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2002/11/06, 12:31 PM
I have been starving (mostly for carbs) for the last week. I went to the gym this morning and hated every minute of my routine. I wasn't motivated, I felt weak. I also felt on edge. (no it's not PMS)
Maybe I've been overdoing it (weight training 5 hrs a week, Cardio 3 hrs a week, and a diet of about 1800 per day-high on protein).
If I take a break, I'm afraid I'll lose everything I've worked for in the last 3 years. I'm 5'6", 145, bodyfat 15% (per skin calipher measurements from the trainer at my gym)
Any ideas on how to handle this?
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2002/11/06, 12:46 PM
how long have you been on this routine? if its been a while, you may just be on the way to overtraining.
your fear is extremely common. but dont worry about it. if you have been training no-holes-barred for some time, you will not lose everything you have worked for. take a week off and rest. you will feel SO much better and stronger.
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Michael
"Trample the weak; hurdle the dead!"
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2002/11/06, 12:51 PM
Hey Carol - I know this probably sounds like an understatement but it's suppossed to be fun. I don't know if your exercise routine is overdoing it but it sounds like you might be lacking in the nutrition department. "1800 per day-high on protein" isn't enough for anyone to help you. If you're feeling starved, it's a pretty good indicator your intake isn't what it should be (or at least the breakdown isn't) and you're setting yourself up for a fall. We all harp on getting enough protein but you also need a healthy mix of carbs and especially good fats. Your body has to get energy from someplace and right now it's probably getting it by slowing down your metabolism and eating away at your muscle.
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2002/11/06, 12:53 PM
Overtraining sounds right on. One other thing that is extrememly helpful when on a low carb diet. Do a "carb up" meal twice per week. This serves a twofold purpose, first to keep your metabolism up and honest, and second for glycogen storage, so your workouts don't go down the tubes. This sounds like what is happening to you. The carb meal is done right before bed, thus the storage. It may consist of a 6 oz. sweet potato, 1/2 cup oatmeal before cooking, 1 medium banana, and 1 cup of green vegetables. Do not be afraid to do this, it works, and will benefit you greatly. You will not gain an ounce, and will keep losing due to the fact your metabolism is up and running. Do this on Monday and Thursday nights before bed. this should greatly help your problem.
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2002/11/06, 01:00 PM
bb1fit: I've heard about that before from some other people at the gym. Does this carb meal consist of all items that you mentioned? (6 oz. sweet potato, 1/2 cup oatmeal before cooking, 1 medium banana, and 1 cup of green vegetables). Or, just one of any of those items?
Thanks
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2002/11/06, 01:08 PM
No, ALL of them. It may sound like alot, and admittedly, at first is very daunting if you have been schooled on the high protein low carb dieting, you know, cutting carbs to the bone. I did this my last 2 contests, (the carb up meals) and was in the best shape I was ever in at contest time. My workouts didn't suffer near like they did when I stayed on ultra low carbs. I too had a hard time the first couple times, but you really get to look forward to those carb meals, and your workout the next day is usually very productive. It works! ..One note, as Rev8ball says, if you have been doing this for an excessive time, you may be just overtrained and in need of a break. You will have to be the judge of that.
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2002/11/06, 10:47 PM
One thing I might add, very important. Even this diet with the "carb meals" is meant to be temporary. About 6 weeks or so. After that, it sure will be time for a break. Give yourself a week rest. It will do your body and mind good. If you eat correctly, you will lose nothing, and get stronger. Your joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles will all thank you by responding greatly on your return. You will also be mentally replinished. Good luck. Remember, this is about your health. If you are running yourself down badly, your immune system suffers too. Much more suceptible to colds, flu, etc. Best of luck to you.
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