"you Look Run-Down"

[JustLovely9216]

I've heard from several family members (not my hubby...go figure) that I've lost too much weight, I look sickly, tired, run-down, etc. I know I have lost weight, but nothing crazy. I eat normal - albeit healthy - peanut butter apple with skim mil for breakfast, leftovers for lunch (today it's a fiesta cabbage role), and baked ziti for dinner. I snack on almonds, carrots and guac or hummus, green tea, chocolate. Desserts and less frequent snacks are popcorn, tostito's with salsa, kettle chips, chocolate chip cookies with milk...

I MEAN I EAT! I workout a lot too - 6 days a week for 45minutes to an hour, everything from ellipticle, running, Jilliam Michaels DVD's, lifting in the gym, pilates, yoga - and I'm always walking my dogs.

My only thought is that I need to adjust my workout schedule now that I no longer have so many bad-for-me fillers in my diet?

I guess I'm just wondering if anyone here gets a lot of those comments, and how you deal. I feel like I'm super healthy, but if I'm looking sickly maybe I'm not doing as good as I think I am.

[prisskitty]

Depends on who is saying it (i.e. jealous friend, etc). But, if you're no longer trying to lose weight, I suggest toning the gym down to three-four times a week.

[mushroom]

"Looking run down" can mean that you are nutrient deficient. Have you had your vitamin and mineral levels checked?

[jackay]

I looked very run down and pale. Once I started taking Vitamin B12, I got some color in my face. Sure makes me look a lot healthier.

[The Glutenator]

By the sounds of your activity level, your diet doesn't quite match up. I am very active too, and with the celiac on top of it all I need to eat a lot to maintain my weight. You should eat some more and exercise less. Hard to hear, I know, but looking and feeling tired, plus losing weight unintentionally are your body's cry for more food. I often have to resist the urge to go for a bike ride, and also need to remind myself to eat more often and denser foods than I am really craving. It's a lifestyle that takes adjustment, but its worth it to maintain a healthy body and energy level!

[Travisevian]

I looked very run down and pale. Once I started taking Vitamin B12, I got some color in my face. Sure makes me look a lot healthier.

Did you get the injections?

[mushroom]

Did you get the injections?

I got the injections because I could not tolerate the sublinguals. Everyone started saying how much better I looked

[Wheatfreedude]

Hmmmm.... Why am I not seeing any major protein sources in your diet? Granted, you'll get some protein from the peanuts and almond. But, your body needs protein to build muscle, look healthy, and operate correctly.

If you are a vegetarian (I didn't see anything in your signature), then you'll need to find some meat free protein sources.

If you're carnivorous, it's time to put some lean animal protein on your plate morning/noon/night.

Eggs, LF Chicken sausages, Turkey Patties, Chicken Breasts, Non-breaded fish fillets, pork tenderloin, all natural lunch meats, flank steak, etc. (All of the aforementioned have single digit fat per serving).

~Wheatfreedude~

[Travisevian]

I got the injections because I could not tolerate the sublinguals. Everyone started saying how much better I looked

Why couldn't you tolerate the sublingual vitamins?

[mushroom]

Why couldn't you tolerate the sublingual vitamins?

Posted this some place else, I believe, but they caused me to break out in a horrible acne all over my face

[Travisevian]

Posted this some place else, I believe, but they caused me to break out in a horrible acne all over my face

Isn't it possible that you could've had a such a breakout anyway?

[mushroom]

Isn't it possible that you could've had a such a breakout anyway?

Never had acne in my life before; one other later time after I ingested something that also didn't agree with me (another supplement.) And I've lived a l-o-n-g time, so no, I don't think so.

[Skylark]

I was thinking the same thing as Wheatfreedude. People who exercise a lot and don't get enough high-quality protein tend to look a little run-down.

[Looking for answers]

I used to pretty much keep the same workout routine. While for some athletes, it's not too rigourous, for me I couldn't keep up my protein needs (as previous poster mention) so my muscles began to cannibalize (lovely, huh?) So, I was very thin (size 0 and 5 '9) but I also got the whole "you don't look healthy." I ate a lot as well, just like you, but that workout schedule requires a lot of protein. It eventually led to adrenal fatigue.

My question to you is, how do you feel? Are you needing caffeine to get through the day? Are you sleepy, or do you feel energetic?

My naturopath forbid me to exercise for 6 months, I only could do brisk walks and lift light weights. It was very difficult for me to adhere to because I love a good, tiring workout, but I had to get over the adrenal fatigue. I now work out only every other day to allow my body to fully recover between workouts.

If you are like I was trim but not toned, consider that you aren't getting enough protein and may be exercising too much. For that amount of exercise and clean diet, you should be very toned and fit. If not, you may be heading into adrenal fatigue like I once had.

[Wheatfreedude]

People who exercise a lot and don't get enough high-quality protein tend to look a little run-down.

I am just stating a fact. I attend two major Vegetarian trade shows each year (and have done so for the past 10+ years). Dozens upon dozens of healthy eating people who eat wholesome low protein diets walk the show floor. A VAST majority of the attendees and exhibitors look "run down". (Pale skin, dark circles under their eyes, fine hair, not-so-white eyes)

I am not a doctor, nutritionist, or dietitian... but could the lack of protein be the culprit? Just wondering. And this IS a forum, so please chime in.

Don't get me wrong, you don't need to eat meat to get a few good sources of protein. There are plenty of other options, but higher protein is essential to feel good. Some people actually opt for a gluten-free protein shake (rather than caffeine) as a pick-me-up and it works.

~Wheatfreedude~

[Wheatfreedude]

I MEAN I EAT!

We can help you out, if you list what your typical day of food looks like.

~Wheatfreedude~

[GFinDC]

I've heard from several family members (not my hubby...go figure) that I've lost too much weight, I look sickly, tired, run-down, etc. I know I have lost weight, but nothing crazy. I eat normal - albeit healthy - peanut butter apple with skim mil for breakfast, leftovers for lunch (today it's a fiesta cabbage role), and baked ziti for dinner. I snack on almonds, carrots and guac or hummus, green tea, chocolate. Desserts and less frequent snacks are popcorn, tostito's with salsa, kettle chips, chocolate chip cookies with milk...

I MEAN I EAT! I workout a lot too - 6 days a week for 45minutes to an hour, everything from ellipticle, running, Jilliam Michaels DVD's, lifting in the gym, pilates, yoga - and I'm always walking my dogs.

My only thought is that I need to adjust my workout schedule now that I no longer have so many bad-for-me fillers in my diet?

I guess I'm just wondering if anyone here gets a lot of those comments, and how you deal. I feel like I'm super healthy, but if I'm looking sickly maybe I'm not doing as good as I think I am.

Before I was diagnosed with celiac disease, I went home to visit relates, and they told me I looked like crap. Dark circles under my eyes, red and white mottled facial skin, tired, sweating after nothing in particular, basically a mess. Of course, my cat who I see every day didn't say a thing. Durn cat.

Getting better meant eliminating my food problems, and not just gluten. I quit Tostitos because they made me sick, probably because they are fried in soy oil. Soy intolerance developed over time for me, it wasn't something I understood right after going gluten-free. I got better after getting off soy (was already dairy free), but didn't get all the way almost healthy until I got off soy and several other problem foods.

Just sayin.

[marjean]

I was diagnosed w/ celiac 6 months ago, and am following directions..If I have a question of something about Celiac, I contact this site or other celiac websites..But lately everyone is telling me that I look tired and sick. My neighbor even had me get on her scale and prove I hadnt lost 20 pounds!! (I gained 2 pounds)..I am confused why before I was diagnosed, I didnt feel this run down..I am glad I dont have the stomach pains, nausea, and bloating but I do feel tired..I take naps in the morning for 3 hrs(I get up at 4:00 a.m.), take my vitamins, eat normal but am still tired!!! For breakfast..Chex cereal..or eggs..lunch leftovers(today homemade soup), supper I am having baked chicken, mashed potatoes, and a vegetable..For desserts I either have my choc. gluten free pudding or yogurt..and occasionally homemade gluten free peanut butter cookies!! Any help?? Thanks!

[mushroom]

Did you have all your nutrient levels (and your thyroid) checked post-dx? You can be "taking your vitamins" and not taking enough if not.