Tired...

[Iisrias]

Seems that most people get a burst of energy when on this program. I've actually been tired. Consultants said that it was most likely a drop in blood pressure (true, it has gone down), and suggested an extra vitamin, increase salt, and eating meat options as opposed to yogurt/cheese. All of which I've been doing, but still feeling sluggish. Any suggestions, things that may have worked for you all?

[Bronwyn]

Good morning Iisrias!

Coffee!!! I, too, have not experienced a boom in energy (at least not that I've noticed) and now with the time change I've been pretty tired this week. I do drink coffee so have a cup in the morning (black w/sweetner only) and during they day will have a diet coke or another cup of coffee. Not sure if you're a caffeine drinker and of course, that is sort of artificial energy. Your body is probably still balancing out from being on this program. I'd keep following the consultants advice and keep them posted if you don't notice a change over the next couple of weeks. Are you eating chicken and fish mostly as opposed to red meat?

[WorthyQueen]

Hey Iisrias,
The first couple weeks were not easy for me either. The energy just started in the 3rd week, but there were a few things I did that I think may have helped.

I don't know if you are a coffee drinker, but I have been for most of my adult life, but i gotta be honest - the thought of black coffee with no cream - I'd rather not. So I drink black tea or green tea (with caffeine) in the mornings. I don't drink soda and never have, but I drink Peppermint tea in the afternoon with ice. It's pleasant and refreshing. The other thing is that I was always hungry and that made me feel fatigued. I found that if I had my biggest meal at lunch, that I would not feel starved by dinner. I didn't need as much at the end of the day because I saved some crackers and fruit for after dinner. Personally my biggest red meat meal is meal 3, so I just swap meal 3 for meal 2 on red meat. That way I am fuller until dinner and I have the energy to keep moving. Lastly, I always have an egg in the morning because anything else leaves me feeling a bit cheated. I measure out onions, mushrooms, spinach and green bell peppers and I grill them up with the olive oil spray, then I scamble my egg and I eat them together. If the veggies are too overwhelming compared to the egg, then cut those in half and slice fresh cucumber to make up the difference. I lighly salt it all and eat up. A little while later I have my crackers and a fruit allowance :)

I don't know if this helps, but i didn't want you to think that i just magically walked onto this diet feeling wonderful because that so was not the case. Let us know how you're doing and i'm sure you'll come through this and feel great! :party1:

[Iisrias]

Thanks Bronwyn & Queen! I'm actually 5 weeks in, and didn't really find the first few weeks too terrible. I'm so thrilled with the results - it has all been worth it.

I love love love my coffee! I used to think if it didn't have something white in it why bother...but now I've actually grown to like it black with sweetener. I also do a diet soda now and again, but I've been drinking so much water that it hasn't left much room for other beverages. I always do the egg for breakfast, usually scrambled with veggies, that keeps me pretty full, lunch and dinner I would say 90% of the time I do the meat/chicken/fish option. I think that it may just be a matter of time for the energy to kick in. I feel a ton better than when I started otherwise - so I'll not complain.:innocent4:

Thanks for your advice!

[Hugentobler]

My tiredness hits me when get on home from work and I sit down on the couch. Once I sit down, I'm done and the night is a waste. So I moved dinner to an earlier time (so I don't have time to sit down) and after dinner, I make my husband do something with me .. go walk the mall, go outside and visit with neighbors (now that the weather is getting better)...going for a walk around the neighborhood ... by the time I get back into the house and its time for a soak in the bubble bath (my favorite) then bed....This way the tiredness doesn't win. Hang in there.

[cyberella]

hi, iisrias!!
wanna hear my very fancy and sophisticated idea?! :eyebrow:

S L E E P !!!! :innocent2:
just allow yourself 2 go 2 bed early!!! :sleeping:

your body isnt stupid- rather the opposit- and tells u what it neez!!
and as a benefit: the hgh comes while u sleep!
researches proved that people who sleep the most have less tendencies 4 weight problems!!! {mischievious}

some days i lie down with my boybee at 8:30 pm and these nitz r just the best! or better: the next days r!!! i feel less hungry and tired- as i am just like u- TIRED at present a lot!!

[Bronwyn]

Yes, sleep is very, very important. Forgot to ask you if you're getting enough sleep Iisrias!! You're so smart Cyberella!!!

Amylynn, I LOVE your solutions to your evening drag. Sounds like you've got a sweet, supportive husband to help you out there too. Nice!!! Makes me want to come sit on your porch and hang out too after work...

[Iisrias]

Thanks for your replies and your concern! Yes I am getting plenty of sleep, I have accepted that it is due to the decrease in blood pressure, and the decrease in calories. I'm sure I'll adjust. My original post was to get ideas and input from people that have been there, done that, and boy did you all come through!:)

[Shasha]

{hi} there Iisrias & Everyone

Having low blood pressure is no joke... it's exhausting!

So thanks for all the input {grouphug1}

All of the above are great ideas and I'll trust you will try them and see what works best for you... the second vitamin and increased salt at lunchtime will probably help the most though.

Just a word of caution for if your blood pressure drops too much and if you ever feel dizzy or like fainting, please eat an extra apple on those days only.

For now, try to avoid taking a bath in too hot water, exercises, stress, not enough sleep etc. Be careful because your blood pressure could be lower than normal as well during your time of the month.

:comfort: I hope you feel much better really soon!!!

[Maya]

Sleep, Some More Magnesium, Zink And Calcium And Black Coffee Through The Day.
I Was Very Very Tired And Weak In The Middle Of 3rd Week...