FatFreeFrolicking Posts: 4,252 Member
    Your protein is pretty low. There are many sources of plant-based protein options available:
    • Seitan
    • Tofu
    • Tempeh
    • Veggie boca burgers
    • Broccoli
    • Spinach
    • Nuts
    • Seeds
    • Nut butters
    • Protein bars
    • Legumes
    • Beans
    • Quinoa
    • Buckwheat
    • Hempseed
    • Flaxseed
    • Chia seed
    • Ezekiel bread
    • Hummus
    • Greek yogurt

    Since you don't eat meat, you might want to consider a protein shake because that will help you hit your protein macro.
  • smreid88
    smreid88 Posts: 7 Member
    Thanks for everyone's suggestions. Something to work towards is more protein.
  • meritage4
    meritage4 Posts: 1,441 Member
    I track Iron. Sleepiness can be a sign of being anemic-and not eating meat- It may be that you are low in iron. I take a woman's one a day (extra iron and extra calcium). You might wish to try a multi vitamin.

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