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I’ve always been interested in nutrition—but I assumed that as long as I was eating whole foods, I was fueling well. At the time, I was strength training consistently, nine months postpartum, and ready to start feeling like me again.
I wasn’t chasing a number on the scale. I just wanted to rebuild my body after pregnancy.
That’s when I went through my nutrition certification and learned how much protein I actually needed. The numbers blew me away. I was determined to hit them.
So I put all my energy into getting enough protein. That alone was such a big jump that I didn’t even notice I was under-fueling in other areas. I felt full all the time—protein is so satiating. And because I was eating more protein than ever, it felt like I was eating more than ever, period.
I honestly thought I had found the missing piece to strength training and body transformation.
And in some ways, I had.
I just didn’t realize what I had left behind in the process.
Signs of Undereating that No One talks about
Though I wasn’t aiming for weight loss, I lost more than 10 pounds. I looked lean. I looked strong.
But I was exhausted.
I cut cardio completely because I didn’t have the energy. I told myself walking was enough—and some days, it was all I could manage. My anxiety spiked. I had brain fog so intense I’d forget what I was saying mid-sentence. At one point, I literally forgot how old I was.
My libido? Negative five.
Workouts felt harder. Recovery took longer. But I didn’t question it.
This is motherhood- or so I thought.
I had two kids and I was tired. This was just part of the game… right?
And I know so many women who feel the same.
We chalk up burnout, mood swings, and complete exhaustion to life after kids.
But no one tells you that signs of under-eating can feel exactly like motherhood.
Or more accurately—like survival mode.
And the tricky part? My period was still regular. I knew a missing cycle could be a red flag, so since mine kept showing up, I convinced myself everything was fine.
But I was ignoring all the other signs my body was trying to send me.
My Wake-Up Call
I didn’t have a big epiphany or a dramatic turning point.
I just… stopped tracking.
Slowly, I went back to eating like I always had—intuitively. I still focused on getting enough protein (because now I knew how important it was), but I stopped trying to micromanage every bite.
And over time, I came back to life.
My hair stopped falling out.
My fuse got longer.
The brain fog lifted.
And my libido? Came back from the dead.
That’s when I realized all the things I had chalked up to motherhood weren’t motherhood at all.
They were signs I was running on empty.
RELATED: Strength Training and Nutrition- A Powerful Duo for Hormone Health
The Signs of Undereating (Even If You Feel “Healthy”)
If any of this sounds familiar, I want to share some of the signs of undereating I wish more women knew to look for:
- Constant fatigue—even after a good night’s sleep
- Low sex drive or a missing cycle
- Brain fog, forgetfulness, poor focus
- Feeling cold all the time
- Poor recovery from workouts
- Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability
- Hair thinning or falling out
- Bloating and digestive issues
- Feeling “flat” or weak in the gym
If you're nodding along—just know: you're not broken. You’re likely just underfed.
RELATED: How to Build A Balanced Plate
Stronger, Healthier, and Eating More
Here’s the biggest plot twist:
Since then, I’ve added over 800 calories per day—and I feel better than ever. I look strong and feel strong. I have the energy to crush workouts and still chase my boys down the street on their bikes.
A lean body that feels like trash? Not the goal.
Health is.
Energy is.
Feeling alive is.
If you’re running yourself into the ground chasing a calorie target, it’s okay to stop. You can get results—and feel good doing it.
I’d love to show you how to get your energy back without obsessing over calories.
Check out my 1:1 coaching for women and learn to fuel your body with confidence.
or book a discovery call HERE!
Xo, Victoria
Remember, always check with your health care professional before starting any new diet or exercise program. Any product recommendation is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Our statements and information have not necessarily been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Every body and person is different. Therefore, We cannot and do not guarantee that you will attain a specific or particular result, and you accept the risk that results differ for each individual. As with any health-related program or service, your results may vary.
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