Are protein shakes right for me?

If you are feeling "weak in the arms" it is much more likely you are either overtraining (esp w/30 DS which overemphasizes upper body moves), or your overall calorie (or even carb) intake is too low. Protein is not a magical energy elixir--once you have enough, then more doesn't provide any additional benefit.

mariaoutlook wrote: »

I eat back those calories I exercise off to maintain 1200 calories a day. I won't eat below 1200 calories. I eat healthy cereals, veggies, pulses, fruit, tuna, salmon, etc. a bit of everything. But I have always felt week, even before I was on a diet. I know it's not because I'm overweight because until approx 2 years ago I wasn't and felt the same way. I donate blood every 4 months and my haemoglobin levels are always tested.

I go through periods of fatigue too. Im 44. I figure part of that fatigue is age, changing hormones, lack of activity, & not eating right. It was so bad I thought I had MS or fibromyalga or Chronic Fatigue syndrome. I just couldn't shake it, Unless I had an energy drink. I figure the super dose of vitamin B helped me. You may want to invest in a B complex supplement too, maybe even a good multi vitamin if you don't already. I complained to my GP too, He didnt seem concerned. I have chronic pain so I think mine is poor sleep and nutritional needs. I recently upped my calories from 1300 a day to 1400 to make room for the added protein and I feel better. I think my body just stalled out at a lower calorie intake.

Any how, it sounds like you have a good plan from here. Trial and error to see what is best for you.

EDIT- And if you make changes and you still feel like there is something wrong you might get a second opinion and third opinion.

mariaoutlook wrote: »

That's exactly what happened to me. Some days I wondered if I was showing symptoms of MS or a similar condition. Sometimes I wake up so tired that I don't know how I will be able to handle my day. I had blood tests done and everything came back fine. My blood pressure, lungs function, cholesterol, etc. everything it's fine.

I have incorporated more high protein foods to my diet. I had a scramble egg, baked beans and light spread cheese, besides other food. I'll buy some vitamin supplement and protein shakes tomorrow. Hopefully they will do it.

Thanks again!

Your welcome.

In all of this I found that I have a gluten intolerance. I did the celiac blood test and it was negative. Once I removed gluten from my diet I felt better in less than 2 weeks. Just an after thought that you may have food sensitivities too. Also I found out that soy products bother my stomach. But eliminating gluten helped with the fatigue.

At 1200 calories, I think you might be needing more fuel! Given your very low intake, I'd try more calories, then more carbs, then more protein.

Can you please recommend me any protein shake brand available from UK and Irish supermarkets or on-line? Thank you.

I like the products and service from https://theproteinworks.com/

Beware Holland & Barrett, although they can be good value when they have their "penny sale" the shakes themselves are pretty poor IMO. The banana one is positively disgusting unless you like the taste of iron filings!

mariaoutlook wrote: »

That's exactly what happened to me. Some days I wondered if I was showing symptoms of MS or a similar condition. Sometimes I wake up so tired that I don't know how I will be able to handle my day. I had blood tests done and everything came back fine. My blood pressure, lungs function, cholesterol, etc. everything it's fine.

I have incorporated more high protein foods to my diet. I had a scramble egg, baked beans and light spread cheese, besides other food. I'll buy some vitamin supplement and protein shakes tomorrow. Hopefully they will do it.

Thanks again!

Do you have other symptoms besides fatigue? Fatigue is a very vague symptom and it can signify a lot of different things. Since it can also be linked to a lot of lifestyle factors, like not eating enough or not sleeping well, a lot of GPs won't look too far into it.

But if you have other symptoms like pain then be persistent.

I buy a specific brand because I've e perimeter with a few and liked the taste. I currently have Dymatize Elite Whey Rich Chocolate. I got mine online and I think you can get it from most online shops in the UK.

i mean come on who can do portion control with those yummy things? I know i cant so i dont even bother having them. lol