Am I eating enough?

[Maddknucklez]

I've been involved in Martial Arts since I was 5. I'm now 19 and have a Black belt in Kenpo. I have lifted on and off throughout my teen years but 2 weeks ago, I decided that I have enough mass and want get a very lean and toned body.

 

I lift for two days and take every third day off. But I still jog 3-4 miles daily and attend 2 1-hour Karate classes per week.

 

I am 6'3" and weigh 172 lbs.

 

My question revolves around my diet. Is it possible that I am not eating enough even though I am cutting? I am definitely noticing some change in my physique but I often feel tired and dizzy after my workouts.

 

I am a full time college student who also holds down 2 jobs so I need to be able to stay on my feet and get my studying done and perform well in the workplace.

 

Up at school, I am only able to eat twice during the day because of the kitchen schedule. I normally eat the same thing every meal. I eat at 12:30 PM and around 5 PM

 

My meals usually include about 1 cup of steamed greens (spinach, broccolli, green beans), 1/2 cup of rice, 2 egg whites, 8 oz. of tuna, 6 tomato slices, 1/4 cup of raw shredded carrots and sometimes 1/4 cup of chickpeas. I usually drink a glass of water and maybe a small glass of cranberry juice. I have been following this die religiously for the past 2 weeks.

 

Is my fatigue due to my diet or is there something else missing?

 

BTW I do not take any supplements or steroids.

[WhiteBelt]

I'm not a nutritionist, but you could be getting dizzy from dehydration or low energy levels. Some people advise you to drink sports energy drinks instead of water if you're going to exercise for more than an hour, or you could just snack on a small energy bar. Make sure you eat (carbs) about 3 hours before you work out, if you want to keep your energy levels up, and drink plenty of water as always.

[wrestlingkaratechamp]

You should eat more meats and steaks and pork and stuff

[ninjanurse]

Judging by your size I would say that you

 

definitely need to eat more calories dude!!!!!

 

[Red J]

At 6'3", you are pretty lean. Go to your University health clinic and see if there are any nutrition services available. If not talk to your doctor.

 

And yes, not eating enough can make you dizzy and tired after a workout. I'm no expert, but you need to listen to your body.

[newbalance]

Eat more calories than you burn.

 

Jogging 3-4 miles every day is a lot. Take some time off, relax. Give those calories a chance to settle.

[Black Dragon]

You didn't mention any breads or cereals? You need carbs man! Especially if you're gonna workout. You also need more meat, like real meat not egg whites and tuna. 6'3 175 is a little underweight, you could maybe get away with the diet you like, if you put on about 15 lbs. IMO

[Ben]

I start a diet tomorrow, and i've pretty much followed it to a "health and training" book. the most important meal is a good breakfast! i cant stress that enough. unless you eat while you're asleep - you're not getting any carbs which you are slowly burning through those 8-ish hours of sleep. that nudges the meals up to three a day which is better.

 

If i was holding down two jobs, not just one like i am atm, i'd add in another meal - but only a small one. a bit more water and some more juice in there wouldnt go a miss.

 

if you are doing two jobs - then you'll be exhusting yourself, so if you can make sure you have 8 hours sleep for your body to rest.

[battousai16]

if you go the sport drink/energy bar route, remember to eat/drink said stuff after working out, not before. there are a bunch of sugars and such in them that can wipe you out, and work better as energy supplements for afterwords rather than before. and i would never replace water with an energy drink

[Maddknucklez]

Thanks for the tips guys. I had my body fat checked and it was at 12%. I am still lifting and running but I talked to a doctor and he pretty much nailed it down to me not sleeping enough. Even on a good day, I'm getting just over 6 hours of rest and no naps in between. He also told me to eat small amounts of food between my other meals to help my metabolism stay in action.