Signs That We Aren't Eating Enough
Updated: Nov 22, 2022
Kate Leeney: NASM Nutrition Coach, NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist, NASM Personal Trainer
96% of the women that I work with are not eating enough. It is so common to see that women think that they can't eat carbs, have to only eat salads, can only have protein shakes, can only have meat and vegetables... the list goes on.
I can remember being in a space of never knowing what to eat to meet my goals. I would try doing smoothies and salads telling myself that it would work this time. I would try it for a day or two then give up because I was starving, exhausted, filled with anxiety, and unsatisfied with what I was eating. A week or two would pass, then I would try the next diet that everyone was doing. It would never work. It was a pattern that went on for too long and it's a pattern that I see daily when working with women.
So, what do we do to change it? How can we tell if we are not eating enough? Here are some common signs.
Low energy levels:
Every cell, tissue, organ- everything in your body relies on nutrients from food. Without proper nutrients, how can you operate in your optimal state? When we aren't eating enough we feel depleted and exhausted. When we use food as our energy source, we can feel good energy.
Irritability/Focus/Anxiety:
I have heard so many people make jokes about being "hangry" but it's a really thing. So many studies show that not eating enough can lead to irritability and inability to focus. This can lead to anxiety when we aren't feeling centered and calm.
Increased headaches:
If you are feeling more headaches and notice the signs above, this is a clear sign that your brain is not getting the energy that it needs from food. This could be from your blood sugar dipping lower.
I am overjoyed when women see that fueling yourself and giving yourself more food is the BEST thing that you can do for your energy and those goals. Most people are in shock when they see that eating more is actually what gets them to their goals.
So, how can you start to fuel yourself better?
Make sure your three main meals are balanced with proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. All three macronutrients bring so much to our bodies. Fill in your day with snacks!
Plan your meals and snacks. This helps to keep you stay fueled through out your days.
Make sure to hydrate and drink plenty of water.
Assess your workouts and daily activity to make sure you are fueling yourself properly.