Dieting and becoming very tired.

Question
Thanks for taking the time to help me. I have been dieting and exercising for 11 weeks I have lost 33 1/2 lbs so far and would like to lose another 28 lbs. I work out 4 times a week for 45 min to 1 hour and 15 mins. I have been following the weight watchers points system and I really like it but the last 2 weeks I feel like I'm tired all the time and I'm even noticing I'm tired during my workouts and after. I used to feel very energized. My mother thought maybe I was a little low on iron. I used to eat red meat maybe once a week and now in 11 weeks I have barely ate red meat at all but I'm eating alot of chicken, seafood and fruits and veg. I feel like I'm cold all the time. I have also been constipated alot and if I eat something not so healthy then I have a regular bowel movement. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I want to continue my diet and exercise  because I'm getting married in August. Thanks again Brandy

Answer
Dear Brandy,

Congratulations on all your hard work, and on your successful weight loss!
I think weight watchers is a great plan, especially when it results in healthy eating :)
You could be anemic and you might want to try a multi-vitamin supplement with iron if you aren't already on one (many diet plans recommend an across-the-board supplement just for 'insurance').

I also have to wonder, how much sleep are you getting?  This, in fact, is the number one reason people are usually tired--not enough sleep!  Hmmmmm, surprising?  I'll just bet that with your new healthy eating plan you are spending more time shopping and cooking; you are spending more time dedicated to your workouts, and you are perhaps a bit stressed out from wedding plans! This can make you tired and also affect your usual bowel habits. You might try getting an extra hour of sleep if that's possible especially if you've been getting 7 hours or less.

Meanwhile, it's easy to get a simple blood test to check for anemia, as well as to screen for low thyroid (symptoms of hypothyroidism include feeling tired, feeling cold, thinning hair, and also skipping menstrual periods). See your doctor for a check-up soon if you aren't feeling well, so you'll be all straightened out in time for your wedding if some sort of treatment is prescribed!

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