i feel drained after the gym, energy foods??

howdo.

generally carbs and protein are the energy foods....

you're doing well by having bannanas and then having brown bread and eggs for lunch, but maybe you could have something else with lunch too...like sausages (you can get beef and chicken ones)...as this will help boost your energy. Some people think having breakfast an hour or so before your workout can help, but some prefer going on an empty stomach as you burn the fat from your storage rather then using the energy from your food - it's all the same so personal preference. another thing could be 6 small meals throughout the day rather then 3 big meals as it keeps your energy up.

i know that ur trying to lose weight but make sure you eat enough as it keeps your motabolism high and will help with weightloss. strength burns more calories then cardio and for longer, cardio is also good for burning cals so you've got a really good programme going - well done!

you will get fatigued, but try the smaller meals and add some more protein and carbs to them and see how that goes. dont forget, when you've worked out, you can eat a bit more to refuel and it wont hinder you weightloss as your bosy is still burning from your weightloss and ur motabolism is high...just dont over eat!

hope this helps and good luck :)

From personal experience it could be a number of things:

(i) Are you beginning this tough routine all of a sudden after a long lay off?- If so you need to build it up gradually and you will get higher energy levels as u get fitter.

(ii) Are you drinking a lot of alcohol on the weekends. This can contribute to your fatigue and give you lulls in energy.

(iii) Are you taking medication? - Some meds can give u false energy then after a few days of feeling highly charged you get a massive drop in energy levels where u just want to sleep and cant stop yawning.

(iv) Are you over worked? - Sometimes you have to find the right balance against work-V-life, stress is a huge invisible factor in energy levels.

(v) Are you depressed, sad etc...this can also have adverse effects on your energy and motivation eg have you ever said, "Today i really want to go to gym....etc etc....but just could be arsed." - If so, speak with yhour GP who'll help you out here, just be mindful of point (iii) and be wary of meds.

Finally, if none of the above relate to you and you are just exhausted from pushing yourself FAR FAR too hard in the gym (which is probably the least possible outcome here); then there is a good supplement u can get from Garnell Nutrition called "Enrage". I use it before any gym session as it really does help and also has 2g of creatine (i think its 2g's anyway) which as you know can also help with your workout.

Remember that supplements are just that, "a supplement" and should never be used instead of or in place of a sound diet and nutrition plan. You should try out a personal trainer at your gym or a professional nutritionist if you struggle in this area.

Anyway, hope this helps, all the best,

batnball_ni

Cardio is the problem. Mountain biking, wind sprints, hill sprints and squats are the best exercises to do. Human are the only species alive that try and make our bodies do cardio exercise. Every other species has the stop-and-go or flight or flight things going on. Cardio doesnt do S***. Also, if you are that tired after a workout... you NEED IRON. Eat green vegetables. NOW. if it still doesnt work, i recommend iron supplements.. i dont like vitamin tablets very much, but if vegies doesnt work, take iron tablets.

Ok so it seems that you are focusing your workout only on cardio, which is certainly not the way to go. Here is a great site that will help you out...

http://www.truthaboutabs.com/cardio-alternatives.h...

On the issue of energy after a workout, so your post workout meal is arguably you most important meal of the day. Here is a great article that should help you out on what to choose...

http://www.truthaboutabs.com/Post-Workout-Nutritio...

Enjoy!

AviB

You may need more carbs. What about some vegetables with your lunch. Why not try a big salad with tuna (17grams of protein per serve) and all your favourites, served with some rye bread spread with avocado. If you are still drained after that you probably just need a coffee.

Try juicing - I go the the gym 3-4 times a week, play squash twice and (during the season) play Rugby on a Saturday afternoon. when I finish any of these activities, I go home, get the juicer out and fill myself up with nature's goodness.

Give it a try - it works like a charm for me

Laziness is not a physical disease, but a mental 1. Make it easier for the body to burn those extra calories by parking your vehicle a little further away from the destination or take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Good energy foods.... before the gym... eat bananas and nuts.... the banana helps with your muscles... cramps mainly.. and the nuts have a high protein/energy level.

Be blue! Weirdly, azure shades have been proven undertake a positive effect on your will to exercise regularly and withstand bad foods. So, wear orange, eat from blue plates watching the pounds drop off!

5 times a week maybe to much.also try simplex sugary carbs after a work out as banana,brown bread etc are more slow releasing energy carbs.your metobalism is craving more instant energy.you wont get fat.