Training & Nutrition - Do I eat enough?

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tarmac
07-06-04, 02:08 AM
I often wonder if I eat enough. By most standardized calculations, I'm underweight. I'm about 70 inches tall, and 145 lbs. I have a small bone frame and about 7% body fat. I'm 27 yrs. old. On an average day, I eat about 2500 calories, but there are days when I eat only about 1500 calories. These are mostly carbs.

I have sufficient energy, yet there are days when I'm definitely run down. I work 3rd shift, which is part of my energy problem, since I'm always a bit sleep deprived. I often eat at irregular intervals. My appetitie isn't huge, but I have periods of hypoglycemia and severe hunger if I go for too long without eating.

I started cycling this summer, and have been at it now for about 2 months. I feel great when I go out and bike for a few hours, and it definitely improves my appetite. I usually get to go out 3-4 times a week and bike for 1-2 hours. My appetite is improving, but I'm still worried I'm not getting enough food.

I guess I should only be worried if I start losing weight or energy, right?


-Matt C.-

DMulyava
07-06-04, 07:28 AM
You sound like you don't eat enough. At 66 inches tall, and 138 lbs, (17 years old), I eat 3000 calories just to maintain my weight!
Ebbtide
07-06-04, 07:39 AM
Cycling never makes me hungry, ever.

I don't know, I'm about the same size and do not consider myself underweight. I eat about the same too, but you need more than 1500 calories.

At times, I have to force myself to eat and supplement my diet with protein drinks. If you are real concerned, see a doctor. Also, weight training really gets my appetite up.