Exhausted
adortiz1990
Posts: 46 Member
I work 12 and a half hours a day, 5 days a week on top of being a mom and a wife. I do all the cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. Some days I am okay and some days I am just exhausted fighting to stay awake. On the days I am exhausted I eat horribly. Why do I do that? & how can I stop doing that? My home life isn't going to change so I need to find a way for more energy. I do HIIT 5 times a week. HELP ME PLEASE!
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Replies
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If you're actually doing HIIT 5x per week, that might be part of the problem. HIIT shouldn't be performed 5x per week. True HIIT should be done once or twice per week tops. HIIT is brutal to the body.15
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Are you eating quality food to fuel your workouts and general activities? Have you considered a multi vitamin? have you discussed it with your doctor?
I am a single mommy who works full time (more than full time during the busy season). I found that taking time on Sunday afternoon to plan the weekly evening meals and meal prep for lunches for the week really helps me out...and coffee is my friend:)2 -
I'm not sure you want to hear this but you need to get your life in order. Is there a husband? If so he needs to do more work in the house. There's no need to clean every day. Cook simply, quick food or for several days. Spread all tasks equally. Decide on what's not important and can wait/doesn't need to be done daily. Etc.19
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cwolfman13 wrote: »If you're actually doing HIIT 5x per week, that might be part of the problem. HIIT shouldn't be performed 5x per week. True HIIT should be done once or twice per week tops. HIIT is brutal to the body.
Well that's nice to know! I usually start with 30 minutes of a regular cardio routine to warm up, 20 minutes of interval running, and then 30 minutes of an HIIT exercise. I read that that HIIT training was good for your energy levels and metabolism. That would explain why after almost six weeks I feel worse than I did before I started working out so hard. I thought my body just had to get used to it. I've always been active as far as sports, but an actual gym routine is new to me.7 -
Are you eating quality food to fuel your workouts and general activities? Have you considered a multi vitamin? have you discussed it with your doctor?
I am a single mommy who works full time (more than full time during the busy season). I found that taking time on Sunday afternoon to plan the weekly evening meals and meal prep for lunches for the week really helps me out...and coffee is my friend:)
I eat like crap! I started a vegetarian diet this week hoping that helps. I can meal prep for myself, but my kids don't really eat left overs. Redbulls are my best friend but even these days those don't help.2 -
adortiz1990 wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »If you're actually doing HIIT 5x per week, that might be part of the problem. HIIT shouldn't be performed 5x per week. True HIIT should be done once or twice per week tops. HIIT is brutal to the body.
Well that's nice to know! I usually start with 30 minutes of a regular cardio routine to warm up, 20 minutes of interval running, and then 30 minutes of an HIIT exercise. I read that that HIIT training was good for your energy levels and metabolism. That would explain why after almost six weeks I feel worse than I did before I started working out so hard. I thought my body just had to get used to it. I've always been active as far as sports, but an actual gym routine is new to me.
HIIT should only be done once per week. Most people don't reach high enough intensity levels to truly be doing HIIT. That being said, it sounds like you might be overexercising in that area and maybe under-fueling.
What is your calorie goal, weight loss goal, current height and current weight?0 -
I'm not sure you want to hear this but you need to get your life in order. Is there a husband? If so he needs to do more work in the house. There's no need to clean every day. Cook simply, quick food or for several days. Spread all tasks equally. Decide on what's not important and can wait/doesn't need to be done daily. Etc.
If someone was requiring me to do all the cooking and cleaning while also working full time and I decided to accept that situation, I would absolutely streamline my cooking and cleaning. We're talking peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for dinner and focusing only on the essential cleaning during the week. If the dude wanted the bathtub scrubbed twice a week, nope.14 -
I'm not sure you want to hear this but you need to get your life in order. Is there a husband? If so he needs to do more work in the house. There's no need to clean every day. Cook simply, quick food or for several days. Spread all tasks equally. Decide on what's not important and can wait/doesn't need to be done daily. Etc.
My life is hectic! I was raised quite traditional Hispanic. Fresh meals, clean house, and if I don't keep laundry up in my household daily it becomes an all weekend event. I know that I need to sit down and make a game plan, but in my down time these days I can barely stay awake.5 -
It sounds like you are working yourself to the bone. Cut back on the exercise, especially HIIT, as others have advised. You are going to end up injured or with an electrolyte imbalance. Set yourself a schedule and go easy on yourself. You aren't the only one who can do work around the house and do chores, others can help you. And if they don't that's a problem that I hope you are able to address. You are worth more than that! Give yourself some time and grace. You can reach your goals with more manageable exercise. As far as diet goes, have you tried cooking with a crock pot, making freezer meals ahead of time to throw in the slow cooker for an easy meal? There are definitely ways to save time and energy. Good luck!5
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adortiz1990 wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »If you're actually doing HIIT 5x per week, that might be part of the problem. HIIT shouldn't be performed 5x per week. True HIIT should be done once or twice per week tops. HIIT is brutal to the body.
Well that's nice to know! I usually start with 30 minutes of a regular cardio routine to warm up, 20 minutes of interval running, and then 30 minutes of an HIIT exercise. I read that that HIIT training was good for your energy levels and metabolism. That would explain why after almost six weeks I feel worse than I did before I started working out so hard. I thought my body just had to get used to it. I've always been active as far as sports, but an actual gym routine is new to me.
HIIT is an overly hyped fad at the moment and many of the benefits like burning more calories after you're done, while somewhat true, are also highly exaggerated. I do HIIT once per week to boost my cycling performance...but that's it...the rest of my rides vary between longer endurance rides and shorter fast paced time trial type rides.
Also, 80+ minutes of exercise 5x per week is going to require fueling...if you're not fueling properly, you're just going to run yourself down. You can't eat like a sedentary person and do 6+ hours of exercise per week and feel good.
You also can't burn the candle at both ends and expect to feel good. You don't need to do all kinds of crazy exercise to be healthy and fit...with everything else in your life, I'd cut back...I've had to do the same and it's made my life much easier and I'm still healthy and fit.9 -
adortiz1990 wrote: »Are you eating quality food to fuel your workouts and general activities? Have you considered a multi vitamin? have you discussed it with your doctor?
I am a single mommy who works full time (more than full time during the busy season). I found that taking time on Sunday afternoon to plan the weekly evening meals and meal prep for lunches for the week really helps me out...and coffee is my friend:)
I eat like crap! I started a vegetarian diet this week hoping that helps. I can meal prep for myself, but my kids don't really eat left overs. Redbulls are my best friend but even these days those don't help.
How old are your kids? I feel like if a kid is old enough to consciously turn their nose up at leftovers, they're old enough to take over some meal preparation.25 -
adortiz1990 wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »If you're actually doing HIIT 5x per week, that might be part of the problem. HIIT shouldn't be performed 5x per week. True HIIT should be done once or twice per week tops. HIIT is brutal to the body.
Well that's nice to know! I usually start with 30 minutes of a regular cardio routine to warm up, 20 minutes of interval running, and then 30 minutes of an HIIT exercise. I read that that HIIT training was good for your energy levels and metabolism. That would explain why after almost six weeks I feel worse than I did before I started working out so hard. I thought my body just had to get used to it. I've always been active as far as sports, but an actual gym routine is new to me.
HIIT should only be done once per week. Most people don't reach high enough intensity levels to truly be doing HIIT. That being said, it sounds like you might be overexercising in that area and maybe under-fueling.
What is your calorie goal, weight loss goal, current height and current weight?
Calorie Goal - 1200 - Which usually comes from one fast food meal during the day
Weight loss goal - 190lb
Current height - 5'8"
Current Weight - 262lb
I usually burn off all my calorie intake according to my FitBit.
I'm the first to say I am doing this all wrong, but I don't really know how to go about my calories, my macros, my workouts. I was active and fit in school. I love to play sports! I still go play a game of basketball once or twice a week. As far as a gym/workout routine, eating healthy/correctly, I am just winging it.
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No wonder you're so tired, 1200 is way too little for your stats and activity. What does MFP give you as a goal for 2 pounds a week?5
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Thank you everyone! Again my household responsibilities won't change, but that's okay. I chose to be a wife and mother and I don't regret it. I just need more energy.
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How old are your kids? Mine are 12 and 13, and they do most of the picking up during the week, so I only spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon perfecting what they didn't do perfectly. You say you're a wife and a mother. You need to see if your husband can help out, too. You're already working over 60 hours a week at your job. Unless he's working even more hours than that, your husband has more time than you do to help out with the chores.3
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adortiz1990 wrote: »adortiz1990 wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »If you're actually doing HIIT 5x per week, that might be part of the problem. HIIT shouldn't be performed 5x per week. True HIIT should be done once or twice per week tops. HIIT is brutal to the body.
Well that's nice to know! I usually start with 30 minutes of a regular cardio routine to warm up, 20 minutes of interval running, and then 30 minutes of an HIIT exercise. I read that that HIIT training was good for your energy levels and metabolism. That would explain why after almost six weeks I feel worse than I did before I started working out so hard. I thought my body just had to get used to it. I've always been active as far as sports, but an actual gym routine is new to me.
HIIT should only be done once per week. Most people don't reach high enough intensity levels to truly be doing HIIT. That being said, it sounds like you might be overexercising in that area and maybe under-fueling.
What is your calorie goal, weight loss goal, current height and current weight?
Calorie Goal - 1200 - Which usually comes from one fast food meal during the day
Weight loss goal - 190lb
Current height - 5'8"
Current Weight - 262lb
I usually burn off all my calorie intake according to my FitBit.
I'm the first to say I am doing this all wrong, but I don't really know how to go about my calories, my macros, my workouts. I was active and fit in school. I love to play sports! I still go play a game of basketball once or twice a week. As far as a gym/workout routine, eating healthy/correctly, I am just winging it.
1200 calories per day is a weight loss target aimed at a sedentary female of small stature. You are neither of those things. Also another reason you're probably exhausted...you're underfeeding your activity.14 -
adortiz1990 wrote: »
That's how much I eat to lose a pound a week and I'm about your weight. Try it for a few weeks while logging everything as accurately as possible.4 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »adortiz1990 wrote: »adortiz1990 wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »If you're actually doing HIIT 5x per week, that might be part of the problem. HIIT shouldn't be performed 5x per week. True HIIT should be done once or twice per week tops. HIIT is brutal to the body.
Well that's nice to know! I usually start with 30 minutes of a regular cardio routine to warm up, 20 minutes of interval running, and then 30 minutes of an HIIT exercise. I read that that HIIT training was good for your energy levels and metabolism. That would explain why after almost six weeks I feel worse than I did before I started working out so hard. I thought my body just had to get used to it. I've always been active as far as sports, but an actual gym routine is new to me.
HIIT should only be done once per week. Most people don't reach high enough intensity levels to truly be doing HIIT. That being said, it sounds like you might be overexercising in that area and maybe under-fueling.
What is your calorie goal, weight loss goal, current height and current weight?
Calorie Goal - 1200 - Which usually comes from one fast food meal during the day
Weight loss goal - 190lb
Current height - 5'8"
Current Weight - 262lb
I usually burn off all my calorie intake according to my FitBit.
I'm the first to say I am doing this all wrong, but I don't really know how to go about my calories, my macros, my workouts. I was active and fit in school. I love to play sports! I still go play a game of basketball once or twice a week. As far as a gym/workout routine, eating healthy/correctly, I am just winging it.
1200 calories per day is a weight loss target aimed at a sedentary female of small stature. You are neither of those things. Also another reason you're probably exhausted...you're underfeeding your activity.
I will up my intake and hopefully that helps with my energy levels.1 -
Learn to set a boundary7
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How much do you sleep each night? When I started becoming more active, I absolutely needed more sleep. I also tried eating 1200 calories for a while, and even though the weight was melting off (I'm 5'6" and started at 256lbs), I felt like an exhausted pile of turd. Similarly, I do most of the household chores like cooking and laundry.
A couple of things I did which have helped improve the situation:- I meal prep one day a week to keep MY diet in check. This is usually just breakfast/snacks/lunches and I cook a family dinner that I can portion to fit my calorie goals. The kids eat what I eat because I do the work. If they want something else, they can scavenge for it themselves. My kids breakfasts/lunches are usually a variation of my own or they make it themselves (my kid is a teenager so I have a break there.).
- I go to bed at the same time every night. For me it's like 8:30pm because, well, I can and I get up at 4am to run before everyone else is up. This is tricky if you have little ones, but God's honest truth, get yourself at least 7 hours of sleep each night and your life will change.
- Decide what you can live with not being done around the house, because you are important and you deserve to have a healthy life and body. This could mean a few loads of laundry are slower to get done or something doesn't get vacuumed or scrubbed exactly when it usually does. Once you find you can honor yourself first, it becomes easier to honor other things. All that stuff will fall back into order--it just takes a little time.
- Go through the MFP "wizard" again and select an appropriate activity goal and rate of loss. Probably something like sedentary + 1lb to 1.5lb per week. This gives you a few more calories to work with. As long as you are measuring your portions with a food scale, you'll continue to lose and not feel terrible.
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fitoverfortymom wrote: »How much do you sleep each night? When I started becoming more active, I absolutely needed more sleep. I also tried eating 1200 calories for a while, and even though the weight was melting off (I'm 5'6" and started at 256lbs), I felt like an exhausted pile of turd. Similarly, I do most of the household chores like cooking and laundry.
A couple of things I did which have helped improve the situation:- I meal prep one day a week to keep MY diet in check. This is usually just breakfast/snacks/lunches and I cook a family dinner that I can portion to fit my calorie goals. The kids eat what I eat because I do the work. If they want something else, they can scavenge for it themselves. My kids breakfasts/lunches are usually a variation of my own or they make it themselves (my kid is a teenager so I have a break there.).
- I go to bed at the same time every night. For me it's like 8:30pm because, well, I can and I get up at 4am to run before everyone else is up. This is tricky if you have little ones, but God's honest truth, get yourself at least 7 hours of sleep each night and your life will change.
- Decide what you can live with not being done around the house, because you are important and you deserve to have a healthy life and body. This could mean a few loads of laundry are slower to get done or something doesn't get vacuumed or scrubbed exactly when it usually does. Once you find you can honor yourself first, it becomes easier to honor other things. All that stuff will fall back into order--it just takes a little time.
- Go through the MFP "wizard" again and select an appropriate activity goal and rate of loss. Probably something like sedentary + 1lb to 1.5lb per week. This gives you a few more calories to work with. As long as you are measuring your portions with a food scale, you'll continue to lose and not feel terrible.
Thank you! Everyone in my household is good about eating what I cook. I just cook unhealthy because it's easy. Since I work so many house and take care of my household fast and easy is the way I go. Ex: Tacos.
I usually go to bed about 10:30 or 11:00 and I'm up at 4:30. So I sleep about 6 hours a night. Definitely could use more, but when I wake up I feel rested. As the day goes on I crash!
I need to stop being a perfectionist with my house. I was just raised under such a strict household when it came to things like that it's a habit hard to break.
I will definitely re work my macros and calories!0 -
adortiz1990 wrote: »I will up my intake and hopefully that helps with my energy levels.
Based on some of your other responses I am scared of what this means. You need to up it ALL the way to the MFP suggested level and then start tracking your progress for about 6 weeks.
I am not going to presume to tell you how to manage your life but you live under the weight of many excuses.6 -
I hear you saying that your lifestyle (doing everything for others) HAS to be sustainable because it's what you have chosen, what's culturally acceptable, and what's expected by others in your life.
Your body is telling you it's not sustainable though. Telling you loud and clear.
Great suggestions here - MORE CALORIES (and not from another fast food meal; are you getting enough protein, among other nutrients, or just a bunch of sugar and fat?) - LESS HIIT and more reasonable expectations about workouts - shortcutting your home responsibilities wherever possible.
I sounds like you don't think anything can be shortcut or outsourced to others. I say this with an empathetic hug: when you fly on a plane they tell you, PUT THE OXYGEN MASK ON YOU FIRST. What happens to your family when you can't sustain the pace, physically or emotionally? It seems to me that increased focus on your own health and well being has to be a priority...12 -
adortiz1990 wrote: »Thank you everyone! Again my household responsibilities won't change, but that's okay. I chose to be a wife and mother and I don't regret it. I just need more energy.
As a child who had no chores around the house let me tell you my parents did me no favors. Did I enjoy not having to do anything other than homework and have fun? Yes! Did I become a functioning adult? NO!
I would highly advise having your children start helping you around the house. I'm not sure how old they are but I'm including a link that breaks down example tasks by age group.
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/parenting-challenges/motivating-kids-to-clean-up/age-appropriate-chores?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw-nu2Lng2wIVyFmGCh30-w8kEAAYASAAEgK_qvD_BwE
This suggestion is not just to help you gain more time back. It is also so your children can take care of themselves without relying on others once they leave the house. Children do not learn through osmosis of watching you do it, they learn by trying themselves while in an environment where it is safe to ask for help or clarification.
Please do not take this as an attack on your housewife/parenting style. It is not intended that way at all. I just wanted to provide perspective that not many consider.
13 -
adortiz1990 wrote: »I will up my intake and hopefully that helps with my energy levels.
Based on some of your other responses I am scared of what this means. You need to up it ALL the way to the MFP suggested level and then start tracking your progress for about 6 weeks.
I am not going to presume to tell you how to manage your life but you live under the weight of many excuses.
I am not sure what you mean by excuses. The last thing I do is make excuses. I work, take care of a household, and still workout. The last thing I do is make excuses. I stated numerous of times on this post this is just new to me and that's why I am reaching out for help from more experienced people.7 -
brightresolve wrote: »I hear you saying that your lifestyle (doing everything for others) HAS to be sustainable because it's what you have chosen, what's culturally acceptable, and what's expected by others in your life.
Your body is telling you it's not sustainable though. Telling you loud and clear.
Great suggestions here - MORE CALORIES (and not from another fast food meal; are you getting enough protein, among other nutrients, or just a bunch of sugar and fat?) - LESS HIIT and more reasonable expectations about workouts - shortcutting your home responsibilities wherever possible.
I sounds like you don't think anything can be shortcut or outsourced to others. I say this with an empathetic hug: when you fly on a plane they tell you, PUT THE OXYGEN MASK ON YOU FIRST. What happens to your family when you can't sustain the pace, physically or emotionally? It seems to me that increased focus on your own health and well being has to be a priority...
It's not sustainable. That's why I reached out for help because I don't know how to juggle all of it, but I know it all has to be juggled. I knew there were more experienced people that could guide me in the right direction. I know I can't continue the way I am. I am literally at my desk after a 20oz redbull fighting to keep my eyes open. Something's got to give. Oh and my food intake was primarily from fats and sugars until I decided to go vegetarian for a couple of weeks. So as of yesterday its plant based everything.1 -
adortiz1990 wrote: »brightresolve wrote: »I hear you saying that your lifestyle (doing everything for others) HAS to be sustainable because it's what you have chosen, what's culturally acceptable, and what's expected by others in your life.
Your body is telling you it's not sustainable though. Telling you loud and clear.
Great suggestions here - MORE CALORIES (and not from another fast food meal; are you getting enough protein, among other nutrients, or just a bunch of sugar and fat?) - LESS HIIT and more reasonable expectations about workouts - shortcutting your home responsibilities wherever possible.
I sounds like you don't think anything can be shortcut or outsourced to others. I say this with an empathetic hug: when you fly on a plane they tell you, PUT THE OXYGEN MASK ON YOU FIRST. What happens to your family when you can't sustain the pace, physically or emotionally? It seems to me that increased focus on your own health and well being has to be a priority...
It's not sustainable. That's why I reached out for help because I don't know how to juggle all of it, but I know it all has to be juggled. I knew there were more experienced people that could guide me in the right direction. I know I can't continue the way I am. I am literally at my desk after a 20oz redbull fighting to keep my eyes open. Something's got to give.
Everyone has told you how to juggle it. Quit being "superwoman."
I work full-time, raise my child and hit the gym before and after work to get my training in. Dinner is either in the crockpot, something simple (including tacos!) or hubby cooks. Cleaning is minimal, and I have someone come in once every two weeks to do the deep cleaning. Son is required to do chores, including mowing the lawn and dishes, cleaning his room and bathroom. Hubby pitches in with laundry and other stuff. I go to bed at 7:45 every night and am up at 3:45 to make everything happen.
I'm 5'9, 180, and losing on 1800 calories per day.
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emmies_123 wrote: »adortiz1990 wrote: »Thank you everyone! Again my household responsibilities won't change, but that's okay. I chose to be a wife and mother and I don't regret it. I just need more energy.
As a child who had no chores around the house let me tell you my parents did me no favors. Did I enjoy not having to do anything other than homework and have fun? Yes! Did I become a functioning adult? NO!
I would highly advise having your children start helping you around the house. I'm not sure how old they are but I'm including a link that breaks down example tasks by age group.
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/parenting-challenges/motivating-kids-to-clean-up/age-appropriate-chores?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw-nu2Lng2wIVyFmGCh30-w8kEAAYASAAEgK_qvD_BwE
This suggestion is not just to help you gain more time back. It is also so your children can take care of themselves without relying on others once they leave the house. Children do not learn through osmosis of watching you do it, they learn by trying themselves while in an environment where it is safe to ask for help or clarification.
Please do not take this as an attack on your housewife/parenting style. It is not intended that way at all. I just wanted to provide perspective that not many consider.
Everyone in my household has responsibilities, but yes the house work falls more on me. The kids room as to be cleaned by them, their bathroom is their responsibility, and they have to take out the trash. Everything else is my responsibility though. There's just not enough hours in the day. I am sure you understand that. 0 -
adortiz1990 wrote: »adortiz1990 wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »If you're actually doing HIIT 5x per week, that might be part of the problem. HIIT shouldn't be performed 5x per week. True HIIT should be done once or twice per week tops. HIIT is brutal to the body.
Well that's nice to know! I usually start with 30 minutes of a regular cardio routine to warm up, 20 minutes of interval running, and then 30 minutes of an HIIT exercise. I read that that HIIT training was good for your energy levels and metabolism. That would explain why after almost six weeks I feel worse than I did before I started working out so hard. I thought my body just had to get used to it. I've always been active as far as sports, but an actual gym routine is new to me.
HIIT should only be done once per week. Most people don't reach high enough intensity levels to truly be doing HIIT. That being said, it sounds like you might be overexercising in that area and maybe under-fueling.
What is your calorie goal, weight loss goal, current height and current weight?
Calorie Goal - 1200 - Which usually comes from one fast food meal during the day
Weight loss goal - 190lb
Current height - 5'8"
Current Weight - 262lb
I usually burn off all my calorie intake according to my FitBit.
I'm the first to say I am doing this all wrong, but I don't really know how to go about my calories, my macros, my workouts. I was active and fit in school. I love to play sports! I still go play a game of basketball once or twice a week. As far as a gym/workout routine, eating healthy/correctly, I am just winging it.
you arent supposed to burn off all your calorie intake. your body burns calories just by being alive. if you burn 400 calories through exercise eat most if not all back. MFP gives you your defecit without exercise. if you are netting negative numbers then that is why you are exhausted. when they say burn more than you take in they dont mean eat 1200 calories and burn off 1200 calories. it means you eat less than your TDEE(bmr-what your body needs to function+ your activity calories=TDEE). at 262 lbs all that exercise and not fueling your body is too much ,you are also most likely losing a lot of lean mass eating so little.3
This discussion has been closed.
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