I find that my patients are especially hard on themselves. They say to me “I know that if I’d just eat better and exercise that I’d feel better” as though their lack of energy is all their fault.
Know what I see?
When people are feeling better they tend to eat more nutritiously and want to move their bodies more regularly.
Before you make it all about diet and exercise, as yourself these questions:
- Are you eating enough? I cannot tell you how many of my patients are undernourished throughout the day. This leads to night time eating and then they restrict in the morning and start the cycle all over again. Our bodies need fuel. Most people need to eat every 3-5 hours to feel alert and energetic.
- Are you getting enough sleep? Not “are you getting enough to GET BY”, but enough that you wake feeling refreshed. Most people need AT LEAST 7 hours and others need up to 9 hours. If your body needs 9 hours and you’re only sleeping for 7 hours, you’re not going to be feeling your best.
- Have you checked on your iron levels lately? How about your insulin levels? There are many chemical contributors to your energy and alertness.
When you’re eating and sleeping enough that workout doesn’t seem so daunting. Neither does cooking dinner 😉
All I’m saying is that we tend to put the cart before the horse where diet and exercise are concerned. Your fatigue is your body’s way of telling you that something is amiss. It doesn’t matter what the latest influencer says ‘should’ be good for you. Your body will tell you what is ACTUALLY good for you.
I’m the kind of practitioner who will help you learn your body’s language, not try to tell you what’s right. My job is to be the interpreter, not the dictator.
