Blog

1

Hopefully some of you very scientific minded folks can answer this for me. I've been eating paleo for about three months now; and, except for a few days here and there, my energy has been really low. So, I started looking in Fitday to see what factors correlated with those rare high energy days. At first I thought it might be my potassium levels because I had a burst of energy right after I took potassium to relieve cramps. Supplementation didn't replicate the effect though. Yesterday I noticed, however, that a higher protein intake also correlated with the burst of energy and it hit me that this might be my issue. On the average, I get about 17% of my calories from protein, I keep my carb intake around 70 g and my fat intake can go as high as 70%. Does it sound reasonable to you guys that I am not getting enough protein to meet my needs, so I tend to be low on energy? I've seen some sources recommending around 20-25% of daily calories come from protein. Is that what I should be shooting for? I haven't really paid much attention to protein so far, but maybe I should be. I've put so much emphasis on keeping carbs low and fat high that I think I may have inadvertently shorted myself on protein.

flag
How many grams of protien do you get on average? How did you raise potassium without supps? – cliff Aug 19 2011 at 12:06
On average, about 70 g. I used Nu-Salt to supplement my potassium. – turkeytyme Aug 19 2011 at 14:25
the people of Papua New Guinea and surrounding islands (kitava) have protein intakes around 10% of calories and they do just fine. – Bread-Eating Beelzebub Aug 19 2011 at 15:36
4 
 But they also have way higher carb intakes and presumably no need for gluconeogenesis. – mari Aug 19 2011 at 17:34
Exactly what I am thinking, mari. – turkeytyme Aug 19 2011 at 18:38
show 2 more comments

4 Answers

2

Shoot for 0.7-1.0 gram of protien per/lb of lean body mass.

link|flag
How do I figure out my lean body mass? – turkeytyme Aug 19 2011 at 18:32
How tall are you? – Eric Aug 19 2011 at 20:19
Lean body mass = weight - (weight * % body fat). I use this to estimate. – Eric Aug 19 2011 at 20:54
Ah, I see. I don't have any idea what my % bodyfat is. I have a Tanita scale, but it's not that accurate. I suppose I could use it to calculate a ballpark figure though. – turkeytyme Aug 20 2011 at 4:45
That is what I do. Just a ballpark figure... – Eric Aug 20 2011 at 5:12
2

are you getting enough salt in your diet? things to consider...

link|flag
I'm assuming you mean sodium? I'm definitely getting less than I used to, but I still use sea salt so I'm thinking I'm probably getting enough. I tried supplementing potassium with no effect. – turkeytyme Aug 19 2011 at 18:34
wow, yes sodium. a keen distinction in this context ;)- – delete me Aug 19 2011 at 19:55
1

hmmm. i had the same problem with low energy. at the time, i was probably taking in more protein than you were, by percentage of your daily total. my recommendation would be to up your protein and cut a tad back on fat, still don't be scared of it though. if your energy is still low after, i'd try adding some carbs, that worked wonders for me.

link|flag
So adding more protein helped you then? – turkeytyme Aug 19 2011 at 18:35
not strictly just more protein. for me, i'd always been consuming more protein than you were and had been feeling pretty good. so to match a similar protocol, i'd add some protein. i'd also try messing around with some micronutrients but not in terms of supplements. just make sure you're eating a wide variety of plant matter and maybe taking a selenium and mag suppl. try that for a whil then add in some more carbs and see how you do – mloster Aug 20 2011 at 8:36
1

It is most likely that you are not taking in enough protein. Fat can often leave you feeling lethargic and tired...especially when paired with carbs. Have your carbs with your protein and that should feel better.

link|flag
Makes sense to me. I'm going to give it a try. – turkeytyme Aug 19 2011 at 18:36

Your Answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.