Have you been following the vegan diet for a while and are struggling with low energy? This can actually be from a few different things, all of which are treatable and manageable. Don’t give up on your diet just yet! See if any of the following tips resonate with you.
Are You Getting Enough Nutrients?
The first question to ask yourself if your energy has been a bit low is whether or not you are getting adequate nutrients in your diet. Low energy can be the result of certain vitamins and minerals being too low. For example, B12 is a little harder to get through a vegan diet. If you are deficient in B12, you can take a supplement.
Some other nutrients you want to double-check include:
- Protein
- Iron
- Zinc
These can all lead to a feeling of lethargy and low energy if you are not supplementing them or getting enough through your vegan diet.
Are You Eating Enough?
In addition to the vitamins and minerals you are consuming, you also need to be sure you are eating enough in general. It is easy to eat too low calories and fat while on a vegan diet, without realizing it. Most high-calorie foods include dairy and cheese, meat, fish, and eggs, so when you cut these out of your diet, you are left with mostly low-fat and low-calorie foods. With the exception of nuts and seeds, you may not realize how little you are actually eating.
Do You Need to Supplement?
Supplementation is optional for many people, but for some, it is necessary. If you tend to be a picky eater who doesn’t try new things, get full pretty fast, or just don’t eat balanced meals, then you need to use supplements for the nutrients you are not getting. A multivitamin is a good place to start, though your doctor can run bloodwork to see if you’re low on iron, vitamin D, or B12.
Are You Getting Enough Sleep?
Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. This could be unrelated to your vegan lifestyle, and just a matter of losing sleep for other reasons. Consider how your sleep has been, how many hours you get a night, whether you have distractions before bed, and if you wake up multiple times a night. Even if you’re in bed for 8 hours or so, the sleep quality might be poor.
Have You Asked Your Doctor?
If you still can’t figure out why your energy is so low after switching to a vegan diet, consult your doctor. It is possible that it is from a medical condition not related to your diet. Make sure your doctor is aware of your vegan diet, and what you are eating on a typical day.