Feeling tired all the time

tusher2011
tusher2011 Posts: 201 Member
edited September 29 in Fitness and Exercise
I thought working out (in general) was supposed to energize you physically and mentally? Since I have been working out (almost 2 months now) I find that I am just tired all the time. I don't feel nearly as sluggish as I did before I started exercising, but it's just more of a I'm tired and don't feel like getting off the couch type thing. I don't think I'm pushing myself that hard in my workouts (I'm only walking and doing the incline). I've been getting my carbs in (that's never a problem)...and I am taking a protein shake to help with my protein intake.

I am a vegetarian so maybe I'm not getting enough protein? Does lack of protein or carbs make you feel more tired? I don't know what I'm doing wrong...

Replies

  • SarahLovesCheesecake
    SarahLovesCheesecake Posts: 520
    Carbs make me sluggish ....
  • brit49
    brit49 Posts: 461 Member
    I can only speak for myself but, protein gives me energy, and too much carbs make me sluggish, but that just me.
  • Nana_Anne
    Nana_Anne Posts: 179 Member
    ditto and I'm less then two months. I'm right with you and I am an eat it all type! Take my vitamins. I thought this was just me. Thanks for posting. I would like to hear some ideas or reasons too!

    Edited to add this: I tried meeting the carbs and I I can't. It's too many and adds to others like fat or sodium that I can't have. Maybe I'm in withdrawels from sugar and starbucks!
  • carajo
    carajo Posts: 532 Member
    If getting the carbs are not a problem for sure track your fats and proteins!!! Dont just focus on the calories, be sure the macros are where they need to be as well!! You will feel better! I started adding more healthy fats to my diet,and i promise it woked wonders! I switched from ff milk, to almond milk, ff yogurt to greek, and eating more nuts and seeds! Good luck! and good job on the exercise keep it up!
  • Aeriel
    Aeriel Posts: 864 Member
    It could be so many things and without a better idea of the calories you are taking in, the types of food you are eating etc and any underlying medical issues, it is hard to help. When I got tired about 5 months into this, it was twofold. First was that I was anemic and had cut too much iron out of my diet. I used to eat a lot of red meat and iron enriched pasta. Second was I had lost enough weight that I needed to slow down my rate of weight loss. I needed MORE calories. I changed my rate of loss from 1.5 pounds per week to 1 pound a week and felt better right away.

    Look honestly at your diet, look at your other nutrients other that the ones you have set up (you can always change them back) and go talk to your doctor if you are concerned. :smile:
  • DanaKinzer
    DanaKinzer Posts: 72
    I had the same problem. Then, I quit smoking and I no longer have that issue anymore.
  • azsuzi
    azsuzi Posts: 1,169 Member
    And remember to drink water. Its amazing the difference staying hydrated makes.
  • katharos3
    katharos3 Posts: 154 Member
    Have you had your iron checked? Being anemic can make you tired like that. If you think your energy level just isn't "normal" then it might be good to see a doctor. Other things that can make you feel tired: not enough water, too many or the wrong kinds of carbs(whole grain bread vs. chocolate cake, for example), not enough nutrients from fruits and vegetables. Without more info on your diet and habits, it's hard to give a complete answer.
  • johnhowson
    johnhowson Posts: 73 Member
    Doing exercise is tiring, especially at first, so I would not worry too much as you become fitter so you will start to feel less tired. When I first started exercising I used to feel exhausted and it took five or six months before I really got over that. I still get a sag in the evening sometimes following exercise and this is perfectly normal.
    Obviously if you are slimming too then you are hitting your body in two ways and it is hard work. Exercise for three days then take a rest day, this will allow your body to recover and help you build up fitness.
    Give it some time and I should think things will pan out for you.
    If you are still feeling very tired over a prolonged period, or you are presenting other symptoms, then you maybe need to consult your physician.
  • memflygirl
    memflygirl Posts: 1
    In addition to Iron, I recommend have a complete blood test done, including vitamin D, protein, thyroid and hormones. It is amazing what a few natural changes to your diet and supplement regimen will do for your energy levels.

    I did it earlier this year and feel 100x better. I actually think that is why I am jumping out of my skin to be active, but not participating becasue I am embarssed about being overweight.
  • clrrrr
    clrrrr Posts: 261 Member
    Make sure you're getting the right kind of carbs (i.e. complex, with slow absorption rates--whole grains, fruits and vegetables with low glycemic index, etc.) and not too much of them, since you need some to give you energy but if you have too many you'll crash (like, for example, you might think bananas are a healthy carb source, but they're very sugary...my mom always recommends having a banana before bed if you're worried about falling asleep).
  • gentlebreeze2
    gentlebreeze2 Posts: 450 Member
    My first reaction was... are you getting enough iron. Easy enough to check, just add iron to your diary... then you will know daily what you're getting or missing. I was getting dizzy and weak. Once I figured out the problem was lack of iron... I changed it. Sometimes I get enough in the food I eat, but sometimes I have a supplimental iron table.
  • tracyb810
    tracyb810 Posts: 11 Member
    I would go to the doctor and have bloodwork done. Could be thyroid or anemia. That's a long time to be lethargic.

    Good luck and keep us posted!
  • azingale
    azingale Posts: 74
    I agree with all the other posters asking about your iron. I feel the same way when I'm not getting enough iron!
  • tusher2011
    tusher2011 Posts: 201 Member
    OMG, I didn't even think about my iron. I was so focused on carbs or protein! I do have a physical appt to make with my dr this month so I will definately talk to her about that.

    I have a hard time eating vegetables, I just don't really care for them, lol. I am also weaning off of an anti-depressant I have been on, so I don't know if that could have something to add to it all. Thanks again for the reminder about the iron!
  • Nana_Anne
    Nana_Anne Posts: 179 Member
    My first reaction was... are you getting enough iron. Easy enough to check, just add iron to your diary... then you will know daily what you're getting or missing. I was getting dizzy and weak. Once I figured out the problem was lack of iron... I changed it. Sometimes I get enough in the food I eat, but sometimes I have a supplimental iron table.


    WOAH!!! I did that and not one day am I at the 100 usually I am at 15-20 one day I made it to 30 YIKES!! Maybe I'll keep Iron up! Thanks!
  • fitnfun1
    fitnfun1 Posts: 234 Member
    Make sure you are eating enough calories too. I was extremely exhausted due to not eating enough calories per day. Since I calculated what calories I need and made sure I was on track, I now have the energy needed to keep going.

    I also agree with everyone that getting blood tests done would be a good thing just in case. Good luck, and I hope to hear you are feeling bouncy again soon!
  • Givemewings
    Givemewings Posts: 864 Member
    It could be your iron levels. I have had mild anaemia on and off over the years and one of the symptoms is tiredness.
  • milaxx
    milaxx Posts: 1,122 Member
    Carbs make me sluggish unless paired with with green veg & fruit. As long as I have a green veg for at least one meal and 2 servings of fruit daily I am fine.
  • KathyofCA
    KathyofCA Posts: 4 Member
    I am also a vegetarian and take daily a multi-vitamin. Depending on how long you have been a vegetarian, you may have depleted your vitamin B-12 reserves, which can cause fatigue. You can only get B-12 from meat, fish, poultry, dairly products, or supplements.
  • texasmagz
    texasmagz Posts: 35 Member
    I agree with starting with the H2O and iron theories.
This discussion has been closed.

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