Lethargic ... Please Help

[Thelesa]

I've just recently moved to college and began living vegan. This was about four weeks ago and I am noticing an extreme decrease in energy levels accompined by extra sleeping and falling asleep during my studies.

I also don't eat white flour and sugar. I take 2/9th of the recommended daily dosage of a whole foods daily supplement called "Earth Source Greens and More."

I eat a lot, mainly raw veggies, greens and fruits. Grains are also a large part of my diet oatmeal for breakfast, and peanut butter bread with lunch daily.

I don't know if my new diet is the reason for my lack of energy and I really hope not. There are many possibilities including my studies, adjusting to college life, adjusting to veganism, the constant illness that seems to be going around etc.

Anyway, I was just hoping for some suggestions from vegans who know the ropes. Thank you!

[Fudgam]

Try working out. I noticve a HUGE difference in my energy when I stop working out.

[pelicanAndrew]

It may just be college. Some days i drag major ass, other days i'm bouncing off the walls. My roomie has been sick for about 2 weeks and so has my girlfriend. I have yet to be touched by anything!!!! *knocks on wood*

Try getting outdoors more. I know that's tough when you're hunkered down studying, but maybe study outside. Enjoy the weather that global warming has brought us!!!

Your diet is far cleaner than mine and i've lost 14 lbs in a month(it's all fat-with some water too, i can tell thanks to my big ol gains). You should be getting far healthier if you keep it up. My official diagnosis is that college is exhausting no matter what you eat so don't worry too much.

[tempehmomma]

Thelesa:
Before you were vegan were you a vegatarian or a meat-eater? What did your diet consist of prior to the last 4 weeks? What source do you get your B12 from? I was a meat-eater before I became a dietary vegan. I weaned off of meat gradually over 3 months.

[Gelert]

Thelesa, welcome to the board, hope you adjust great to college!

It seems to me (and the nutritionally immensely more knowledgeable Fruitbat, who is now abstaining from posting after her magic 5000 - not!) you don't have a lot of protein in your diet, I went through a phase of relying on one or two protein sources and I was very lethargic. It was this time of year too, and I was just starting on a PhD and living in a hellhole too, so it can all get you down! Try getting some tofu, tempeh, lentils, rice and the like in, or maybe even protein powder and you'll get some more oomph, especially if you get exercising as well

Good luck!

[Fruitbat]

gelert peaked my interest as i was making a jucie so i came to check out the post... (and Gelert you missed a "0" - its 5k and I am now aiming for 6k by Dec )

Anyway yeah I think your diet sounds low in protein - think lentils, chickpeas, brown rice and QUINOA for protein and carbs all whole-foods and gretat GI and nutritionally....

Dont be afraid to eat a lot more than you used to because vegans often tend to have much higher food intake maybe due to the fact it is a much lower fat diet

What fats do you get? Nuts? Seeds?Avocadoes? Do you cook with oils? Are you aware of the essential fatty acids?

Finally - exercise does help make you nmore energyful.

And starting at uni certainly is a tiring experience at first so let yourself get used to it before getting too worried.

Good luck

[Enhydra Lutris]

You said you eat lots of fruits, so maybe this is not that helpful. But if you have lots of classes back-to-back, you can try and eat a banana or some other fruit (but bananas are the best! ) in between classes before you get that tired feeling.

[pelicanAndrew]

I can't believe i missed the protein intake.

Beans and rice are your friends. Make some burritos on corn tortillas. Great snack/lunch/dinner.

[Thelesa]

tempehmma - I was a meat eater before the four week period of veganism and stopped eating animal products cold turkey. (no pun intended) I was taking a whole food supplement that I thought had b12 in it but apparently doesn't. Next weekend I am going to search for a b12 daily supplement. Thanks for reminding me! My diet consisted of a variety of veggies, fruits, dairy and carbs (excessively) and meat weekly. It was pretty unhealthy and very different from what I eat now.



Fruitbat - I love peanut butter and other nuts which provide me with more then enough fat I'm sure. I take an omega three fatty acid supplement as well. I rely on the dining hall for food (which is extremely vegan friendly) so I generally end up eating some oily veggies.


Everyone - Wow, thank you! I really appreciate all your great advice it's marvelous to know that there is such a knowledgeable group that is willing to help me out. I'm going to work on increasing my protein intake, exercise more frequently, not worrying so much about portion and get B12 supplements. I'm feeling more energetic already, thanks again!

[pelicanAndrew]

I know what you mean about the oily veggies. I think that whenever the cafeteria cooks the vegan meal, they figure they better fatten us up since we're all so skinny.

Carbs aren't bad as long as you make sure you don't get too many simple carbs.

I also never worry about eating too many nuts or nut butter. I mean, i usually can only eat so much before i go "if i have one more almond i'm going to projectile vomit".

Not sure if you drink, but as college drinking goes, make sure your booze is vegan. Red Stripe + almonds is hoooooray for vegan goodness.

[laurabs]

hello fellow college student! It's nice to see more here...

I'm feeling what you're feeling. There are some days where my energy is nonexistent. But, I mean, I'm still adjusting.

It seems like you don't find it difficult to eat vegan with your cafeteria. Lucky you. If you saw the meager options in my food court, you'd probably cry. There isn't oatmeal, or any non-refined grains. It's a little ridiculous. But I'm not here to complain.

Belated welcome to the boards!