Headaches

[fruitlooper]

I've been getting headaches on the days I really exert myself. I workout early in the morning, with a small snack before hand. I eat breakfast right after I work out, usually an oatmeal fruit protein shake. I have good healthy snacks too. By noon I have a splitting headache. I've narrowed down to only days when I really kick arse. Any idea why?

[hazeldazel]

if i overexert myself i get the same thing. i got them before i was doing NROLFW, so it's not the program just working myself a little too hard. I just take a little longer rests and make sure I keep my nutrition up and so far so good.

[testsherpa]

I don't know if it's related, but I get them when I'm dehydrated or my blood sugar is too low. I'd recommend drinking a lot of water and refueling a bit more on heavy days to see if that helps.

[TheWookie]

Are you skipping your morning source of caffeine on the days you work out in the a.m.?

[Flyingdogs]

Originally Posted by testsherpa

I don't know if it's related, but I get them when I'm dehydrated or my blood sugar is too low. I'd recommend drinking a lot of water and refueling a bit more on heavy days to see if that helps.

I second this suggestion. Since your crash doesn't happen until noon, it's not a direct exertion migraine like I was getting at the beginning of stage one.

I also have blood sugar issues - hypoglycemia. I'd examine your workout breakfast.

What sugar is in your breakfast. Is there fruit? Juice? Baked goods?

How much protein is in your breakfast - is it enough?

Do you have a snack between breakfast and lunch? What is it?

My experience with managing my own blood sugar (trial, error and a lot of headaches) is that something sugary like an apple or orange juice is going to make me feel better for an hour, and then all the insulin stimulated by that sugar intake suddenly sucks all the sugar out of my system and I crash hard - headache, fatique, shaky, etc.

I think the key is in what you're eating in the morning and what your snack is in mid-morning. You may need to adjust your macros to have less carbs in the morning and more protein, or you may simply need more calories.

Or you might need to add a second meal at 10 am and have a lighter lunch. Maybe your body needs a steadier fuel source. I need at least 5 balanced meals on workout days. It's just trial & error to figure out what works for you.

Wookie's got a point too - if I skip my morning coffee, I have a raging headache by noon.

[fruitlooper]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have been good this week, and the only thing I've changed is I ran out of protien bars. I've been having a peice of toast with peanut butter for my mid morning snack. So I'm wondering if it's something gross in the protien bar not agreeing with me.

[Pips]

Some other possible cause to look into: I get headaches during workouts from holding in my breath too much.