Balancing food intake with exercise

[Marrou]

Hello, I'm hoping someone can help...

I'm finding it difficult to balance eating and exercise at the moment. Last night I swam 72 lengths crawl which I have never even come close to before - I have trouble with the breathing so usually do 64 lengths as a mix of breaststroke and crawl. Last night after the swim I was totally wrecked and today I have felt lightheaded, a bit sick and lethargic. I definitely pushed myself in a way that I haven't before. I've ended up eating loads to try and get some energy back. I do feel better but I'm not back to my usual energy levels at all. I'm also not losing weight any more because of the need to eat so damn much! If anything I'm putting weight on. What am I doing wrong / what should I be doing?

[Suzannewithaplan]

?I would say eat when you are hungry rather than because you are physically tired?

[dotty2]

What do you eat after exercise? I'm not a total low carb advocate, but I do find that having at least some protein if I need to eat after exercise really helps. If I just eat carbs I end up being starving for the rest of the day and constantly craving more.

[StrikesMatches]

Something like MyFitnessPal might be useful to track calories in/out and find the right balance.

[Claybury]

Agree with Suzanne and Dotty
Also it doesn't sound like you planned to swim that far. So perhaps you hadn't eaten adequately beforehand?
I'm guessing that's an hour of swimming - might be an idea to have some energy drink during the swim to hydrate you. Just an idea.

[dotty2]

Mmm yes - that's the other thing I sometimes find about swimming. I don't feel as thirsty as when I've run so often forget to have a big drink afterwards and then 2 hours later wonder why I've got a crashing headache. So rehydration also important.