Exercise & Energy

[demons19]

I have a question, probably best answered by a man who works out. In the past I have done atkins with decent results (losing weight) but have never been able to combine atkins with a solid workout plan. My problem is, while I feel fine on the diet, not hungry and generally feel better.... I am completely out of gas when I try to exercise. I have no strength, no stamina and its a darn struggle to get thru. When I go to the gym, I will normally lift weights for 1 hour and then do 30 min of cardio. But, very early on in the weights, I'm always tired. This never happens when I eat normally or total crap/junk. The last week I have been drinking a protein shake (3 carbs) about 1 hour prior to the gym and it's not working.......Can someone please advise me how to get energized nutritionally before going to the gym?
Thank you

[msnicksmom]

Re: Exercise & Energy

I'm not a man, but I would have your iron checked, and make sure you're getting enough calories, and spaced out. I have more energy than I know what to do with personally. Maybe try some high calories protein snacks, like cheese or nuts, vs the shake? GL!

[ttdriver]

Re: Exercise & Energy

I'm not a man either, but I can tell you that to keep your stamina up, you must:

Eat ample FAT. You are burning it for fuel.
Eat ample PROTEIN. Protein not only builds muscle, but will repair the minute tears you will get from rigorous exercise (particularly weight training).
Eat high fibrous veggies with a low glycemic index.
DO NOT EAT JUNK FOOD.
Lots and lots of water. Good hydration is essential when working out.
TAKE YOUR VITAMINS.
Increase your electrolytes. I use ELECTROMIX in a bottle of water and it does wonders for me.

PS .. I am a distance runner and log between 30-40 miles every week without ever hitting the dreaded "wall" (running out of gas). I follow the above guidelines exactly and they've never failed me yet!

Happy exercise!

Betty

[demons19]

Re: Exercise & Energy

Thanks for the advice.....I thought I was doing pretty much all of that up till now but obviously something is wrong.

How about the timing? when do you eat prior to exercise to make sure you have some fuel to burn during workouts/running?
Because the way its been working is, I wake up, drink a protein shake, take my daughter to school and go right to the gym. So, my time has been limited in the morning to eat very much and I'm wondering if this is the problem.....what is annoying is, I remember reading something from an experienced runner who said the best way to burn fat is to run early on an empty stomach. This approach has me tired 20min into lifting though.

[boonie stomper]

Re: Exercise & Energy

The protein shake may simply be insufficient breakfast to carry you through. Try eating an actual breakfast - food takes longer to digest, so you will have more time to reap the energy from it.

[ttdriver]

Re: Exercise & Energy

Thanks for the advice.....I thought I was doing pretty much all of that up till now but obviously something is wrong.

How about the timing? when do you eat prior to exercise to make sure you have some fuel to burn during workouts/running?
Because the way its been working is, I wake up, drink a protein shake, take my daughter to school and go right to the gym. So, my time has been limited in the morning to eat very much and I'm wondering if this is the problem.....what is annoying is, I remember reading something from an experienced runner who said the best way to burn fat is to run early on an empty stomach. This approach has me tired 20min into lifting though.

Yes, I agree with Boonie .. a shake would NOT be enough for me either ... I know some folk swear by the idea of exercising on an empty stomach to burn more fat, etc., but with Atkins, we are burning fat all the time, full tummy or not, so its whatever works best for you !! If you need more fuel in your tank, then by all means, ya gotta eat! I would, however, wait at least an hour after eating a meal before engaging in vigorous exercise.

HOPE THAT HELPS!

Betty