Low Energy Levels - Second Whole30

[barty90]

I am in my second Whole30 now, on day 11, and there were only about 3 weeks between my first and second rounds. I have read a lot of the forum topics on energy levels, and I feel I need a more personalized response. Here is my issue: I wake up and go through my work day feeling VERY good, lots of energy, then I get home and I get a crash in my energy mixed with being emotional. By bedtime I am usually a bit better. But it is the same pattern every day! Even though I am usually very full after all my meals, I can't imagine eating more, but I think it is maybe the breakdown of what I am eating. So, here is what I am eating, and I would appreciate feedback and tips if I need to increase any of the protein, fat, and carbs. Here are two typical days for me:

M1: 2 eggs, at least one cup of cooked green veggies (zucchini, asparagus, broccoli) or some days its pureed soup, some type of berry, 10oz of coffee with 1 tbsp of coconut oil

M2: Almost always leftovers of 1-2 fists of protein .. yesterday was beef sliders (3) with sweet potato buns and homemade mayo with cauliflower "stuffing" (thanksgiving leftovers )

M3: Baked Chicken drumsticks, asparagus, broccoli, 1/2 avocado

 

M1: 1/6 of the buffalo chicken breakfast casserole from living loving paleo, broccoli, 10oz coffee with 1 tbsp coconut oil

M2: Leftover chicken drumsticks, asparagus, mayo, and roasted cubed potatoes

M3: Spaghetti squash with homemade meat spaghetti sauce, 1/2 avocado

I drink about 54oz of water at work, and about 20oz in the evening, which puts me beyond my mark for the "half your weight in ounces" water intake guideline.

I work out 4-5 days a week on my lunch hour. I know I do not have a post workout meal in there but that's because I tried the post workout meal for a bit and I find I can't eat my lunch and a post work out meal. I get too full and don't want any dinner at night if I do so I tend to force feed myself, but again I can't eat a full proper dinner.. I also found on the days I did work out, and had a post work out meal my mood was the same. I also found on days I did not work out (and therefore wouldn't add any workout meals) I still had the same energy and mood slump once I get home. Also, I have at least one serving of starchy veg per day (love potatoes/squash) and I get 8+ hours of sleep every night. Any insight would be much appreciated!!

[Tom Denham]

Your low energy and emotion when you get home may not be related to food. You may be tired after a busy day and need time to center yourself. What about your energy and emotion on days you don't go to work? 

[barty90]

Thanks for getting back to me! That is an interesting point.. I have found I am only like this when I am on the whole30 (it happened in my first round as well..). On weekends I don't expend a lot of energy, I mostly relax, and my emotion and energy are fine. I could look in to my stressors at home on weekday evenings and see if there can be improvement since I don't find my job particularly stressful at all. I want to confirm though, there doesn't seem to be any eating adjustments that may improve my experience if I don't find other stressors that could improve?