Question about exercise

[jende]

My husband is feeling too low energy when he exercises and feels it's because the carbs are too low. He wants to add oatmeal on the days he works out. Is this advisable? We had planned on staying on induction. Is it true that lower carbs mean lower energy? I told him people here say they have more energy from less carbs. If it's not the low carbs, what else could make him lower energy during workouts than before atkins?

[Elizellen]

Re: Question about exercise

Dr Atkins did suggest that we might feel a little weak on induction level carbs.

Usually, I advise patients who have these problems to slow down the weight loss. They should add another helping of vegetables to their evening meal or one or two ounces of nuts or seeds. Although their bodies would almost certainly adjust during the second week, there isn't any good reason for feeling washed out and sickly for even one day. After the symptoms abate, go back to the lower level of carb intake.

Particularly those who choose the lower carb veggies like lettuce might feel what he called 'ascent weakness' and benefit from adding carbs like the more carby veggies from the induction list or nuts!

For an idea of what more experienced Atkineering heavy exercisers do why not post a question in the Exercise forum?

[Elizellen]

Re: Question about exercise

We had planned on staying on induction. Is it true that lower carbs mean lower energy?

When you say 'we' do you mean you are also staying on induciton? Really you need to move on up the OWL ladder so you can find your CCLL and any foods that inhibit your weightloss.
I can't rememeber how much weight your DH is wanting to lose, so assume he has a fair bit which is why you are thinking of staying on induction for longer than the 14 days that your own weightloss hopes suggest as best for you.

We have many members with large amounts of weight to lose who moved up the OWL ladder early in their Atkins journey and reached goal fairly quickly, so there is no real need for him to stay on induction, particularly if he has little energy for his usual exercise routine.

One member (gonnabskinny) who recently reached goal lost a major amount of his extra poundage while climbing the OWL ladder. Look for posts from him in the OWL forum to reassure your DH that weightloss continues after induction! Dr Atkins didn't call the second phase of Atkins 'Ongoing Weight Loss' lightly!!

[ttdriver]

Re: Question about exercise

My husband is feeling too low energy when he exercises and feels it's because the carbs are too low. He wants to add oatmeal on the days he works out. Is this advisable? We had planned on staying on induction. Is it true that lower carbs mean lower energy? I told him people here say they have more energy from less carbs. If it's not the low carbs, what else could make him lower energy during workouts than before atkins?

Totally agree to up the GOOD carbs (i.e. veggies, some low-GI fruits, maybe some plain high fat yogurt, etc).

Personally, I'm a runner and have run 2 full marathons on less than 50 grams of carbs. Nothing refined, just good complex carbs and I did fine. In fact, I run 30 miles every week with no issues.

I'm of the opinion that you can teach your body to run quite well on whatever fuel you consistently give it. I would UP the fat and protein before I would increase the carbs, and give it a few weeks. If he's not feeling more energy, then yes, increase the veggie/fruit carb level. Also, be sure he's WELL HYDRATED.

Betty

[losetocruise]

Re: Question about exercise

I have heard people say they have to "carb up" before exercise and I am not sure why. It seems to me there is a reason the health food stores sell so much Protein powder to body builders etc.! Right now I am exercising with jazzercise 5 days a week. Each session is one hour of pretty strenuous exercise. I am not taking anything extra and I think the combination of the low carb and the exercise has raised my energy level tremendously.

The nuts or seeds mentioned in Elizellen's post would be a good chocie if he really feels he needs an energy boost right before. They would not be heavy and would give him extra protein and fiber. I would definitely not do oatmeal. It would probably throw him completely out of ketosis.

[jende]

Re: Question about exercise

Thank you Elizellen. My husband wanted to stay on induction to continue to lose at the same rate, but after we read you post, he's moving up a bit. I have stalled slightly and that's why I wanted to stay on induction for a bit longer. I gained 2 pounds and realize it what happened. On Saturday, I ate bacon wrapped water chesnuts and went WAY over my carb count. I thought they were okay until I read the can. . We also ate out and I had the server exchange potatoes for coleslaw and now realize that it probably had sugar in it. And who knows what was in the steak and caesar salad dressing. As well, my fats were more like 75 percent for a few days. I also drink more caffeine than I'm allowed. So, I really didn't do well on sticking with the plan. My total weight loss has been about 8 pounds in 2 1/2 weeks. Not bad at all and I'm not complaining. I will move up the rung and try to get rid of the caffeine too.

It worked really well for the 1st week with the caffeine, so I figured I'd be okay? Is it normal to be okay with this and then have it stall you?

We are picking up the book this weekend. I have been trying to get it from the library but it's in too high in demand. I'm on a waiting list and don't want to wait any longer. I did get three other Atkins books - a cookbook, Atkins for Life and Dr Akins Anti Aging Revolution, but that material isn't so much for newbies. So, we're just going to get our own copy. It will be nice so that I can mark up, bookmark with sticky notes, write notes, highlight and keep on hand.

Problem is, it was a quick decision to go on Atkins and I wasn't informed enough. I mainly decided after looking on this board and seeing the posts and pictures and then two days later we had started.

[jende]

Re: Question about exercise

Totally agree to up the GOOD carbs (i.e. veggies, some low-GI fruits, maybe some plain high fat yogurt, etc).

Personally, I'm a runner and have run 2 full marathons on less than 50 grams of carbs. Nothing refined, just good complex carbs and I did fine. In fact, I run 30 miles every week with no issues.



Betty[/QUOTE]

Wow. That's awesome. He just left for work but I'll show him this tonight. Thank you.

[jende]

Re: Question about exercise

. I would definitely not do oatmeal. It would probably throw him completely out of ketosis.

I hadn't thought of that. He did have a small amount of sunflower seeds before he left for work. He feels that if he eats now, it will give him the energy when he will be working out - about 8 hours from now. I don't know if he's right or not.

[hrgillespie]

Re: Question about exercise

Well everyone has said it enough but NO don't add the oatmeal ...... eat well planned meals and be consistant with your proportions of fat/protein and also if he's feeling the need for more food go up to the veggie rung and add an additional 5 carbs from their ...... There's been a lot of mention of nuts and berries but untill your at that rung I would be wary of adding them. BUt thats just me ........ one of the emajor parts of all this is teaching your mind and your body to change it's eating habits ....... I don't know how long you have been on induction but the energy levels will return and not only return but you will feel wonderful and Like you have extra energy ....... Hang in there ......... your both doing great and you will figure out which levels are right for you to proceed to when the time is at hand ........

ONe day at a time one step at a time .......... keep on keeping on!

Heidi

[MrsBrittney]

Re: Question about exercise

I agree. I tried Atkins about 2 years ago and everytime I hopped on the elliptical, I thought this is it.. I'm going to pass out..

I began tracking and realized I was eating INCREDIBLEY low fat. And without the fat and without the carbs, my body had zip to use for fuel.

This time around, I'm tossing the "low fat" auto-habit I used to have to the wind and I feel totally fine when I exercise.