Feeling weak and tired

[MommyOf2]

I know a lot of you know me already but for those that don't I've been on stage 1 for 20 days.  Have lost 9 pounds.  Eating Paleo for my one meal.  Usually have 2 oranges and sometimes some almonds during the day. 

I have NOT felt this energy burst that everyone is fortunate to feel.  I am always sleepy and tired.  I worked out today and could only do 25 minutes instead of the normal 45.  For the last week, I've been drinking my morning coffee. I just feel weak, especially in my arms when II work out.  I don't want to start increasing my snacks because I want to lose another 20 pounds. 

In all fairness to this eating plan, I was weak and tired before I started doing this but at least my workouts were more productive.  I have severe hormonal issues and was hoping that this change in eating would help. I am just now getting over my cycle and this is the time of the month that I feel the most tired. So far though, cutting out so many things from my diet has really helped with the hormonal migraines! Just wish I had energy! 

I do drink a lot of water, I also drink decaf green tea, have my coffee in the AM and I have not cheated.  So any advice on what I can do to feel more peppy?? Oh, dinner is usually meat or chicken and a large salad or mixed veges. Tomorrow I will have eggs since it's been a week since I've had them. I do take a multivitamin but not regularly cuz I forget sometimes. Ok Houmax...I'm ready for the links! LOL

[houmax]

No links for you today, HA 

What your eating sounds fine. Maybe it will just take you a little longer to get over getting the majority of your energy from carbs.

You might try eating a little more animal fats and fruit till your body adjusts.

[MommyOf2]

Houmax, what animal fats and fruits do you recommend?

[houmax]

Houmax, what animal fats and fruits do you recommend?

Steaks are best bang for the buck, get some nicely marbled and don't trim the fat, eat it. Bananas are great for energy.

[MommyOf2]

OK thanks, how many bananas a week can I eat without slowing weight loss?

[houmax]

OK thanks, how many bananas a week can I eat without slowing weight loss?

Don't worry about weight loss, you might need to nourish your body first. There's plenty of time to adjust eating later on after you feel better.

I lied 

Here's your link. I've posted it before but Melissa makes good points for people new to the Paleo diet...
http://huntgatherlove.com/content/are-you-faileo-diet

[NbergAnimal]

The biggest treatment, for sleepiness is sleep itself! However for many, and especially a mom like yourself, it may be tough to get at least 8 hours. Sleep is crucial not only to help with feeling tired, but also your body releases many hormones while you sleep, for example growth hormone. Growth hormone is crucial in muscle repair and metabolic regulation, and about an hour after you reach "true" sleep is when your body releases it. I think this will help aide in your energy because muscle fatigue plays a major role in feeling lathargic. Therefore The number one thing you can do is get more sleep. Also, before your morning coffee dont forget to drink that cup of cold water, it really has been helping me wake up. I hope this helps!

afternote: i dont have a source to back up the sleep thing, but I'm an athletic training student and my professor is a doctor of athletic training, and this is what we went over in class last week so i jsut got it from my notes.

[MommyOf2]

Yes, the sleep thing is true.  I try to get at least 6 hours but not always possible more so because of my hormones not my kids.  My peri-menopausal symptoms are severe but I refuse to take anything synthetic.
 
Houmax....OMG, I just had an epiphany reading the link you posted!  I knew you'd come through with a link for me. It is true, I've been low carbing and low fatting.....Today I will eat plenty of bacon with my eggs. 

I am still losing, slowly but losing.  I lost another pound so now I'm 141.5 down from 151 when I started 3 weeks ago.

Thanks both of you for the great support and advice, it means a lot! I'll keep you posted on my progress!