New Vegetarian...tired!

Fish is meat

Been there, done that - ain't going back. On that diet you will lose strength, and gain fat. Also the high insoluble fiber will keep you bloated. Over time you will lose weight, but most of it will be muscle. You may want to rethink this.

Hi! I've eaten in the manner you describe for more than 20 years. I can tell you that for me, the bloating subsided as your body adjusts. You can take Beano if you want - I've had friends who have upped their Veg and say that it helps. On the fatigue, I don't know where you are but it's winter here...are you sure you're not coming down with something? I only ask because it looks like your protein levels are pretty. That said, B-12 is pretty important for converting food to fuel. If you can eat more foods that contain that, it might help perk you up and help your body adjust. If you want a supportive friend, let me know - I have room for you!

Beans

Per my doctor B-12 is a vitamin you can only get from animal sources, beef being the best source (talialinn mentioned mushrooms/yeast, which I didn't know about...maybe because it's a fungus and it's not technically a plant or animal?). It will affect your energy levels greatly if it's too low. Shellfish such as oysters and dairy products are OK sources, but I'd recommend taking a B-12 supplement. Last year I was on a similar diet: very little meat, lost of fruits, veggies, seeds/nuts and legumes. I thought I had my vitamins and minerals well accounted for. Two months of weekly injections later I'm down to a daily vitamin. At the time I was instructed by my doctor that the body expels excess B-12 if you take in too much, so there is no risk of 'OD'.
Others have already mentioned protein and iron, and it sounds as if you have those covered, i.e. they are on your radar.

FunkyTobias wrote: »

franny0510 wrote: »

you need to increase your protein intake - as a guide, I train most days - heavy weights - I'm 65kg female, I target 140g protein a day.... this feeds your muscles and prevents muscle fatigue. Also suggest, BCAA/glutamine Supplements pre/post workout and Optimimum Nutrition Pre Workout - one of the best. If you want a caffeine Free one - try Reflex.
I am also Pescitarian - not Vegetarian. My diet consists of a lot of fish, eggs and the odd protein shake to top up my protein.
You could also try Casein at night, a slow releasing protein that means you are not depleted in the morning.
You also don't say if you are eating before your workouts. It's probably ok to do fasted cardio - but I wouldn't recommend a weights session.
You need to feed your workouts by eating carbs at the right time.... sweet potato half hour before, protein straight after.

None of this is necessary, or even helpful.

OP: As others have said, you may be getting insufficient amounts of B12, and this can contribute to your fatigue.

Yeah, I agree with FunkyTobias. The "sweet potato half hour before" advice is not necessary. Your body isn't even going to break down and distribute the sugars from your sweet potato into your muscle in the half hour before your workout, which totally defeats the purpose. Also, if you workout that soon after eating anything, you have a higher likelihood of feeling sick during your workout. You don't need to eat anything before you workout, but probably after. A good mix of carbs and proteins after a workout will set you up right, but find which foods work best for you.

EAT MORE CARBS TO GET YOUR ENERGY. IT"S LIKELY YOU ARE NOT EATING ENOUGH.

Nutritional yeast is a great source of B12. (can get it at any health food store) I'm no longer doing the vegan thing myself, but still use it on my veggies, since it tastes delicious and has a decent amount of protein & B12 in it. (has a cheesy flavor)