How do I find the Energy?

Hey OH Family,

I really want to get back on the "wagon" and start exercising again. I really don't want this whole RNY process to be a waste. I am being more careful about what I eat now. But I know I need to increase my physical activity. The problem is I am just so drained after work! My job isn't really physically strenuous, but it's mentally stressful.  Then I have to tend to my 11 and 3 year old. Sometimes, I just really want to get up and move, but can't find the energy to do it. I take the stairs instead of the elevator all the time and I park far from the entrance where ever I go.  I know I need to just set my mind to just DO IT, but I want to know if anyone out there can recommend some vitamins or energy drinks that would help? Thanks!

Lack of energy may be due to some nutrition deficiencies: iron, B12, D, thyroids problem.
When did you have your last blood work? may be that time to have it check again.

BTW: make sure you get the date - the results. And do not trust the doc to tell you that "all is OK".
Just because the blood work re****s are within normal - it doe snot mean that they are good.
There is a lot of great people here that can review your results and help you decide if you are lacking some minearls - vitamins.

If you can find the time.....the energy comes with the exercise. Since you mentioned mental stress with your job........there isn't anything more effective for dealing with that than taking it out at the gym. I do a couple of things....I always have my gym bag ready and in the car.....I have protein bars etc. to cover me........I tell myself on the days I'm wiped out that I only have to change my clothes and do 10 minutes....if I want to quit after that I can (I never do!). I find it a great way to let go of the day and shift myself for home. If it works better on the other end....work out before work........and let it charge you throughout the day.

You mention vitamins......what do you take now? I have used the 5 hour energy drink...it's a hit of caffeine and b vitamins.......used to use it for cycling as I wanted the caffeine to kick me up a bit without having to drink coffee which always makes me need to pee.......not good on the bike. I also have something more carby than normal before a workout....1/2 banana and peanut butter on whole wheat crackers......something like that.....gives me a boost to get going. Susan

As Susan mentioned the exercise comes first then the energy...I know it's not fair.

I also do the same thing as Susan and when I'm really tired after work I go to the gym no matter what and say to myself just make it a short workout.  So I get to 15 minutes and I tell myself ok get to 25 and you can leave...then I go to 30 minutes and so on...and before you know it I'm done.  I'm feeling energized and I feel good about myself too for exercising. 

I always start drinking water 30 minutes before a workout and keep on drinking during and after a workout.  You don't want to get fatigued from dehydration.  I also eat a few apple slices and peanut butter.  Great boost for your workout. 

Good luck and like Nike always says JUST DO IT!!!!

Thank you for the great advice ladies! I will definitely use it!