PeytonsMom Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 I restarted my Whole30 this Monday (due to sabatoging my prior 15 days worth with weekend wheat/dairy/sugar)...and man, I am SOOOO fatigued. I sleep a decent 6-7 hours a night (that's all I can muster, as I suffer from insomnia) and exercise daily (I'm a runner who is marathon training) I also work 40 hours a week (desk job) and have a 7 month old daughter, so I definitely have a full plate, so to speak. I don't know what I'm doing wrong, but I cannot keep my eyes open during the day; I feel like napping at work! I've been eating every few hours (I know, I know..a no-no), but being a breastfeeding mom with low blood sugar, I find if I only eat three times a day I feel like passing out. I keep my 'snacks' healthy (raw veg with guac, a handful of raw nuts, kale chips, piece of fruit with nut butter, etc), but I just cannot shake the fatigue. I even ate a hearty baked potato topped with pulled pork (homemade) for lunch, and while it filled me up, I'm still dragging. I have not had caffeine in three years, so it's not that....any suggestions for this tired mama? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msssjenna Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 I am kind of in the same boat - avid exerciser, FT working mom of 3 boys (a little older than yours, no BFing). I would just make sure you are eating enough! You said you had a big lunch, what did you eat for breakfast? I think snacking is fine since your BFing, just make sure to follow the meal template (maybe do 1 HB egg&nuts). Can you post a couple days of your meals? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators LadyM Posted July 23, 2014 Moderators Share Posted July 23, 2014 Like Jenna said, def follow the template for snacks. But it sounds like you're tired because you need to sleep more, and you simply can't fix that with nutrition. Work on your sleep hygiene to help combat the insomnia at night and/or make space in your daily schedule for naps. I'm thinking with all that's on your plate 8-9 hours is more aligned with what your body needs. No wonder you're so tired! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlaccini Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Since you are breast feeding starchy carbs and fats are especially important for you. Also don't be scared of adding a fourth template meal to your day! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Tom Denham Posted July 23, 2014 Moderators Share Posted July 23, 2014 Like LadyM said, there is no nutritional cure for not sleeping enough. My personal rule is that I cannot workout if I don't sleep at least 7 hours. Since making that rule a while back, I don't miss working out due to lack of sleep more than once every few weeks. The reason I use 7 hours as the cut off is that I am convinced that sleeping is more important to health than exercise is you slept less the night before. I think a nap is more important that staying on my kettlebell and sprinting program. We should probably tell breast feeding moms to eat at least 4 meals per day. Eating for two requires adjustments to the standard protocol. When you do snack, it should be a mini-meal and not just something to fill your stomach. And really, some fruit or raw veggies is more about filling your stomach to stave off hunger than it is getting the kind of nutrition you need. I think chicken, tuna, or salmon salad is a good snack. You can keep a batch in the refrigerator and eat what you need when you get a chance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeytonsMom Posted July 23, 2014 Author Share Posted July 23, 2014 Thanks for the advice! I'll start keeping (soy-free) tuna on hand, some grilled chicken..etc for a protein kick when I feel like I am dragging. As for sleep..I don't know what to do about it. I've struggled with this off and on for years and it just now started becoming a problem again a couple months ago. No matter what time I go to bed, I still wake up at 4:30 am. If I don't have the early morning waking issue, then I deal with the other: trouble falling asleep. I think it's because I am so busy, my mind races. Then it leads to me feeling like blaaaah all day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlaccini Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Have you tried a magnesium supplement before going to bed? We recommend the unflavoured Natural Calm. Honestly it does help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoJo09 Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 Also, try meditating for 10 minutes before you go to sleep - it will calm your mind and at least allow you to drop off easier. And then when you wake at 4am, meditate again for 10 minutes - if you fall asleep again, great, if not, at least you've started your day well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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