Low Carb & Atkins Diet

enchilada81 · Established Member Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 31

Since I started atkins I have been full of energy throughout the day but really, really tired by night time. Not a problem as I used to have trouble sleeping which is no longer an issue!

But, I've noticed my muscles are feeling tired and weak and after a short ammount of exercise I am feeling exausted.

I train in karate 3 times a week and I noticed at friday's lesson I was feeling weak, achey and tired after just 10 minutes. Last night at the class I could barely continue. My arms and legs felt awful, I felt like I'd been exercising ALL DAY and it had only been 15 minutes. I felt that tired half way into the lesson that I just couldn't wait for it to end.

This can't be normal, surely?

I'm also getting dizzy spells and feel a bit light headed now and again.

Is this because of the diet or something else?

bluehex · Posted: Thu Mar 04, 2010 10:05 am Post subject:

Actually, it is pretty normal.

You should check the "Fitness" forum, I am sure it was discussed there before.

Muscles run mostly on glucose/glycogen, and I remember from the book that intensive exercise is not recommended at early stages of the diet. I think it evens out later. But you should take it easy for a while. Overexerting yourself will not do you much good.

Ligthheadedness may be a symptom of sugar withdrawal - it'll pass in a few days. And/or, it might mean you are not eating enough for your active lifestyle.

Also, it would be good to start taking a really good vitamin/minerals supplement. Muscle fatigue may result from lack of magnesium/potassium/calcium.

You should really look through older threads in the Fitness section; what I remember on the subject are just bits and pieces.

Also, Atkins website may have good answers - check www.atkins.com. I am sure they are familiar with the issue, and if you don't find the answer right away, you can e-mail them, I think.

enchilada81 · Established Member Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 31

Thanks for the reply. I've checked out the fitness forum and I realise a lot of people experience this. I've bought some vitamin and minerals too. I might also up my carbs a little because I don't even think I'm getting anywhere near 20g a day.

JohnDoe · Senior Member Joined: 08 Jan 2009 Posts: 391

You'll need time to adjust, but it will get better.

I now lead a very active lifestyle, and don't lack for energy anymore.

I guess it's subjective, I'm not running marathons or anything like that - but I can hike most of my carb-junkie friends into the ground at this point.

And for strength training, there's no contest, low carb is way better for me.

Tril · Posted: Thu Mar 04, 2010 4:47 pm Post subject:

Not anywhere near 20? Then it's no surprise you're feeling "off"... you're not following the diet. Also, make sure you're hydrated. Fatigue is often caused by dehydration. And get enough sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium... these are necessary for proper muscle contraction.

Read up on the diet, and start eating right. You'll feel better sooner.