Energy without the Calories?

feelin_gr_8

I have always struggled with having energy. As I type, I'm thinking that I should go take a nap :P I know I've had iron problems in the past, I don't take my vitamin d/b as much as I probably should, and last time I was checked by the dr (granted it was 5 years ago) I wasn't diabetic.

Aside from getting enough sleep and taking vitamins....what can I, or what do you do, for energy?

ryry_

Caffeine...Mostly a combo of Coffee, Crystal Light Energy Packets, and Diet Pop

mforsis

had your thyroid checked?

milesvictors

Fresh fruits/veggies, sleep more, vitamins if necessary, get outside and let the sun do its work...thats about it that I can think of, I guess.

ladynocturne

Honestly, the only thing that has ever given me more energy now and in the past is getting regular exercise 5/6 days a week. And it take about a month for it to work.

Before I seriously got my *kitten* together, I would be tired by 10am and need a nap by 11. Sometimes napping twice a day because felt the constant need to put my head down and close my eyes, it was overwhelming. I got some blood work done on my thyroid, came back normal. I was also tested for Epstein-bar virus which is common to have with chronic fatigue, that was negative.

I feel freaking awesome now, some times I have enough energy to go to the gym twice in one day.

ironanimal

Vitamin D, hormone panels to check testosterone...

There's also the possibility that if you're sleeping enough and still tired, you're not eating enough.

VorJoshigan

I second Vitamin D. Also, sleep 8 hours. Seriously.

Lleldiranne

For the record, a calorie is a measure of energy, so the only way to get energy is to get calories.

But I don't think that's what you mean You're trying to find ways to feel more energetic, right?

It may sound counter-intuitive, but exercise actually will help you feel better. It could even be a morning walk.

Also, your food choices can definitely effect your feeling of energy. Are you getting enough, first off? Then, you should probably have your iron and vitamin D checked again, as well as sugars if there is any history of diabetes (5 years is a long time to go between dr appointments!) If you are deficient in any of these, take your supplements. Look at what your carbohydrate and protein balance is early in the day. Some people are sensitive to sugar spikes without being diabetic - the resulting crash can make you feel tired. Eating proteins and fats with your complex carbs, and avoiding unnecessary added sugars will help prevent this (note - added sugars are the biggest culprit, don't feel the need to cut out your lunchtime fruit, just pair it with an egg or meat or something).

If all of that doesn't help, you may want to get your thyroid checked. In fact, you might want to bring it up when you see your doctor to check iron and diabetes, etc. But start making the other changes while you wait, so you can see if they help any.

Good luck!! :happy:

Hexahedra

I have much more energy when I exercise regularly. While exercising does make me tired afterward, the resulting increase in endurance really keeps me perky all day.

Lleldiranne

Oh, I forgot to add - don't discount the power of a short afternoon nap! In many countries, an afternoon siesta is still quite the norm. There are days when you just need that little extra, and as long as it doesn't interfere with your sleep at night, there's nothing wrong with it (I'm talking 30 or 45 minutes, not 3 hours…)