How to get energy to exercise without soda and energy drinks

Healthy_Hannah483
Healthy_Hannah483 Posts: 151 Member
edited September 30 in Food and Nutrition
I know coffee and I've heard about green tea too, but does anyone else have anything else that's worked? On top of trying to lose weight I'm trying to eat as organic as I can and not put chemicals into my body (ex. soda and energy drinks). Are there any good energy bars that work that I could buy at Target/Walmart and have fairly good ingredients in them?

Thanks!!!

Replies

  • fiberartist219
    fiberartist219 Posts: 1,865 Member
    Are you getting enough sleep?

    Honestly, I am a caffeine addict, so the thought of going without coffee or pop is frightening to me.
  • Jefster
    Jefster Posts: 48 Member
    Coconut oil seems to give me more energy when I use in my diet.
  • Amo_Angelus
    Amo_Angelus Posts: 604 Member
    Believe it or not, but water combined with plenty of excercise are actually the best things out there for upping your energy levels. Once you get started with them.
  • MrCake
    MrCake Posts: 53
    A good preworkout meal and a cup of organic coffee.
  • sammys1girly
    sammys1girly Posts: 1,045 Member
    I drink coffee but also before and sometimes after working out, I make a protein powder drink, just water and whey protein powder, and it keeps me going.
  • koosdel
    koosdel Posts: 3,317 Member
    The only sure fire way, is to just do it. As you get healthier, your energy level will increase.
  • vibrant80
    vibrant80 Posts: 42 Member
    Skip the processed bars and crap - they're just as bad (or worse) than soda or energy drinks IMO. Eat well. GET ENOUGH SLEEP. And...exercise! It really is a self-renewing cycle.
  • maemiller
    maemiller Posts: 439 Member
    Fresh fruit before a workout gives me energy. As for energy bars, i make my own since i can control the sugar and preservatives and make it more natural
  • MrCake
    MrCake Posts: 53
    Coconut oil seems to give me more energy when I use in my diet.

    Coconut oil is all around good for you. I eat a couple spoons a day.
  • Melroxsox
    Melroxsox Posts: 1,040 Member
    I am not sure of foods that boost energy... but I do think that I get a huge boost of energy after a long workout. On days where I don't work out...im much less energetic. So basically I tend to just have to drag my *kitten* outta bed and workoout right away to sustain a good amount of energy. Hope this helps a little
    I know coffee and I've heard about green tea too, but does anyone else have anything else that's worked? On top of trying to lose weight I'm trying to eat as organic as I can and not put chemicals into my body (ex. soda and energy drinks). Are there any good energy bars that work that I could buy at Target/Walmart and have fairly good ingredients in them?

    Thanks!!!
  • KetoDebbie912
    KetoDebbie912 Posts: 105 Member
    12oz of fresh organic juice an hour before working out. .... I like carrot, apple and lemon. I swear by it.. not only does it digest well but it gives me tons of energy
  • Seajolly
    Seajolly Posts: 1,435 Member
    Knock the caffeine to the curb (except for the occasional green tea). I used to be a coffee fiend but I find I am a LOT less tired since cutting it out of my diet, except for the occasional (like once every 2 weeks) "treat" cup of coffee. I find that I have WAYYY more energy now just by eating healthy and staying well hydrated. Probably not the answer you were looking for... If you can't cut out the caffeine just yet, my second best recommendation is to take a vitamin B supplement!
  • summertime_girl
    summertime_girl Posts: 3,945 Member
    I drink three Amazing Grass drinks a day. Especially before a run, big boost of energy.

    http://www.amazinggrass.com/greensuperfoods.html
  • thenewkarisa
    thenewkarisa Posts: 207
    I've found that on my really good days, like when I eat 4 or 5 small healthy meals a day, it keeps my metabolism and energy running high all day. I love that feeling but when I'm busy, it's hard to do every day.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I went from drinking nothing but soda to only one a day, in the morning. I have no issue with chemicals and stuff... I just wanted to be slightly less addicted to it. :laugh:

    I'd suggest weaning yourself off it, rather than quitting cold turkey. Gradually get your body used to less and less caffeine, and you won't miss it and won't need it.
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
    Get enough vitamins and minerals. That comes first from a well-balanced diet. Multi-vitamins are a good help, too. And once your body gets used to not relying on caffeine, you'll actually have more energy!

    Don't discount the importance of sleep, as another poster said. Also, this may be controversial, but don't go too low on carbs - but aim for healthy carbs, not loading up on sugar. Your body can use carbs as a quick source of energy. Enough protein is also important...
  • jfluchere
    jfluchere Posts: 346 Member
    Try green smoothies or fresh wheatgrass shots
  • Luthorcrow
    Luthorcrow Posts: 193
    Believe it or not, but water combined with plenty of exercise are actually the best things out there for upping your energy levels. Once you get started with them.

    Very true. People often forget that the brain is an electrical chemical computer that needs water to perform well. Often a tall glass of pure water will keep you going late a night much better than just a cup of coffee, etc.

    As for workouts a spot of caffeine, cup of coffee, about an hour before does just fine. Beside that just do it, your body will adapt and your energy reserves will increase much faster than you would imagine.
  • alyssa92982
    alyssa92982 Posts: 1,093 Member
    I think getting enough sleep will help-I know I can tell a difference when I get. 5 hours verses 7/8 hrs. I always drink a cup of coffee 30 min prior to a workout too to give me an extra oomph
  • Rae6503
    Rae6503 Posts: 6,294 Member
    I work out first thing in the morning in my house. I eat a half a banana before. Not too much food and enough simple sugar to hit my blood stream as quickly as possible.
  • deenanna
    deenanna Posts: 39
    Be sure to get your vitamins! I know people who wasn't getting their vitamins and almost died. When they started taking multi-vitamins the doctors said they were healthy and they had energy, balance, and more stamina than before they took the vitamins. Vitamin B especially.
  • Jade_Butterfly
    Jade_Butterfly Posts: 2,963 Member
    I drink three Amazing Grass drinks a day. Especially before a run, big boost of energy.

    http://www.amazinggrass.com/greensuperfoods.html

    Thank you so much for the website.. love it.. .totally a product I would use. . .
  • sister_bear
    sister_bear Posts: 529 Member
    Sleep, water, vitamins, eat small meals often. It wasn't about finding the energy to exercise for me, it was about incorporating it into my day. I don't have to think about it. I just do it and I feel icky if I don't get my exercise. lol

    I don't drink soda, coffee, or energy drinks. I'm hardly a clean eater. I usually only need about 7 hours of sleep to be good to go.
  • Seajolly
    Seajolly Posts: 1,435 Member
    I drink three Amazing Grass drinks a day. Especially before a run, big boost of energy.

    http://www.amazinggrass.com/greensuperfoods.html

    I use it as well and notice a big change in my energy levels! I mix it into a protein smoothie and have it for lunch often to help me get over the afternoon slump.
  • Terriann7
    Terriann7 Posts: 78
    1. Baby steps- the more you do the more you want to do.
    2. Mind candy. Positive in, positive out. I find that I am most motivated when I am reading about healthy food and lifestyle OR success stories.
    3. Surround yourself with others that are doing what you want to do. In this case MFP is great to support you in your endeavors.


    PS I love to speed watching Dr Oz. He is a huge advocate of good practical, healthy living tips. The part I am not interested in I fast forward. Love the DVR!

    Hang in there girl and do the baby steps until you get your groove on.
  • Healthy_Hannah483
    Healthy_Hannah483 Posts: 151 Member
    Thanks everyone for your suggestions! (:
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