F.H.
I am not an expert with the energy drinks. But from what you wrote, you are not eatting enough protein or high fiber foods in the morning. Try it, you will feel the difference.
Hi,
I need a energy boost for my afternoon workout and I am looking for options. Coffee helps me go longer on the treadmill but I want to avoid it as I take my coffee with extra cream and lots of sugar and that will sabotage my weight loss efforts. I eat a cup of cereal for breakfast and a small snack before my workout but that isn't enough for me........I end up eating a big meal(a whole pineaple or 3-4 slices of pizza)after my workout and as a result I haven't lost any pounds.
Will the 5 hour energy drink prevent an after workout crash? Will it keep me going for 5 hours? Is it safe? Does it make you jittery?
Thanks!!!
Lisa.C
I am not an expert with the energy drinks. But from what you wrote, you are not eatting enough protein or high fiber foods in the morning. Try it, you will feel the difference.
You should try Verve, which is an energy drink with vitamins. My husband and I love it! We get it through the site www.vervebuff.com. It has a nice energy boost with no crash. Give it a try.
Why not just switch your after workout meal choices??? A large salad with all kinds of veggies in it...chopped bell pepper, tomato, cucumber, sliced zuccinin, a tiny bit of shredded cheese, some lean ham, on boiled egg....Then just dip your fork in the dressing before you stab a bite.
What about some zuccini slices sauted in a pan with a tiny bit of olive oil and minced garlic. Sprinkle with basil and parsely and top off with a tiny bit of shredded Parmesan.
A piece of fish seasoned with lemon pepper and then seared in a hot pan with a tiny bit of olive oil.
If you must have pizza...buy a whole wheat pizza crust and then drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle on cheese, basil leaves, tomatoe slices.
What about a light chicken salad made of canned chicken chunks (or tuna) a bit of olive oil or light mayo...some fresh herbs, chopped green onion, finely chopped celery, some pepper to taste. Eat with pita slices, whole wheat crackers, lettuce leaves
Go to foodnetwork.com and look for the healthy recipe section....find alternatives to your whole pineapple or pizza.
Hi Lisa,
I believe you'd benefit from working with a nutrition expert. Diane Bubeck has changed the eating patterns for three people in my household - her web site is http://www.bubeckandassociates.com/
We are more savvy about having protein three times a day along with whole grain carbs and fruits and vegetables and healthy snacks.
I personally turned to yoga to become more aware of my body and energy levels...how to relax and how to become energized. I don't need caffeine or energy drinks but this is my personal choice while my spouse still does drink coffee every morning.
My suggestion is have a journal on what and when you're eating and how you feel...include notes on your workouts...If you live near Naperville, you and your son would be welcome at a shared yoga class for parent/child described at www.universalspirityoga.com and have the opportunity to network with more moms and kids.
I had the same problem. I started eating a spoonful of peanut butter to get me through my workout and be able to make a heathly full of veggies lunch. Yes protein will help keep your stamina. I also lighten up my work out and didn't feel that immediate urge to eat everything right after I was done. I know it sounds weird to work out less but if you are watching what you eat you will continue to lose weight.
I think you need to eat more for breakfast. Maybe some eggs,wheat toast/muffin,and fruit. It seems like alot, but it will fuel you longer.
I don't think an energy drink is the best way to go. I also think you should incorporate more healthy foods into your diet as your fuel. A great book is the G.I. Diet. It tells you the different kinds of food that have a low glycemic index-that will keep you fuller longer as well. It breaks it down very simply like a stoplight red-don't eat; yellow-moderation; green-go ahead! Protein is also one of the best ways to go. My husband and I buy pheasant jerky sticks as a special "after workout" treat. Plus, protein helps you maintain muscle. I know that if I eat a junky/sugary cereal for breakfast I feel hungry again a lot sooner than if I had a more balanced, less sugary breakfast. Plus I worry about putting any unnecessary strain on your heart with the added caffeine. Good Luck with your weight loss! It takes time but will be well worth the added effort.
I am a triathlete and I believe you are not eating enough prior to your workout. You should eat (optimally) 2 hours before you workout. If this is not possible you should still eat a little and find a drink mix or smoothie that will get digested quicker so you have the energy for your workout. You also need to replenish within 45 minutes after your workout. If you don't, you may overeat later. After your workout you should eat about 200 calories with a 4 to 1 ratio of carbs to protein. You will also need to eat in another hour or two. this may help you so you do not binge.
As an aerobics instructor, my advice to you would be to add protein to your breakfast. It will fill you up and help prevent the crashes that come from sugar/carbs. Many years ago when I started getting into working out, I would have a glass of milk after my workout and that seemed to help a lot.
I don't know if the "5 hour energy drink" is a specific brand you're looking for (I've never heard of it), but I'll share with you what my husband does. He uses an energy drink called Verve. It's all natural so it doesn't make you jittery and it has your daily dose of vitamins in it to give you nutrition and energy. (Dr. Oz recommends your daily vitamins in liquid form as well, so he's a fan of this too. I use just the vitamins -- called Vemma instead of the energy drink.) It comes in a sugar-free form or regular as well. It's available at www.myvemma.com/robwarford. Just an idea for you in case you want to give it a try, and it comes with a 30 day moneyback guarantee. So it really doesn't cost to give it a try if you end up not liking it. But my husband really does seem to like it and feels it's not as "dangerous" as some of the other energy drinks out there. If you have any questions, just let me know.
Hi there! I too am a strong believer in eating a breakfast filled with proteins (eggs, yogurt...)as healthy start to your day.
I can also give you some information on some protein shakes (meal replacements) and on an energy drink called Rev3.
Rev3 does not have any artificial flavors, sweeteners, artificial preservatives, or artificial colors. It contains natural caffeine from a blend of teas. Rev3 uses low-glycemic sugars for sustained energy. It also provides vitamins, minerals & antioxidants to support energy metabolism at the cellular level.
I'd be more than happy to email you information (so that you can educate yourself on what's out there...if you're interested. You can simply respond to this message and I'll get right back to you.
Good luck and take care.
Ev
You need protein in the AM with a balance. I worked out for 5 months with a personal trainer, with his diet and in that time lost a whopping 2 lbs and 1.5% body fat.
That was about $1600 a lb. I was not happy.
I tried a system that gave me incredible energy, lost 14 lbs, 17 inches and 4.5% body fat in a little over 4 months. I have now kept it off for 2.5 years. The best part about it was that it was abailable, ready to use, easy and after the month was over I realized it saved me money as well.
It's eating the right foods at the right time and proportion with exercise. It was the easiest diet I ever did and I was Never hungry. I won't use anything else now. I finally found something that worked.
If you're working out in the afternoon, you need to have LUNCH too, not just a tiny breakfast and a snack. Ideally you should be eating every 2-3 hours throughout the day, incorporating protein and good carbs each time. I worked for several years as a personal trainer, and I can tell you that you have to eat (in a healthy way) in order to have the stamina to work out. Energy drinks are not the solution. In fact, consumed right before a workout, they are likely to elevate your heart rate and make you think you're working a lot harder than you actually are.
I treid a half a bottle & it made my heart race, so I didn't like it. But, my husband tried it on our drive to Florida & did well. It lasted more then the 5 hours & no sudden crash. I suggest to try a half of a bottle & see how you feel in a few minutes. If you feel ok, then go for the rest. Good Luck!
i drink a sugar free red bull before a work out, and it gives me lots of energy for only 5 or 10 calories.
My friend does the 5 hour energy drink. He says it's fine and gives him a boost throughout the day, but if you even have a hint of caffeine for the rest of the day, you will be up all night long, unable to sleep. My personal opinion is that these energy drinks are not very good for you, and that food should be everyone's source of energy. I assume you are taking your workout in the afternoon during naptime? It's best for weight loss to work out in the morning, right after you wake up. That way it boosts your metabolism for the entire rest of the day, and gives you more energy to accomplish other things. If you workout in the morning, you won't need to drink the energy drink or eat any food for that matter. I always felt great when I worked out in the morning before I went to work. I know it's a pain to get up earlier than your child in the morning to work out, but if you can, then that would be the best for losing weight. Otherwise, I would suggest eating a little bit more before working out, and then having a small snack afterward too. At the minimum you should be having 1200 calories a day, otherwise your body goes into starvation mode and you actually retain weight. I know it sounds weird. I read a really good book about exercise and weight loss written a few years ago by Oprah's personal trainer in conjunction with Oprah herself (when she was skinny). I'm not a big Oprah fan, but the book made a lot of sense. I'm sorry I don't remember the name of the book. I know this probably wasn't what you were looking for, but I hope this helps!