Worried

[Chrissy_1978]

Has anyone encountered dizziness during working out while on Atkins?

I have been taking taekwondo classes for years but stopped about 10 months ago when I changed jobs. I ended up gaining twenty pounds on my already overweight body and my blood pressure went through the roof. THEN, I discovered Atkins and am feeling like a new person. My blood pressure is optimal and I've lost enough weight now that I want to add in more daily activity. I've been doing a low impact workout and some muscle toning exercises for the last few months.

Tonight was my first class back and it was great for 30min. It was pretty heavy on the cardio. When we slowed down, I started to get really lightheaded and dizzy. It wouldn't go away and I ended up leaving halfway through. Even outside, I was feeling nauseous and shaky. It wasn't until I made it home and ate half a nectarine that the feeling subsided.

Any ideas?

All I can come up with is low blood sugar, which is strange because I ate a decent meal of roast beef and veggies about an hour before class. I know it wasn't dehydration because I always drink a ton of water.

Please help! My next class is on Wednesday and I don't want a repeat episode.

[creamsoda]

I think its quite common to get light headed during the first phase....maybe the next week or so take it easy whilst your body is adjusting. If you're really worried maybe a trip to the dr's is needed...but I'd say it's just a common induction side effect

[fat4now]

Constipation has made me dizzy in the past. Just a thought...

[liv]

I had a spell of vertigo a few months ago - nothing to do with the diet but something in the ear apparently. Did it feel like vertigo? (spinning?)
Otherwise I have not had any problems with doing exercise and Atkins. I agree with fat4now, if you're worried have a visit with your doctor.

[matawguro]

I practice martial arts too and it took me around three months to adapt to Atkins. At the time, aside from taking up Filipino Martial Arts, I was also practicing Muay Thai for the cardio.

BTW, aside from low blood sugar, low blood pressure is also possible.

[Chrissy_1978]

Thanks for the replies!
I have a lingering headache today but am feeling much better.

Liv- The feeling wasn't really like vertigo. I started out feeling slightly lightheaded. Within a few minutes, my vision filled with black spots and my hearing dimished greatly. By the time I made it outside, I was feeling sick to my stomach and still was very lightheaded. Drinking water only made things worse.

After talking with my mom about it earlier, she reminded me of a time when I was a child and had gone out bike riding before eating breakfast. She said that I came back complaining of the same symptoms. I don't remember this but I do remember her taking me to the doctor to get my blood sugar checked. Everything was fine then and after that she made sure I ate breakfast before doing anything. Now, I did eat supper yesterday but maybe I should have added a few more carbs? I think I'll try eating a piece of fruit before class tomorrow and see if that helps.

What do the majority of you eat before a heavy workout?