Energy levels and PMS. Any tips?

Honestly I just roll with it. Caffeine doesn't work for me when it's TOM exhaustion and working out just tires me out more, so I take it easy for those few days and just eat a little less.

I feel tired too, and all I want to do is eat. I can usually control the eating part, but I have to force myself to get out and walk or do any exercise. According to my gyn, I'm in the early stages of menopause, so I don't know if that has had anything to do with the tiredness or not. I don't drink caffeine at all - I drink mostly water, but I have decaf tea sometimes too (usually brew my own and throw it in the fridge). I stay away from chocolate because even though I love it dearly, the caffeine and sugar in it will send me on a sugar binge that could last for hours or days, and so far, it just hasn't been worth undoing any of my hard work.

When I'm just *kitten*-dragging tired, I usually just go for a walk. The minimum I tell myself is a mile, but I find that once I get out and get moving, I usually end up doing more than that. And then at least if I'm still tired afterwards, I know I did something productive.

wtliftchick wrote: »

I'm always really tired in the days leading up to my period. Anyone else go through this? How do you deal with it? Other than feeling so run down, my PMS is minimal. Mild cramps. Sometimes my back hurts. The tired feeling kills me! I got plenty of sleep last night but I just feel so run down. I don't want to overdo the caffeine. Any tips?

My appetite goes up premenstrually and I eat at maintenance for a few days. What's your weekly weight loss goal? It it's too aggressive, maybe you're tired because you're not eating enough.

When my anemia is untreated I have fatigue. I went through a number of forms of iron before I found one that successfully boosted my ferritin and energy levels.

wtliftchick wrote: »

My multi has iron in it. I don't know if it's in my head, but I do feel slightly better after taking it. Maybe I will try to take the multi in the days leading up to my pms days to see if it really helps.
As far as eating enough, I've been a little over the last few days so I don't think that is an issue for me right now. I'm set at two pounds loss per week, 1200 calories per day. Which is impossible! I exercise and eat a chunk of those calories back. Typically shooting for 1700 per day.

How much iron is in the mutli?

i just deal with it an take it easy. For exercise i will only do accessory lifts (if any) and some light cardio like walking.

I like to drink hot teas all day long, take pamprin as needed, and take long hot baths or showers. This usually does the trick for me.

oh yeah, p.s., i take a daily liquid iron supplement (Spatone iron water).