Has anyone else had this problem?

[amyambro1]

I started working out, doing cardio 3-4 times a week for 30 minutes and weight training twice a week. I have been burning about 400 calories or so each time. I didn't realize it until after a couple weeks when I started to get shaky that I wasn't getting enough calories and started to get a bit hypoglycemic (sp?). And I was trying to eat more, but I was feeling like if I'm to get enough calories on a raw food diet and work out this much that I need to eat A LOT of raw food. And I just cannot afford at this point to eat that much raw food and get the calorie intake that I need. So I started to introduce some whole grains into my diet, like cooked brown rice and gluten free pasta. I feel like this has just mentally helped me to feel like I'm now getting the caloric intake that I need. But at the same time I want to eat only raw. I just don't feel like I can afford the cost and get enough calories. Does anyone have any recommendations for me? I mean, I don't mind that I am eating a little cooked food now, but I've already noticed changes in my appearance (skin and eyes). I don't quite have that glow anymore that I was so enjoying. And I think it is also causing me to crave cooked food more often. Any advice?

[sport]

Have you tried sprouting lentils and chick peas and making dips from them. That would not cost very much and would be a lot of calories.
You can also sprout millet and quinoa and even rice.

[jeanneroth]

Put down the cooked food and walk away! LOL!
I have not had that as of yet and I have been banging out 2 hour workouts. So its not that raw cant give you enough calories. Something else is going on.

A couple of things I do before workouts is eat something! A banana, a lara bar......Its not about your total calories throughout the day, you may have to shift some calories to before and right after your workout. (yes after too, recovery is important) Also are you getting enough fat? Coconut oil and avocados are great sources that will help with the calories and help with feeling full and satiated.

I have a great "bar" recipe that is cheap and tasty!
2 apples
2 bananas,
2 pears
puree in a FP.
mix in whatever you want, I like coconut flakes, coconut oil, carob chips, you can put whatever in. Spread it thin, 1/4 inch. This will make about 2 trays worth. If you want to try it, cut recipe in 1/2.

Dehydrate until you can handle it and flip over. (I don't have a dehydrator, my oven on warm is 115 degrees) Then give it another 2 hours or so. Voila! It has a rubbery consistiency.

I aslo think this may be some detox?....cardio for 30-40 minutes shouldn't do that no matter what you are eating or how much of it. Are you lightheaded at other times of the day? Do you eat 4-5 mini meals? are you getting enough water?

For more info about working out and raw fooding try these sites:
www.runningraw.com and www.brendanbrazier.com both are elite/pro athletes on 100% raw diet. So it can work. Keep at it!:D

[amyambro1]

THank you for the replies!! I normally eat all day long, munching on stuff. I start my day with a green smoothie including green superfood powder, have a salad around lunch and whatever else for dinner. In between I eat nuts and fruit and sometimes veggie juice or raw veggies. Maybe the day I got shaky was a day I jsut didn't do it right. Maybe I didn't eat enough and had too much fruit or something.

I think, sport, you're right about the sprouting. Do you get a lot of calories from sprouts? I will try sprouting lentils and chickpeas and eat a lot more of them. Sprouting in something I definitely need to do more of.

Thanks for the advice. Any more advice would be good.

[CrazyDelicious]

I work out a lot (weights and cycling) and I slowly ventured to raw because of hypoglycemic problems. They were much worse for me when I was eating grains. I make bars and cookies to take with me biking (if the ride is 2+ hours) and to the gym. I use nuts, fruit, and hemp protein (fruit alone will not work for me) For me, shaky is the first stage, and then it turns nasty so I make sure to have these around just in case. But it is much better on raw. I find the nuts and hemp to really give me good energy - I feel strong and can maintain my workout at a high level. I don't eat nuts at other times of the day, only for my energy bars!! (so it is not too expensive)
Also make sure you are getting enough fat!

[Aleesha Sattva]

good advice crazy!

i work out daily... doing at least 400 calories each time and i don't have any problems at all.

have you had your blood checked out with a dr?

[sport]

I think, sport, you're right about the sprouting. Do you get a lot of calories from sprouts? I will try sprouting lentils and chickpeas and eat a lot more of them. Sprouting in something I definitely need to do more of.

Thanks for the advice. Any more advice would be good.

I use seeds a lot. I use sunflower, pumpkin, hemp and sesame as well as flax. I buy large bags of sunflower and pumpkin and soak them and then dry and store them in an airtight container. I find that a good handfull of either added to a smoothie will carry you for much longer than fruit and greens on their own. I also us sunflower as a base for easy pies.

[amyambro1]

Well....I was doing some research today and was inspired with Tim Van Orden's interview with Revvell. I looked at his website www.runningraw.com and read up on what he eats (he is a raw athlete). After the interview and research, I am somehow now convinced that I need to throw out the unnecessary cooked food and give raw + workout another try. I'm a bit of a hypochondriac, and one moment of shakiness leads me to believe I must be dying. Yes, It's something I need to overcome. I am going to give the raw + workout another try and try out the advice I was given. Thank you, all.....