Why am I tired all the time?

Question

I have recently quit eating meats except for some seafood. It seems like I am more tired then before. Is there any thing to help keep my energy up?

Answer 1

Wow, there are so many misconceptions in some of the previous answers (notice they don't cite any sources.)

Eating/not eating meat has nothing to do w/ energy levels. The idea that a high protein diet is needed to gain energy is a myth: http://students.washington.edu/careuw/faq_protein.pdf Protein is protein, no matter where it comes from; it is in everything you eat.

Eating a balanced veg diet is what matters. Here are some meal plans to help you out: http://www.veganhealth.org/articles/meals
Sometimes when people go veg, unaware of the wide variety of veg foods, they rely only on low-calorie foods like salads, fruits, etc. In addition to those foods, you need:

Good fats & protein (ground flaxseed for omega-3, soy, nuts, beans, etc.).

Up your carb intake w/ whole grains, bread, cereal, etc.

Take 1,000 mcg (or greater) B12 tablets, enriched soymilk, etc. (but if you just stopped eating meat, you would not have a B-12 deficiency as your body stores enough to last several years. B-12 is made by bacteria not meat). http://www.veganhealth.org/articles/b12/rec

Also, if you still eat dairy, try to minimize it as it contains Tryptophan, an overabundance of which could make you drowsy.

You may also be dehydrated if you don't drink enough water between meals/eat enough water-rich foods.

Spinach, chard, beet greens are NOT good sources of ABSORBABLE iron. They contain oxalic acid which blocks the absorption of the iron in those foods. Try other green-leafy vegetables like kale, collard, mustard, parsley instead. http://dataguru.org/misc/aquarium/FoodOxalicAcid.html

Fatigue has numerous causes, including not getting enough sun, exercise, unprocessed whole foods, sleep, etc. First, rule out any medical conditions by getting checked out by a veg-friendly doctor.

Don't pay attention to the naysayers, as one should w/ any diet, make sure you eat balanced nutritional meals and your health will improve far & above the meat-eaters'

Answer 2

If you've cut out meats and exchanged them with carbs and sugars, this may make you feel tired.

Also, I know in this neck of the woods, the weather is getting warmer and warmer. As the temp rises, some people get more tired.

And, school recently let out. If you have kids, they may be sapping your energy.

You may not be eating a balanced diet in general. Lack of protein, iron, or a hundred other nutrients can sometimes cause malaise.

It's also possible you're going through some sort of biological shift. Whether that's a monthly shift, a lifetime shift, or a single time shift - it's still possible.

You may be having some sort of sleep disturbance that you aren't aware of. Perhaps your husband's cold is keeping you up and you don't remember it. Perhaps the neighbors got a new dog and it's barking wakes you just long enough to ruin your sleep rhythm. Perhaps the air conditioning is keeping you from spending enough time in REM sleep. Perhaps you have a sleep condition (like apnea) that's affecting you.

Make sure you are exercising frequently. It often makes people more awake during the day, yet it makes them sleep better at night.

If the problems persist and you've examined what the cause could be, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Good luck to you. : )

Answer 3

You are probably going through what most vegetarians refer to as a detox. Your body is working to get rid of all the junk from the meat you used to eat. It is normal and will pass in a few days. I went through the same thing and thought something was wrong, but when I talked to others I found that a lot of people go through this.

Answer 4

Wow you got bombarded by the meat train. Ignore these tools =)

You might need more protein...try eating some beans, tofu, quinoa or protein packed rice. Also make sure you are eating balanced. Your body will tell you what you need the most.

When your hungry imagine eating a fatty food, a protein packed food or a really carb heavy food...typically which ever one you crave the most will be what your body is lacking. Then make one according to your results. Don't over kill..just make a meal that primarily is based upon what you're craving.

Answer 5

girl...I think u need a red bull!!! that's the only thing tha' keeps me up when i'm feeling down,I don't know about u but I need my redbull now!!! lol, i'm just kidding, well i think ur body is telling u that needs some of the vitamins and minerals that contains the food u quit to eat, I can swear to u that quit from eat its not the answer for any situation that u were passing trought so i advice u to continun eat the things that ur body need cuz it's better put a stop right now before start repent....or in other cases u still can go and get a red bull...and another one for me if u want to!!! =p lol take care bout ur self sincerely , Marie xoxo

Answer 6

Check your iron level - this could be one cause of low energy. Spinach is high in iron, and may help the situation if this is the cause.
Exercise is also good for you, and may raise your energy level.
You might also consider vitamin supplements to make sure you are getting enough daily vitamins and nutrients.
Engage in activities that interest you, sometimes this might raise your energy level.

Answer 7

If your ovulating and not getting the required iron and protein from red meat, then your energy levels will be low.

Try eating green veggies such as broccoli, spinach, green beans and Brussels sprouts.

You may check out some high energy diet supplements, like the powdered protein mix from your chemist.

Don't resort to quick energy fixes, such as cola flavored fizzy drinks, they will only make you feel worse once the sugar rush is over. You need slow release energy foods.

Google health foods and look for slow release energy.

Answer 8

Are you getting enough B12? Potatos are loaded with it and other vegtables have small quantities of it. Explore foods with B12 in them and make sure you are exercising. It sounds strange to get energy from doing something that drains you of it but getting used to doing active things makes you feel more active. Your blood gets flowing and nutrients are distributed through your whole body. Drink plenty of wate to keep hydrated and keep your body cool.

Answer 9

It sounds like you could be anemic. Try taking some iron pills. Are you eating enough protein too? Meat is an excellent source of protein and iron.

How long ago did you give up eating meats? If it is within the first couple of days, your body might just be adjusting too.

Answer 10

Your body is in the process of getting used to doing without some essential proteins and probably carbs and without those you will feel a little fatigued until your body makes the transition.