I need ENERGY!

Well I hardly post topics on here but I need help, I work full time and have 4 kids at home ranging from age 4 to 12. I spend my lunch break at the gym (that's the only time I have to go). I want to lose 20lbs. I lost about 15lb in last year and do to work taking over, I fell of the wagon and gained a good 10lbs back in about 4 months, so now here I go again. My biggest problem is ENERGY! I need and want more, I have to push myself to go to the gym now and I go but don't push myself as hard as I should. Is there any supplement out there that can help with this, I don't want to jitters, just a little push. I don't drink coffee or soda's, so my drink is mainly water and a can of starbucks refreshers drink but that does nothing for me. I am a sucker for sweets and carbs. :-( I know neither is helping me right now. But I just wish there was a way to give myself a extra boost in a safe way..... is there? Thanks!

Replies

  • 4legsRbetterthan2
    4legsRbetterthan2 Posts: 19,590 MFP Moderator
    Is there a reason you do not drink coffee? That is what most people I know do if they want an extra boost pre-workout. If you are not used to it and don't want the jitters as you said then just drink half a cup and see what happens.

    Also, if you are feeling run down make sure you are not setting your calories too low. Slow loss and a happy life is more worthwhile than drivings yourself insane.
  • happysherri
    happysherri Posts: 1,360 Member
    I strive to get more sleep. I get made fun of because sometimes I will go to bed before 10pm. Also lots and lots of water helps.
  • SanDoThis
    SanDoThis Posts: 31
    I have never drank coffee or tea, never likes the smell of either so I never tried it. I agree with the slow less being better, but just feel like I need a boost to get me into the gym and going all day. Sleep is harded now a days as kids are off for the summer and stay awake longer and are able to sleep in, however i still have to get up at 5am and go to work! :-( lucky me! I do drink water but will try adding in more oz's and see if that helps because now 2 people have told me that today! :-) I am afraid to take energy drinks too!
  • 4legsRbetterthan2
    4legsRbetterthan2 Posts: 19,590 MFP Moderator
    yup I wake up at 4:30-5 and I go to bed by 9:30 if I can, but I have the advantage of being childless :)

    If you do not like coffee I know alot of people who love the monster drinks or 5 hour energies. They have caffiene too.
  • JesterMFP
    JesterMFP Posts: 3,596 Member
    Well I hardly post topics on here but I need help, I work full time and have 4 kids at home ranging from age 4 to 12. I spend my lunch break at the gym (that's the only time I have to go). I want to lose 20lbs. I lost about 15lb in last year and do to work taking over, I fell of the wagon and gained a good 10lbs back in about 4 months, so now here I go again. My biggest problem is ENERGY! I need and want more, I have to push myself to go to the gym now and I go but don't push myself as hard as I should. Is there any supplement out there that can help with this, I don't want to jitters, just a little push. I don't drink coffee or soda's, so my drink is mainly water and a can of starbucks refreshers drink but that does nothing for me. I am a sucker for sweets and carbs. :-( I know neither is helping me right now. But I just wish there was a way to give myself a extra boost in a safe way..... is there? Thanks!
    What's wrong with carbs? :huh:
  • pinkraynedropjacki
    pinkraynedropjacki Posts: 3,027 Member
    Ditch the coffee. You want to wake up? Apple instead.

    Now as for the gym thing. Perhaps the reason you find it so hard is because you dont like it? I go through stages where running is the last thing I can do only because my heart isnt in it at all. Perhaps this is the case. Try some bodyweight exercises instead for a while, you dont need a gym & can literally do them whenever you have the time. I do some in the shower even.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I am a sucker for sweets and carbs. :-( I know neither is helping me right now. But I just wish there was a way to give myself a extra boost in a safe way..... is there? Thanks!

    Carbs actually provide this energy you seek. There is nothing inherently evil about carbs...they are just a macro nutrient and they happen to be the latest and greatest of dietary boogie mans. As a matter of nutrition, make good decisions on where you're getting your carbs from...look for nutrient dense sources (fruit comes to mind).

    My pre-workout fuel is an apple or a banana about 30-45 minutes prior...gives me plenty of go and no supplementation needed.
  • willieb2
    willieb2 Posts: 7 Member
    I've been drinking a Spark on days when I need an extra kick of energy. It isn't super strong, so no jitters or crash. It's from Advocare, so it's supposed to be pretty healthy. Plus it's only 45 cals a scoop