Feeling sleepy

maryhuffer1
maryhuffer1 Posts: 2 Member
edited May 2019 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi, I've been using to app to help count calories over the last couple of if weeks. Things are going fairly well for me, not looking to lose weight fast, just looking to lose it! My problem is that the last 3 or 4 days I've been really sleepy. So much so that I will start to doze at my desk at work! What am I missing from my diet??

Replies

  • Terytha
    Terytha Posts: 2,097 Member
    edited May 2019
    Caffeine?

    Just kidding. Take a look at what you've cut back on and see if you're low on any vitamins. Vitamins B12 and D seem to play pretty big roles for me, and prior to getting some injections my B12 had once dropped to critical levels and I'd been sleeping all day and night for a week.
  • poedunk65
    poedunk65 Posts: 1,336 Member
    Might want to check to see if you have sleep apnea.

    Being overweight does cause that and it makes you so sleepy during the day.
  • RelCanonical
    RelCanonical Posts: 3,882 Member
    How has your sleep quality been? Possible it's not related to eating? Do you prefer to sleep on an empty stomach or with something in your stomach? I don't like to sleep on an empty stomach so I don't sleep as well if I try to go to bed without eating something.
  • kgeyser
    kgeyser Posts: 22,505 Member
    When you cut your calories, were most of the foods you reduced or cut out carbs? How are your macros looking (ratios of carbs, fat, and protein) looking? A drop in carbs can cause that sleepiness, especially if it was a significant drop.
  • apullum
    apullum Posts: 4,838 Member
    Did you dramatically increase your exercise? That could make you more tired.

    Sleep apnea is also a possibility when you have persistent daytime sleepiness.
  • Jruzer
    Jruzer Posts: 3,501 Member
    Did you cut out caffeinated soda, or sugary coffee drinks?
  • maryhuffer1
    maryhuffer1 Posts: 2 Member
    Lots of good stuff, thanks everyone!

    My B12 is always low as I have Crohn's Colitis and my body doesn't absorb vitamins and nutrients like that of a "normal" body.

    I've been overweight for years so I don't feel it's because of my weight. It's been most noticeable 3 of the last 4 days.

    Sleep quality has not changed recently. I can't eat after 8pm due to said Crohn's Colitis because the acid reflux is so bad. (Geez, if it's not one thing it's another!)

    Although I didn't cut out carbs, I have cut down quite a bit. I love bread and pasta! As far as my macros my fat seems to be on track but I'm usually low on carbs and protein. (Thinking this is my issue??!!)

    Exercise? Ha!! Dramatically increased?? Ha ha!!

    Taking in just under 1700 calories a day. Trying to lose 20 lbs. That will bring me to the top of my BMI range.

    I cut out soda several months before I started my calorie monitoring. Coke was my go to. Gosh I miss it! No coffee or other sugary drinks.

    So, back to the macros... how do I even them out? I'm a super picky eater, it's hard for me to find things to eat that I like and that don't mess with my colon.
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,416 Member
    So, back to the macros... how do I even them out? I'm a super picky eater, it's hard for me to find things to eat that I like and that don't mess with my colon.

    I know it took me quite some time to come up with the right combo of foods to hit my protein Goals while still getting enough fruits and vegetables etc.

    When I was losing weight I ate much fewer servings of grains and fruits. That was where I was able to make the easiest adjustments.

    Since you have medical issues, I think you'll just have to fill in that food log every day and look at it - study it - figure out what you're lacking and work it out. That's really what I (and probably everyone) has to do.

    It's a Rubik's Cube. Keep practicing!
  • springlering62
    springlering62 Posts: 8,437 Member
    ^^ Rubik’s Cube. What a great description, @cmriverside !
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,204 Member
    SInce you mention being lower on protein than you'd like, but selective in what you want (or are able) to eat, I'd like to point out this potentially helpful thread:

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10247171/carbs-and-fats-are-cheap-heres-a-guide-to-getting-your-proteins-worth-fiber-also

    It links to a spreadsheet that lists many, many foods by protein efficiency: Most protein for fewest calories. There are quite a few foods that include protein, that might not be the first to come to mind. Perhaps it would be helpful to review that spreadsheet, and see if there are foods on it that you enjoy (or could try) in order to find higher-protein items you like eating. You could then review your diary, find things you could reduce to free up calories (I don't mean "bad foods" in any sense, just foods that are getting you extra amounts of nutrients you already get plenty of), and eat some things from the spreadsheet that sound good to you in their place.

    Since you know of some higher-carb foods you enjoy, I'm assuming you can figure out how to increase carbs if you want to, so wouldn't need a spreadsheet to help with that! ;)

    Best wishes!
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,610 Member
    maryhuffer1 wrote: »
    Hi, I've been using to app to help count calories over the last couple of if weeks. Things are going fairly well for me, not looking to lose weight fast, just looking to lose it! My problem is that the last 3 or 4 days I've been really sleepy. So much so that I will start to doze at my desk at work! What am I missing from my diet??

    Sleep?

    How much sleep are you getting?

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