Energy SOS

[hazelisours]

Hoping someone can help

Had my first baby 17 months ago and still haven't regained my energy back. Was diagnosed with pnd when DD was about 8.5 months but had some counselling and now feel much better. However, my feeling is that my stresses come mainly from low energy levels.

We eat well. I usually make from scratch. My DH needs hungry man food at the end of the day that consists of something meaty, though and it's pretty anti social for him eating alone! DD sleeps through and has done for a good while now. The doc tested my bloods during my pnd and I'm not lacking in anything, thyroid is ok etc. I'm just knackered. A lot. I never wake up energised.

I would really appreciate any tips on how to boost energy through diet on a day to day basis. Especially during these colder months with a huge bloke to feed!! Thank you

[hazelisours]

Bump

[SusannahD]

What's your diet currently like?

[Wheresthattomoibabber]

Do you have a lot of caffeine? I wake up much better now I don't have any.

[hazelisours]

I like tea. Have never liked coffee. Will have a few cups of tea a day. Like to replace some with hot water. Not a big drinker. Usually nothing, but sometimes one glass of red in the eve.

Diet consists of (for example)
Breakfast - porridge or toast or boiled eggs

Lunch - sandwich or soup or quiche and salad ... Not huge

Dinner - spaghetti bolognaise or chicken casserole or beef stew. Or something similar. Made to fill my man so there's usually lots of potatoes and veg etc.

Not a massive snacker but maybe yoghurts or fruit loaf or fruit etc

Am happy to get creative and more imaginative. Not so confident but willing to try!

[Wheresthattomoibabber]

Do you have nuts, seeds, pulses, masses of veg?

[SusannahD]

Seems a pretty good diet, maybe some more protein required, I take a multivitamin with iron when feeling drained for a few weeks.

[PitPatKitKat]

Try turning it upside down maybe- larger meal in the morning, medium lunch, small dinner? The old "breakfast like a king, lunch like a lord, dine like a pauper" routine.

[hazelisours]

Thanks so much for your suggestions I will up my nuts and seeds and get a good multivitamin.

Maybe having a 17 month old and working just equals 'tired'!! X

[Wheresthattomoibabber]

Yep! Just try to eat good wholesome food and drink.plenty of water. Try to make sure you're getting good quality sleep if possible.

[LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett]

How often do you get outside? It takes a long time to build the body back up after pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and sleep deprivation. And lack of vitamin D is pretty much endemic across the UK according to my GP pal (too much time spent inside, sunscreen on as soon as we step outside).

I'd go for a supplement, especially iron and vit D. Drink water. Do you have any time to yourself? Even an hour of yoga once a week can help you replenish.