Energy food

[WhichJob]

My diet is crap and I rely on convenience food too much.

I had a day off without the DC yesterday and I had so many jobs to do but all I did was loaf around because I have no energy.

What food is best to give me energy? I had porridge this morning with banana on but was at a loss for what to choose for lunch.

Posted too soon, but energy food suggestions please. I love fruit but I am less keen on veg!

Try and base each meal around getting some carbohydrate (preferably a slow releasing one like wholegrain bread, oats, quinoa) some protein ( lean meats like chicken or turkey, fish, eggs, beans/pulses, tofu, cheese, yoghurt, and a little bit of fat (avocado, nuts/seeds, olive oil - cheese and oily fish would also count here) and then 2 servings of fruit or veg

Based on that, your breakfast was pretty good - especially if you made it with milk

In terms of lunches - scrambled eggs on wholegrain toast with some cherry tomatoes on the side, a wrap with houmous and grated carrot, a salad with chicken and avocado and some rye crackers, a vegetable and bean based soup....

When you say you aren't keen on veg, which do you like and which don't you like?

Thanks blondie.

I like most salady veg and roasted veg, I don't like steamed veg like brocolli, carrots etc. I am happy to eat veg if it is masked a bit, chucking it all in a pasta sauce for example.

I would like most of your suggestions apart from tofu/beans! What kind of yoghurt? Greek, natural full fat/low fat etc?

Having more energy is the key at the moment, I waste entire days due to exhaustion.

Have you tried roasting carrots, cauliflower etc? It's really nice - especially with herbs and spices - carrots with thyme or cauliflower with cumin for example

In terms of yoghurt, if you can then try and go for natural rather than the flavored sorts. Greek yoghurt is great (make sure it's Greek though rather than Greek Style) as it's much higher in protein than normal yoghurt - as is Skyr (this tends to be a bit cheaper than Greek yoghurt) - when it comes to fat content though, that's up to you - it depends what you prefer the taste of and what your health goals are

Have you considered seeing your Dr - might be worth getting a blood test to make sure your iron levels etc are ok

I saw my doctor a couple of years ago as I suspected my thryoid might not be right as my tiredness just does not feel normal. However I had blood tests and apparently all was fine, although I didn't see the levels. I may ask to be retested to see as it is a vicious cycle; I can't exercise and eat healthily when I'm exhausted as I crave high sugar food which leads to more cravings. Thank you for the suggestions, I could try roasting different kinds of veg.

I think getting another test would be a safe bet - a lot can change in a few years!! And if you genuinely have so little energy that it's having such an impact on your life then it really needs looking at.

When it comes to exercise, sometimes it's a case of it actually helping to give you energy - although I know when you feel tired it's the last thing you want to do....And don't think that it has to be something as formal as going to the gym or to a class - a brisk walk can be just as good

In terms of sleep, how much are you getting per night? And how are your stress levels?

I've never been a good sleeper, I think I sleep very lightly and don't get enough deep sleep. Years of DC related sleep deprivation made it worse but I can't blame them now as they are generally good. I don't practice good sleep hygiene though which I believe means things like no screens close to bedtime like now! I always struggle to get up and get going in the morning though. My stress levels are quite constant; job is boring and easy but lonely and yes, I know that starting to exercise will help.

I have started asking myself 'will this food/drink give me energy' over the last couple of days to help me make better choices. Thank you for your support btw!

I can by no means claim to have the sleep thing nailed and so also really struggle in the mornings - I'm working on it though

When you say you feel lonely, do you mean just at work or in general?

And that's great that you've been making more conscious food choices over the past few days! What sorts of things have you been enjoying? Another thing I forget to mention is to make sure you are drinking plenty of water -and keep an eye on your caffeine intake - dehydration can make us really sleepy and whilst caffeine makes us feel great for a while, the crash isn't much fun!

Lonely job - lots of lone working which can't be avoided which is a shame as I'm better suited to a team! Needs must for now but I might change my job soon hence my user name!

I've had avocado and poached egg, yoghurt with fresh fruit for breakfast that kind of thing. It involves an extra layer of planning that I need to prepare for.

I've got plenty of water on my desk now though?

Ignore the question mark!

Well at least you know that one of the things that's important to you in your next job is that you work as part of a team

Wow it sounds like you've been having some lovely things! I love avocados! And yes, whilst it does take a bit of planning, I think it's worth it - that said though, I always try to have some bits to hand that I can grab when I really don't have the time/inclination - things like veg/bean based soup, Babybel, some of those individual tubs of Greek yoghurt...