Please help...muscles burning, no strength

[Secret Heart]

I have a quick question. Thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Since going raw I have noticed a large decline in body fat/muscle size and stamina and general strength.

Lately the day following an hour of cardio my leg muscles literally "burn" and I have very very little stamina or strength. It concerns me I admit.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Heather

[daisyduke]

Hello! I follow Dr. Doug Graham's 8-1-1 style of raw. I know that he teaches that within two hours of a workout, it is best to eat sweet fruit (particularly bananas) for a great recovery. Ever since I have been doing this, I recover much more quickly...less muscle soreness and I feel more energized. Perhaps you could try this. I do know that when I first went raw, I felt the exact same way you did. My workouts got worse instead of better. With time they got better. I don't know if it's because I gave it more time or if it's because I started eating as many bananas as possible as quickly after a workout that I could. Try this, hope it helps. Please keep me updated.

[Apasaraw]

The "burn" people feel with excercise is not "lactic acid buildup" as people continually say. (chemistry says no way) It is glycogen (stored glucose)depletion in your muscle tissue. What you're feeling is the depletion of stored glucose in your muscles when you feel that burning sensation. Replenishing can only keep up so long as you work out. As an athlete you probably know that after depletion, your body can actually absorb and retain even more glucose after this depletion occurs and the storage capacity for glycogen increases. This is why the traditional "deplete carbs and consume pasta before the marathon" rite takes place in the cooked world. More fuel for the race is stored in the muscle tissue.

Daisy Duke is right on...carbs in the form of fruits are going to do it for you. Greens for protein repair too. I'm not saying you should backslide into cooked but raw oat groats or buckwheat groats (gluten free), something more starchy and with minerals/B's may help you...it is definately going to be an adjustment.

My muscles also became smaller for a time but then built back up after about a year. You seem really in tune with your body. What are you craving?