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Exercising and Counting Calories

kimmyannl
kimmyannl Posts: 70 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
So, I have recently started working out and counting calories within the last few weeks. I do really good with losing weight when I stay within my calorie range and workout at the same time. I have even been eating back my calories I workout since I started MFP a couple weeks ago. My problem is that when I workout and count my calories I get a massive headache. I also just get really tired by the end of the day and feel like I can barely make it on the days I don't get off work until 9:00pm. So, my question is, is this just something I am gonna have to deal with and get used to. Or do I maybe need to get in extra calories? Any advice would be great to hear. Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • Cindym82
    Cindym82 Posts: 1,245 Member
    did you cut out caffeine or start consuming less? Cause sometimes that causes the headache
  • LauraHasABabyJack
    LauraHasABabyJack Posts: 629 Member
    Are you drinking plenty of water? I get bad headaches when I'm dehydrated and sweating while exercising makes it happen faster.
  • kimmyannl
    kimmyannl Posts: 70 Member
    I stopped drinking caffeine years ago and only drink water. I drink tons of water on a daily basis!
  • shovav91
    shovav91 Posts: 2,335 Member
    You may need to up your calories. I'm not sure how much you're eating, but sometimes MFP recommends 1200 a day which is way too low to sustain you.
  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    What's your height and weight and calories per day?
    Maybe you aren't eating enough to fuel the exercise you are doing, or maybe it's the change in diet and lifestyle.
  • kimmyannl
    kimmyannl Posts: 70 Member
    Well, I guess I should add that I am 5'4" and weigh about 190. MFP has me at about 1200. That is what I try to stick to plus eat back my workout calories.
  • roadworthy
    roadworthy Posts: 130
    I found the same thing was happening to me. I felt shaky and was getting headaches. I did up my calories, I try to eat all of them back now instead of half of the exercise calories back. I am still set at 1200. At the end of the day I am eating 1400-1500 per day after workouts. I haven't had that problem since. Not sure if it was coincidental or not.
  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    Eat more!
    1200 is really low, no wonder you are exhausted. I'm 5'4" and started out at 204. I lost nearly 50 pounds last year eating around 1400 - 1700 NET calories (that means eating my daily allowance plus the calories from exercise).

    You just don't have to cut calories this low to lose weight - it isn't necessarly and is going to be hard to stick to for the long term. And if you don't stick to it, you won't lose weight.

    I suggest go back to your goals page and change your weight loss goal to "lose 1 pound" or "lose 1/2 pound per week".
    Eat these calories plus what you burn off from exercise and you'll probably feel much better and will be much healthier.
  • kimmyannl
    kimmyannl Posts: 70 Member
    I will def give that a try! Thanks a ton for the help!
This discussion has been closed.

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