If you’re a bodybuilder, it’s important to make sure that you’re consuming enough calories each day to support your activity level and muscle growth says Alex Gierbolini. If you’re not eating enough calories, it can lead to a number of problems such as fatigue, decreased performance, and stalled muscle growth.
Here are 13 signs that you may not be eating enough calories when bodybuilding:
1. You’re always tired.
If you find yourself feeling exhausted all the time, it could be a sign that you’re not eating enough calories. When your body doesn’t have enough fuel to power through workouts and recover properly afterward, it can lead to feelings of fatigue.
2. You have trouble sleeping.
Not getting enough sleep is another common sign of underrating. When your body is trying to recover from intense workouts but isn’t getting the nutrients it needs, it can disrupt your sleep patterns.
3. You’re not making gains in the gym.
If you’ve been working out regularly but haven’t seen any progress in terms of muscle growth or strength gains, it could be because you’re not eating enough calories. Your body needs fuel to build new muscle, so if you’re not giving it enough energy, it can’t make the gains you’re hoping for.
4. You have a hard time recovering from workouts.
If it takes you longer than usual to recover from workouts, it’s another sign that you might not be eating enough calories says Alex Gierbolini. When your body doesn’t have enough nutrients to repair damaged muscles, it can take longer to feel rested and recovered.
5. You get sick often.
If you find yourself getting sick more often than usual, it could be a sign that your immune system is weakened from underrating. When you don’t consume enough calories, your body doesn’t have the resources it needs to fight off infections and illnesses.
6. You’re always hungry.
If you’re constantly feeling hunger pangs, it’s a sign that your body isn’t getting enough energy from the food you’re eating. When you’re underrating, your body will start to break down muscle tissue for energy, which can leave you feeling ravenous all the time.
7. You have trouble concentrating.
When you’re not eating enough calories, it can lead to problems with focus and concentration. If you find yourself struggling to stay on task, it could be because your brain isn’t getting the fuel it needs to function properly.
8. You’re moody.
If you notice a change in your mood or you’re feeling more irritable than usual, it could be a sign of underrating. When your body isn’t getting enough calories, it can affect your mood and emotions.
9. You have cravings.
If you find yourself having intense cravings for specific foods, it’s a sign that your body is lacking certain nutrients. When you’re not eating enough calories, your body will start to crave high-energy foods that can give it a quick boost of energy explains Alex Gierbolini.
10. You feel lightheaded.
If you start to feel lightheaded or dizzy, it’s a sign that your blood sugar is dropping. When you’re not eating enough calories, your body will start to break down glycogen for energy, which can lead to a drop in blood sugar levels.
11. You get headaches.
Headaches are another common symptom of underrating. When you’re not consuming enough calories, your body can’t produce the energy it needs, which can lead to headaches and migraines.
12. You have dry skin.
If you notice that your skin is drier than usual, it could be a sign of dehydration. When you’re not eating enough calories, your body doesn’t have the resources it needs to stay hydrated, which can lead to dry skin.
13. You have a hard time losing fat.
If you’re trying to lose fat but find it difficult to do so, it could be because you’re not eating enough calories. When you under eat, your body goes into survival mode and starts to hold on to fat stores for energy.
Conclusion:
If you’re bodybuilding and notice any of these signs, it’s important to increase your calorie intake explains Alex Gierbolini. Eating more food may seem counterintuitive when trying to lose fat, but if you’re not eating enough calories, your body will actually hold on to fat stores and make it harder for you to lose weight.