we need more energy, what to do that will work right away...

[controlfreek]

hi there, dh and i have 2 children under 3 and we are shattered, feel bloated and have little energy. obviously much of this is to do with parenting...

i'm going to cut out our junk food, reduce carbs, sugar, salt, increase superfoods, start exercising but what else can we do? anyone recommend supplements?

we need that booooossstttt iykwim!

TIA

[AboardtheAxiom]

Whenever I feel run down and tired I buy Seven Seas Tonic (It comes in a glass bottle, in a box, with pictures of oranges on it). It is very effective well worth trying.

Also buy lots of nice fresh fruit and veg and make a real push to use / eat them! I put them in every meal if I have fallen into bad junky habits, you will soon perk up again hope you all feel a but better soon.

[PavlovtheWitchesCat]

drink a lot of water. will give you bags of energy.

eat porridge for breakfast. with fruit. and other slow release energy snacks - nuts/seeds.

ensure you all have good iron absorption - iron rich food with vit c rich food (vit c increases iron absorption). Avoid dairy with these meals/snack combinations as dairy slows the absorption of iron.

excercise every day, sweat inducing, heart thumping exercise, for example, if you walk to the shops, walk fast. If you can find the time to do other exercise do it.

[FluffysBeenBittenByAVampire]

Have you been to see the GP to find out why you are all exhausted all the time? When was the last time you had a gas safety check on your boiler??

Exercise and diet are the key, you are what you eat after all.

[PavlovtheWitchesCat]

if it is possible you are low on iron, take spatone supplements, suitable I think for over 2, great for adults at least, do not make you constipated like tablets can, you pour them in to orange juice/grapefruit juice and it does not taste of anything.

Vit B6 is also good for energy so I have been told.

[controlfreek]

thanks everyone for your suggestions, very useful...

i'm pretty sure we're exhausted because 11 month old hasn't been sleeping and is super clingy towards me!

makes me wonder how other parents of 2 under 3 manage to look so perky!!

boiler is fine, but thanks for that fluffyb

i took spatone when preggers both times so will try it again

thanks again

[hatwoman]

fresh air. brisk autumn walks shussling* in the leaves.

also routine - I have read that having the same bed-time and getting up time (for adults I mean) is good for you - let's your body clock know what it's meant to be doing. hard sometimes I know, and I'm not saying never have a lie-in (if you get chance) but possibly worth bearing in mind

*my mum's rather lovely word for kicking leaves about.

[PavlovtheForgetfulCat]

controlfreak Very Expensive Make-up is how they do it!