No Energy Versus Atkins --> Start Over?

[Nightporter]

Hello,

I have had a real problem... Going on for almost 2 years now... Maybe even longer.

I have a real lack of energy... Infact, I have absolutely no energy. The first time I did Atkins (for about a month) I went to the gym every day, and I stayed on the diet quite well... But I never got any energy. That is why I gave up the gym after a month is I still just wanted to lie in bed all day.

I have seen my doctor and have been tested for many problems, but it seems I have none. Family members think it may be depression but I am not sure if it is that. Even if it is... There is no solution to my problem.

I have been doing Atkins for about 3 weeks now... And I just realised a few days ago I did induction all wrong. I didn't really cheat--But I had peanuts, and too many of these so-called 'servings' of things that seemed like they had low carbs.

I am starting over on Induction today very strict. Today I have had nothing but a low-carb breakfast bowl (6 grams) and 2 full glasses of water. I am going to try and see if since I am doing induction RIGHT this time if I will get the energy I need.

Do you guys think that the reason I never got a blast of enery is because I wasn't on it very strictly? I am worried the energy will never come. Sometimes I don't even have enough energy to practice my beloved bass. It is so sad... I could just lie in bed all day and stare at the ceiling and that's how I have felt all weekend.

I must kick this lathargic/comotose state I have been in for years! I feel as though I am sitting in a dark room, staring out of a very foggy window to my everyday life, instead of actually being IN it... It is very hard to describe.

Any help is appreciated... I really do not know what to do or what it is that is killing my energy. I take Chromium, Vitamin B, a Multi-Vitamin, and Vitamin E everyday... But I am just at a loss.

Thanks,

-N-

[julirama723]

Re: No Energy Versus Atkins --> Start Over?

Nightporter,

I think it's good that you're doing a clean induction! It's good to rid your body of all frankenfoods, carbs, caffiene, etc. Have you read DANDR? It will tell you EXACTLY what foods are acceptable, how to count carbs, how many servings of a particular item you're allowed, etc. Check it out, if you haven't already, and read the stickies in the Atkins Diet FAQ section of the board.

Out of curiosity, what is a breakfast bowl? Is it something you created (like eggs, sausage, cheese) or is it a marketed product? During induction, eat only foods found on the induction foods list. If it's not on the list, don't eat it!

I do know that induction affects everyone differently. And I do know that medical problems such as Hypothyroidism, PCOS, and certain medications can affect weight loss. If it is indeed a mild (or serious) form of depression, I've read that Atkins will actually help stabilize your mood--it takes away mood swings and highs/lows caused by blood sugar instabilities. You might want to check with your doctor again, or get a second opinion, if you feel a medical issue is causing problems.

And in a worst-case scenario, "fake it until you make it." Many times, acting like you have energy will lead you to the real thing.

Best of luck, Nightporter!

[Nightporter]

Re: No Energy Versus Atkins --> Start Over?

JulieRama723--Thanks for the replies!

I found that when I stretch I get an eeny weeny bit of energy. And the breakfast bowl is a thing that I got at Hardee's (The Hardee's website says it only has 6 carbs) I am on my 3rd glass of water for today... It's not so bad if I just sip it slowly as I'm typing or whatever!

... One thing I forgot---I find that my MUSIC will often give me energy sometimes... If it is really really powerful like David Sylvian or my upbeat-80's-synthpop playlist! Music was one of the things that kept me going back to the Y even for a month!

As for faking it... I'll see what I can do!

Thank you again,

-N-

[jimmie 48]

Re: No Energy Versus Atkins --> Start Over?

i just want to point out some of the things you said in the first post, n.

Family members think it may be depression but I am not sure if it is that. Even if it is... There is no solution to my problem.

I could just lie in bed all day and stare at the ceiling and that's how I have felt all weekend.

I must kick this lathargic/comotose state I have been in for years! I feel as though I am sitting in a dark room, staring out of a very foggy window to my everyday life, instead of actually being IN it... It is very hard to describe.

these things are not postive and i would say yep, your depressed. i am not a doctor but it doesn't take one to see that not all things are well in your world. but, that fact that you posted and you want things to be better is a good sign, i think. maybe a better term would be your just plain down in the dumps.
you stated that music helps your mood and energy level. then listen to some music and get moving. release those endorphines you've had pent up for years! dance to your music, listen it to it while you walk or jog, sing it loud while biking. whatever... just get moving.
start your induction, after reading at least that part of the book or checking out the FAQ's forum, as juli suggested, and exercise! even if you don't feel like it, do something. 9 times out of 10, you'll be glad you did.

[Lamby-pie]

Re: No Energy Versus Atkins --> Start Over?

NP, this sounds like depression to me. I'm not a doctor, but maybe you should go see one?
If this was just induction flu, I'd say drag your butt onto the treadmill...but if it has been going on for two years and is affecting your life, then maybe you should go talk to somebody. This could be something mental, but could also be something physical.

[biogeek]

Re: No Energy Versus Atkins --> Start Over?

Please seek the guidance of a good physician regarding depression. There's a lot of good meds out there that can help you out of your funk. You don't have to life like that anymore. If your current doctor won't help you, try a different one! Life is too short to be staring at the ceiling all day. Go out and experience life and play the bass and the other things you once enjoyed. You'll be glad you did.

Hang in there! You're certainly not alone!

[Nightporter]

Re: No Energy Versus Atkins --> Start Over?

Hello,

Thanks for all of the help... In regards to dragging my butt onto the treadmill... Never fear, I am going to be purchasing an elliptical in a a few weeks. (Maybe even a treadmill, too) and a rowing machine. So that may help a bit.

I have completely started over induction and I am on very strict. I only drink water (And unsweetened iced tea when I am out) and I have only had meat and vegtables the whole time. (Though this morn. I had a cup of coffee with Splenda).

I don't want to see a doctor... That is really my last resort. Because if I do, I'll feel like it's confirmed, you know? It's mostly spawned by school--And I will be out of there in a few months. So I'll just wait it out and see if this thing goes away.

Thank you for all of the suggestions... If I start to feel completely blank and it just gets worse... I'll think about seeing a docter!

Thanks again,

-N-

[Pie4me]

Re: No Energy Versus Atkins --> Start Over?

I completely think that what you have is a case of depression!
You described exactly how I felt for years and I got every type
of test done and I was healthy as ever. Finally a very loving
doctor talked to me personally and gave me a depresion rating test
and sure enough I was suffering from depression. I wasn't really sad
I just had NO energy to get started and get things going. I didn't cry
alot and didn't have the typical signs of depression but that was it.
Boy...I got some Wellbutrin and Lexapro and I was a totally different
person. The person I should have been. This happened years ago
and I still have to go back to the Welbutrin at times when I feel
like I can't tackle another thing and don't want to get out of the bed.
Please take your concerns to a doctor that will listen and tell them
you may be suffering from a bout of depression--your life and energy will
change and you will again feel like getting up and tackling life again.
Do it for yourself and your family members--you have nothing to loose
and everything to gain! God Bless.