I have no energy!!! Help!!

I have no access to your diary, so it's hard to say, except that the "energy drinks" are the WRONG way to go.

Have you been eating back your exercise calories and giving your body the fuel it needs to sustain good workouts? Or are you taking the "undereating shortcut" of not eating enough so you lose weight faster - which will cause frequent plateaus and energy loss. I've dieted that way for 30+ years, familiar territory.

Check your balance of fats, carbs, and proteins. Are you eating too little of some specific thing?

Are you hydrating?

Are you eating enough carbs? So many dieters think carbs are a no no for weight loss...carbs give us energy and sustain us so we COULD go to the gym.

I know how you feel though. Some days, I come home and I'm so mentally exhausted from work that I don't want to do anything. For me, it helps to think of how I'll feel AFTER the workout. Have you ever regretted one when it's over? I always feel way better.

And if you really don't want to go to the gym, how about going on a walk or just dancing in your house? That's still exercise!

It might also be worth checking that you are getting enough vitamins. I went through a few weeks of being totally exhausted in the evenings (long before starting MFP) to the point where I had to come home and sleep and it turned out my problem was not enough of certain vits and minerals.

Honestly, I feel this way constantly every day I often begin my day already feeling burnt out and exhausted and by mid afternoon (around 2-4) I feel so tired I could pass out.

However, depression and anxiety make it difficult for me to feel energized at times and can make it hard for me to really get the 'kick' most people get from exercise. If you know you're competing with depression or anxiety disorder this could easily be a contributing factor to a lack of energy and something I fight against every day.

Anxiety disorder, depression, and good ol' fashioned hormonal birth control piled up make it a real fun time for me trying to get energy ಠ_ಠ

There are many foods that can help boost up our energy too, here's a nifty little list I stole of some good foods to give you a boost;
1. Whole grains. They're high in fiber (which can help slow the breakdown and absorption of sugar) and complex carbohydrates. They also contain antioxidants similar to those in fruits and vegetables. Additionally, they reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Adults should eat 6 to 11 servings of whole grains per day. Examples include whole grain breads, pastas, and rice.
Breakfast
2. Oatmeal. According to the American Dietetic Association, oat products are some of the best sources of soluble fiber. You can combine oatmeal with raisins, honey, and yogurt for extra flavor and energy.

3. Bananas. This fruit is packed with potassium, which helps your muscles contract. One per day prevents stiffness that comes from sitting at a desk.

4. Orange Juice. This drink is ideal for the morning and is extremely high in vitamin C, which helps you get the most iron out of other foods.
Meals
5. Pasta. When athletes "carbo-load" before a game, they usually eat a big plate of spaghetti. It's extremely high in complex carbohydrates and low in calories, fat, and sodium.
6. Salmon. This fish is high in protein, and its high concentration of omega-3 fats and B vitamins can boost your cardiovascular health.

7. Beans. A small, powerful vegetable packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, beans can be used in creative ways. Add them to soups, burritos, pastas, and dip spreads. In 2005 the Department of Agriculture recommended that Americans eat three cups of beans per week.
Snack
8. Dried fruit. These high-energy, low-fat snacks are easy to pack and almost never go bad. Try a medley of apricots, figs, and raisins. However, be aware that some commercially packaged dried fruits contain sulfur dioxide, which has been shown to increase your risk of asthma.

9. Almonds. Ounce-for-ounce, this is the most nutrient-dense nut. Research has shown that adding two ounces of almonds to your daily diet increases your intake of vitamin-E and magnesium.

10. Yogurt. Quick, easy, and delicious, yogurt is available in a variety flavors. One cup of low-fat yogurt contains almost 13 grams of protein and 17 grams of carbohydrates-just what you need for great energy.

What it works for me is the munchies.. I posted this a few days ago and it is helping others.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/576862-midday-munchies

Feel free to add me to your list.

Ciao,
Jose

We've definitely all been there! Some days are good, and some days are not so good. For me, I don't let myself go home on the days that I plan to work out. I bring my gym clothes to work and change before I leave the office, this way I feel like I'm already committed and have to at least do something. However, if you really feel like you want to go home and just unwind, I've found that yoga (or even Pilates) is a great workout. It's relaxing, yet you can still challenge yourself.

If you feel like you really need that sugar to give you that extra boost, I've found that balancing your sugar with a protein can be helpful. For example, if you have some yogurt, toss some walnuts or almonds or something in there. This way you can get that little sugar spike while avoiding the crash that comes 15 mins later.

I hope this helps!

Water, water, water. Enough said.

Would it be pooisble for you to get in an early morning workout? I am like you when it comes to the end of the day. I will skip it more often than not. I have found that as much as I like my morning sleep, I have a much better day if I just get up and do it!!
Also, I take a dose of liquid L-carnitine before my workout and I think it helps me. Good luck!

I increase my low-fat protein and water when I start feeling zapped. Turns me around every time...