Brain drain after workouts

ably65
ably65 Posts: 41
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I used to be in great shape...I did an international distance triathlon the year before I became pregnant with my daughter (that was 9 years ago). Even when not training for something like this, I always worked out every day. It was just part of my life. When I was even younger I was a professional ballet dancer...

Then, the last 9 years happened. It is a long story but the relevant info here is that I put on 80 pounds and stopped working out.

Now I'm back to working out but I'm having trouble with what I am calling "brain drain". If I work out enough to really get a workout and feel good, I end up getting the "brain drain" about an hour later. I used to work out so much and I never experienced this.

These are my questions for any fitness experts out there:
Is this something that I have to just tough-out and then my body will adjust?
Is there a way that I can eat to avoid this?

For example, today I ate eggs and tomatoes for breakfast, then did a 90 minute hike two hours later, after the hike ate grilled chicken and mixed veg's (with oil and vinegar) and some hummus with cucumbers. I have the brain-drain now. It makes it really hard to do my work.

I started South Beach this week but I was having this problem before I started this eating plan.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

Replies

  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    It will bet better as you regain your former fitness level but I think the real problem here is that you need to eat more carbs after you workout. The brain is fueled exclusively by carbs and when the body runs low the brain slows down. Based on what you wrote you are not eating enough carbs.
  • half_moon
    half_moon Posts: 807 Member
    I'm sorry, but what's a brain drain? Like a tiredness, or when it's hard to concentrate on something?

    I know that once, after a long run, I couldn't figure out why the water fountain wouldn't turn off, or how to make it stop running (Uh, DUH, Cody. Take your hand off from the side?)
  • ably65
    ably65 Posts: 41
    I'm sorry, but what's a brain drain? Like a tiredness, or when it's hard to concentrate on something?

    I know that once, after a long run, I couldn't figure out why the water fountain wouldn't turn off, or how to make it stop running (Uh, DUH, Cody. Take your hand off from the side?)

    It is my term for that feeling...like all of the fuel to my brain has been drained out. It is exactly like the experience you describe.
  • chelw727
    chelw727 Posts: 93 Member
    I agree with Scott. You definitely need more carbs to fuel your workouts and brain! Sounds like your "brain drain" may even be hypoglycemia??
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Carbs!!!
  • cordianet
    cordianet Posts: 534 Member
    Carbs!!!

    ^^ This. You need protein post exercise to rebuild muscle tissue, but you need carbs to fuel the exercise. You're working out enough that you're burning through your glycogen stores and your brain is basically being starved because your body can't convert protein or fat fast enough to make up for it. Some folks recommend that you carbo load just prior to, or during intense exercise. Some wait till after. I think it depends on the intensity and the length of the workout.
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