Recovery fuel for workouts

[simplyputsi 0]

Help me help me help me.
I am not really into taking supplements for working out but I was wondering if anyone can give me what they use to keep their energy up after working out and actually during as well. Is there any special foods you eat? Vitamins??
Must have energy!!!!

Skymama's #2 stalker -

[Scoop 0]

Egg whites! lots of em! Oh and potassium in Bananananans helps prevent muscle ache in recovery apparantly

[Ashtanga 0]

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anyone can give me what they use to keep their energy up after working out and actually during as well

Cocaine will give you lots of energy.

[waltappel 1]

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Help me help me help me.
I am not really into taking supplements for working out but I was wondering if anyone can give me what they use to keep their energy up after working out and actually during as well. Is there any special foods you eat? Vitamins??
Must have energy!!!!

I think it really depends on the kind of workout.

For weightlifting, some carbs immediately after the workout and a high protein meal soon thereafter seems to be a good thing.

For anything involving continuous exersion over a period of time Creatine really does work to increase endurance and energy levels during a workout. I used to use it all the time.

I really don't like taking energy supplements but if I feel the need, a can of Full Throttle energy drink is good. Red Line energy supplement is ridiculously effective if it's energy you want.

Walt

[simplyputsi 0]

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I think it really depends on the kind of workout.

For weightlifting, some carbs immediately after the workout and a high protein meal soon thereafter seems to be a good thing.

For anything involving continuous exersion over a period of time Creatine really does work to increase endurance and energy levels during a workout. I used to use it all the time.

I really don't like taking energy supplements but if I feel the need, a can of Full Throttle energy drink is good. Red Line energy supplement is ridiculously effective if it's energy you want.

Walt

I should probably clarify. I need advice on both, I mean for weights and cardio stuff like running. It seems the running is wearing me out more than anything though. I also should say that I'm not looking to gain weight and would like to stay away from caffeine.
Did you have any side effects from the creatine? I thought I heard something about water problems with that one but I really can't remember.

Skymama's #2 stalker -

[Jumpah 0]

I have found Cliff Bars work well for me. I eat half before I start and the rest after. Generally I do 20 mins of cardio and 3-4 weight exercises, total time about 40 minutes. They've got a many different flavors, too.

Creatine doesn't sit well with me personally, tho my trainer loves it and other folks at my gym use it.

[waltappel 1]

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I should probably clarify. I need advice on both, I mean for weights and cardio stuff like running. It seems the running is wearing me out more than anything though. I also should say that I'm not looking to gain weight and would like to stay away from caffeine.
Did you have any side effects from the creatine? I thought I heard something about water problems with that one but I really can't remember.

A couple of years ago I searched for medical data on Creatine and couldn't find any, so I can't tell you how safe it is. I don't think anyone else can either.

I can tell you that many say that it results in water being pulled from elsewhere in the body into the muscles and that can result in the rest of the body becoming dehydrated. I believe that to be true, so obviously drinking even more water than usual during a workout is a good thing if you are using Creatine.

That being said, Creatine rocks! It *definitely* increases your ability to sustain a higher-than-normal intensity level for a longer period of time. Anything from crunches to stairclimbing--anything that involves continuous exertion over a period of time.

A couple of other things. They say that doing cardio shortly after you wake up and *before* you eat breakfast is best and then do your weight workout in the evenings.

If you combine the two, I think doing the weights *first* is best because doing cardio first will prevent you from putting maximum intensity into your weight workout.

I hope this helps.

Walt

[simplyputsi 0]

It does help. I might give the creatine a try. Worst that could happen is I don't really like it or something. If I notice results I don't like I can just stop.
I don't do weights and cardio on the same day. Right now I'm doing cardio 3 times a week and weights twice. I know I should do the cardio in the morning but it just doesn't work for me. I think that is some of my problem as well. For instance last night I ran for 45-50 minutes after work. I went home and had some pasta for dinner. This morning I just felt like I had nothing left in me. I ran that long last week and didn't seem to have the same drain I felt. Also since I'm steadily increasing my workouts I felt it time to start looking for help.

The cliff bars are a good idea. I used to use them and just forgot about them I guess lately.

Skymama's #2 stalker -

[waltappel 1]

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It does help. I might give the creatine a try. Worst that could happen is I don't really like it or something. If I notice results I don't like I can just stop.
I don't do weights and cardio on the same day. Right now I'm doing cardio 3 times a week and weights twice. I know I should do the cardio in the morning but it just doesn't work for me. I think that is some of my problem as well. For instance last night I ran for 45-50 minutes after work. I went home and had some pasta for dinner. This morning I just felt like I had nothing left in me. I ran that long last week and didn't seem to have the same drain I felt. Also since I'm steadily increasing my workouts I felt it time to start looking for help.

The cliff bars are a good idea. I used to use them and just forgot about them I guess lately.

Pasta can be a real bitch if you eat it in the evenings. It dehydrates the living hell out of me and I find myself waking up thirsty as hell in the middle of the night. Unless you pack a lot of meat on it, there's no real protein in it either, which is bad.

I'm concerned about what your saying about recovery time. If you haven't had a complete physical (except for that stupid-assed prostate check of course--screw that!) recently, then you should seriously consider it.

Walt

[simplyputsi 0]

I don't have to get that one check up you speak of until next year. I guess a physical is in order though since it has been awhile. Why do you think I should have one though?

Skymama's #2 stalker -

[ryno1972 0]

Hey, I am not really into supplements myself. Any food that is high in carbs after a work out is good.
Make sure to steer clear of eating during or immediately after your workout. When you lift, a large amount of growth hormone is released throughout your body. Take advantage of this release!! The moment you eat, your body produces insulin and it cancels the hormone production. Wait at about twenty minutes after your done lifting to eat. Just drink water if you have to...

Good Luck

glad to be here!!

[squirrel 0]

Cytomax. My wife took this while doing 5 hours of "Hatha" or Hot Yoga a day, studying to become a Bikram Yoga instructor. She did not take it her last week, and actually collapse in session. worked very well for her.

________________________________
Where is Darwin when you need him?

[waltappel 1]

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I don't have to get that one check up you speak of until next year. I guess a physical is in order though since it has been awhile. Why do you think I should have one though?

If you feel you are in otherwise good health but you are finding that your workout recovery times are getting ridiculously long and you are having lower energy levels, that may indicate a medical problem.

It doesn't necessarily mean that it's something really bad, it could be anemia from not eating well or something like that. If you have some sort of problem like that you really need to fix the source of the problem rather than compensate for it with supplements and stimulants.

And good for you for wanting to not use caffeine!

Walt

[jasonRose 0]

This is my daily schedule and I have tons of energy not sure if it will work for you though.

4:45 Whey Protien Shake

5:00 Work out at gym for 1.5 hr

6:30 Go to work another Protien shake (slow release)

9:30 light breakfast, no sugar

11:30 Lunch, no sugar

2:00 light snack, no sugar

3:30 get off work head to school

4:30 Light snack while in class, no sugar

8:30 get out off class, Protien type dinner i.e.steak no sugar...

9:30 Try to go to bed

Some day I will have the best staff in the world!!!

[simplyputsi 0]

I should probably get a physical anyway even though I am in pretty good health. I actually think I'm in the best health I've been in since Highschool. I wouldn't say I've been eating bad, but the last 5 days or so I had more food than usual. I wouldn't think that is a bad thing you never know though.
Oh and caffeine is bad!!!!! You might catch me at Dublin with a Sobe Energy drink but that is a rare occasion trust me. It actually doesn't list caffeine as an ingredient but the plant that caffeine comes from is an ingredient.

Skymama's #2 stalker -

[simplyputsi 0]

Cytomax, is this a pill or drink?

Skymama's #2 stalker -

[Jumpah 0]

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This is my daily schedule and I have tons of energy not sure if it will work for you though.
4:45 Whey Protien Shake
5:00 Work out at gym for 1.5 hr

Good for you...I have a hard time breaking the 6AM barrier for exercise, but if I could it would make my day a lot easier.

[jasonRose 0]

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This is my daily schedule and I have tons of energy not sure if it will work for you though.
4:45 Whey Protien Shake
5:00 Work out at gym for 1.5 hr

Good for you...I have a hard time breaking the 6AM barrier for exercise, but if I could it would make my day a lot easier.

Somedays I just want to stay in bed but once I get to the gym I wake up quick.

Some day I will have the best staff in the world!!!

[simplyputsi 0]

I'm curious as to what you are eating that has no sugar. I assume you mean added sugar. Like what are you eating for breakfast??

Skymama's #2 stalker -

[jasonRose 0]

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I'm curious as to what you are eating that has no sugar. I assume you mean added sugar. Like what are you eating for breakfast??

It's hard to cut all sugar thats for sure but I avoid pop, energy drinks, candy and I never add sugar to stuff. Natural sugar from fruit and stuff I think is ok

Breakfast I usually eat egg beaters and bacon or oatmeal and bannanas, all with a giant glass of water.

Some day I will have the best staff in the world!!!

[windcatcher 0]

Protein!!! Make sure you eat as quickly after a workout as possible; I believe if you workout at a higher intensity, the amount of calories you burn immediately after working out is more than any other time. ( best time for dessert!)
I am pretty sure I've read about that in several healthy articles
Also, if you are getting tired from running, make sure you are filling up with nutritious foods like fruits and veggies with a small amount of protein. I definitely notice when my body can't work out as hard---> running on the wrong kind of fuel will take more out of you and won't enable you to endure long workouts

Mother to the cutest little thing in the world...

[riddler 0]

Have a blender? The night before your workout, take a handful of organic, raw almonds and soak them overnight in distilled water. Immediately after your workout, stick 'em in the blender with a bunch of water, add a banana, some dates, a bit of honey (I use raw agave), some dates and blend until you have a fresh protein drink that you should drink straight away (within 15 minutes of your workout). You can add a bit of olive oil and dash of salt (I use sea salt) if you want.

Tastes much better than the powdered, processed chalk you buy at the store, and gives you all the protein you need. Plus, some carbohydrates from bananas and dates and agave help with protein absorption.

Don't listen to the advertisements for protein shakes - you really don't need that much protein, you just need a little more than you normally eat. It's marketed and hyped, but your body doesn't need as much as they tell you. Most americans get enough in their diet, even if they are doing moderate strength training. Read this. If you are endurance training, you need quite a bit more, but for strength training, not as much.

Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

[jumpchikk 0]

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Protein!!! Make sure you eat as quickly after a workout as possible; I believe if you workout at a higher intensity, the amount of calories you burn immediately after working out is more than any other time. ( best time for dessert!)
I am pretty sure I've read about that in several healthy articles

I agree with the protein and it may be a good idea to find out how much protein you need per day. Are you eating 5-6 small meals per day? Spacing out your meals throughout the day helps with keeping up your energy level. My personal trainer also wanted me to take Vitamin C right before I worked out... if I had not taken the Vitamin C, he would give me one himself... he kept a bottle with him at all times.

He also recommended creatine, I could never get myself to drink that stuff, but would eat peanut butter sandwiches and lots and lots of tuna and cottage cheese.

After I worked out, both on weight nights and cardio nights I would go home and make some grilled chicken.. Sam's also carries different types of Tyson chicken (barbeque and honey mustard) that you can just throw in the oven and bake that are nice to mix up the flavors a little bit.

Biggest thing is to make sure you mix things up with your workouts and your food, you don't want to burn yourself out on the same routine/eating habits.

[simplyputsi 0]

You know that sounds pretty tasty. I don't care much for almonds but I'm betting you can't taste them much after all that. And ummm no I don't have a blender. Someone took it from me at the Elephant xmas gift exchange!!!! Bastards!!!
I think my new roommate has one though. Ha ha.


Thanks everyone for the advice. I do eat smaller meals more a day but most times I don't get over the eating 5 times a day thing.

Skymama's #2 stalker -

[Ragnarok 0]

I have used Endurox XL (sp?) availabe at your local GNC. You take it 30 min BEFORE your workout. It really helps with recovery. Does not matter if you run or lift. It is not really a supplement, more vitamins that anything.

I find suppliments to be a waste of time and money. This product has really helped me and others I have recommended it to.

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