Suggestions for Energy Foods for Working Out.

I am a triathlete so with 6 days a week training I have to be able to grab energy quick in a hurry! I usually eat 2 hard boiled eggs on my drive to the gym! I have a 25 minute drive so it gives it plenty of time to settle! Then when I get home I eat a bowl of oatmeal and a banana! Its cheap and gives me the energy to keep up with my 2 kids busy schedules! Lots of water is surprising full of energy! If your keeping yourself hydrated then your body naturally gives you energy! Good luck and keep up the healthy lifestyle! Most of all be proud of yourself!

I recently purchased Emergencee wth Acai berries. It's a powder packet that you put into water and drink. I actually bought it to try and boost my immune system since everyone in my house is sick. Over the last 4 days since I've been taking in I've noticed that I have more energy throughout the day and during workouts. I also feel like my appetite is down. The box of packets was around $9...but I feel it is money well spent.

It might sound counter-intuitive, but the best foods to increase your endurance are proteins and whole grains. Simple sugars will give you an instant boost but it wears off right away and leaves you craving more/with less energy than before. The cheapest way that I've found to feed my family and stay healthy is with bulk foods -- I buy dried beans (lentils, chickpeas, black beans, etc...) and whole grains (brown rice, couscous, wild rice) in bulk and it saves a fair amount of money. The beans provide a balanced protein for the body to digest and the whole (to help you stay full longer). If you take a peek at cookinglight.com they have some good recipes (although I would make sure they're from the Cooking Light publication and not Southern Living or something as I think they've combined all of their recipes). Good luck!

Great question Gina!
Hi, my name is T. and I'm a mother of three, 16, 11 and 7 and I'm a nurse and lifestyle educator. I formulate nutrition and lifestyle programs and I have several clients who see me for sports nutrition.

Sports nutrition is about timing, quality of food, hydration and recovery. It's hard to say what you should change since I haven't met you but I can tell you to think about complex carb loading, with a small amount of protein, before working out. After your workout I'd focus more on protein.

I also focus on managing body composition, I have a machine that tells me how much fat, muscle and water you have in your body. It also tells me how strong your cell walls are, which greatly regulate hydration. I'd be happy to help you if you're in the Twin Cities.

T. Wagner, L.P.N.
Therapeutic Lifestyle Educator
Just One Bite, Inc.
www.JustOneBite.net

Hi, Anything with protein helps me. Eggs,turkey, tuna and protein shakes. This helps with my energy levels.

Hi Gina
You do have to build stamina.
As a wellness coach there are great sites you can look up for free- try sparkspeople.com
They often have great workout articles and even teams you can join online.
Concentrate on eating colorfully.
Good colorful fruits and veggie - and tan proteins.
Fatigue and stamina are often a result like many say here of eating proteins at the right time so you don't burn muscle mass for energy. It is also a result of poor hydration and expending electrolytes. So you'll want to be drinking water as you work out and if you're sweating a lot-- adding in an electrolyte stabilizer.
I do affiliate with a product line and know we're not supposed to talk about that unsolicited here-- you can email ____@____.com and write momsource if you want any more info on that, or if you'd like to get on my newsletter mailings. I forward beneficial articles to my clients and others who ask to be added to the list.
Great enthusiasm-- that is most folks biggest stumbling block. Give yourself time and do mix it up on what you are training with. Aerobic every day-- and only weight train muscle groups every other day to give them time to heal unless you're strictly toning.
Keep it up-- and bear with the estrogen. If that causes you side effects there are tons of other options.

About me: 48 yo perfusionist, wellness coach for nationwide online biggest loser for $ and more, wife, mom to 7 yo twin girls.

B. J

Hi Gina:
You don't say how long you have been working out or what kind of shape you were in before you started. I would say keep at it. Your stamina will increase in time the first month or two will be the worst. After that you be able to settle into a comfortable routine. I would say try eating a piece of peanut butter toast before your workouts. If the workouts are intense try some gator-aide after the workouts. Drink a lot of water before, during, and after each workout. Keep at it it will get easier.

Hi Gina
The only thing I have ever found to make a huge difference for me in my energy is Reliv. It is the most complete nutrition in the world that is very simple (no figuring out how to balance everything). The benefits beyond just energy is amazing. I don't think it is expensive - I currently pay approx. $1.68 a day for 2 shakes. After years of no Dr. visits for me and my family it really comes out as a huge benefit!
Check it out and let me know if you want to learn more about it :)
www.reliv.com
L.
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