How to deal with fatigue/energy loss all the time?

Question

Ever since becoming vegetarian I have been a lot more tired and way less energy. I take lots of vitamins every day. I try to eat healthy. I dont get enough protein and its very hard to do so. I am wonderng if vegetable protein is even the same as meat protein. Because no matter how much veggie protein I get I still feel the same. what do i do?

I have been vegetarian for 3+ years also

also, its usually the day time when I am super tired. sometimes i have to go home just to sleep it gets that bad. at night i usually am more awake, or i will get more energy as the day goes on

Answer 1

How many carbs are you eating a day. Carbs are pure energy. You most likly need more iron rich foods like beans and nuts in your diet than carbs though.

The difference between animal protein and plant proteins is animal proteins are harder to digest and tend to linger longer in your body because of this. Plant proteins are MUCH easier on your body to digest and your body has a much easier time getting what it needs(vitamins and minerals) from them. Have you noticed that it is easier to go number two? Plant proteins don't take as much time in your body as meat does. It tends to stay much longer in your system than most people ever thought.

You need to start getting more iron rich foods in your diet and maybe more carbs I don't know how many carbs you are eating a day. Iron is most likely the culprit.

BTW you don't need as much protien as you think you do. This is why it's possible to live off veggies, grains, and fruits. Too much of it can be bad for you too.

Answer 2

OK, if it's fatigue that perks up at night, you may be a night owl or you may have problems with depression or sleep issues. That's not always diet-related.

But as far as "fatigue"--beware sugar crashes. If you eat straight-up sugar or even fruit (especially fruit juice or dried fruits) and no protein or complex carbs, you might have a sugar rush and then a crash.

Then, you'll feel stuff like tired, cranky, fuzzy-headed, shaky...all signs of low blood sugar.

That's the idea behind trail mix--it's fruit (and sometimes candy) but also NUTS...nuts will provide fiber and protein to keep the sugar from rushing into your bloodstream and then getting all used up and leading to a crash.

Protein comes in LOTS of forms...a spoonful of peanut butter on whole wheat toast will help your crash and keep you from crashing again. It doesn't have to be meat. It doesn't even have to be fancy-shmancy fake meat.

You just need to get enough amino acids together in your body throughout the day so your body can put together complete proteins, like corn and beans together. Soy is good protein and doesn't require lots of "companion foods."

But you need protein and fiber to combat those crashes.

And if a better diet doesn't help, go to the doc! You may have issues with hypoglycemia or hormones and if you need meds, you need meds. Diet doesn't always do the trick.

Answer 3

You Really Don't Recover From The Loss Of A Parent Because A Void Is Left In Your Life~My Father Died 30 Years Ago~

Answer 4

To answer a part of your question: Vegetable Protein is not the same of animal protein. However, a lack of protein is probably not causing your fatigue. Protein is a macro nutrient but gives us very little 'energy' as this is the job of carbohydrates. Protein is responsible for the building of muscles. Your fatigue is probably due to a lack of iron.

Answer 5

My daughter became a vegetarian about 6 months ago and went through the same thing. I have to make sure she takes a mutli vitamin with iron. I also make sure she has plenty of protein. I buy her alot of the Boca veggie burgers, hot dogs and chicken patties. She also eats alot of beans, peanut butter and eggs. You must make up for that protein loss. I hope this helps. :o)

Answer 6

I'd say to get a check-up... you're probably not getting all the vitamins/minerals you need. Make sure you're eating right and take a multi-vitamin. But definitely get a check-up because as a vegetarian I don't think this is a normal symptom. Good luck!

Answer 7

God forbid that you should begin a moderate normal balanced diet and feel healthy. I'm sure fretting yourself over maintaining a ludicrous diet in spite of health problems is not doing you any good. But the choice is yours. One needs to eat a disproportionate amount of plant life to gain the same amount of protein from other sources, not to mention the absorbable B12.

Answer 8

Eating some meat should help, that way you will get more of the vitamins your body needs to remain healthy.

Answer 9

Veg protein is not the cause.
Excercise until sweating out, and avoid pills' side effect.

Answer 10

I have no idea. All I see is that it is very interesting you (and so, so many others) tout constantly how wonderful this vegetarian diet is, and yet you, and many of your responders all feel the need to take supplemental vitamins.

Odd.