Energy Drinks: I wish I knew how to quit you!

Getting fit with Being Latino

I don’t know the exact moment I was introduced to Red Bull, but it was a few years ago, and it was love at first drink. Not only did I enjoy the pick-me-up, but I loved the taste. Oh sure, my stomach started to feel funny all of the time and yes, I was gaining weight, but working a job that required me to be on call almost 24 hours a day was like wearing blinders: I could only see the good things it did for me. But as with any dysfunctional relationship, a moment comes when you know you have to leave for your own good, but you don’t know how you’ll make it alone.

That’s where I was last week. Trying to quit, but lacking the needed energy to make it through the day, let alone get a work out in. So there’s my conundrum I have to stop drinking energy drinks because they’re bad for my health, but I need them for the energy that a workout requires.

What to do, what to do?

Quitting cold turkey was the answer, but what am I going to do for energy? I’ve been so tired.

I turned to the Fit Latina for answers.

Fit Latina Tips for the Week:

You’ve made the first – and hardest – step in deciding to get back to shape.  You are ready to start exercising more but with life, relationships and responsibilities, it can get difficult to find the energy and motivation to actually get moving. Here are five tips to get you going:

1. Eat the right foods…and drink plenty of water – When you are exhausted, it is especially important to find ways to fit fruit and fiber into your diet. Increase your produce intake. Grab some apples or celery with peanut butter or nosh on a handful of nuts and grapes to keep your energy levels consistent.  The same goes for water – as you become dehydrated, you become more and more sluggish.  If you don’t like drinking water, add lemons or mint to the Brita so it gives it some flavor.
2. Put your alarm clock on the opposite side of the room – Work out in the mornings to get your day moving in the right direction and get your blood pumping.  If you’re addicted to the snooze button, try an alarm clock with the most abrasive sound and put it where you’re forced to get out of bed to turn it off.
3. Start small – Force yourself, yes make yourself do SOMETHING.  No matter how exhausted you feel, exerting yourself in a small way is a great step into get started and back on track.  Furthermore, as you begin to get more exercise in, you will find that you actually have MORE energy and your next few workouts won’t be as much of a struggle.  When I’m wiped, I bargain with myself to complete the first 10 minutes. If I am legitimately too tired to go on after that, I stop and give myself a break but more often than not, I find that I can finish my workout.
4. Set up a reward system – Start a reward fund – it doesn’t have to be anything crazy, you can start with a dollar per workout or per cardio or weight session.  Use that money to treat yourself to some small (good for you) pleasure like a pedicure or updating your wardrobe, especially with fun new workout clothes.
5. Step out of your routine – I have workout shiny ball syndrome – boring cardio will NOT keep my attention.  It is really hard for me to find the energy and motivation if all I’m doing is running on a treadmill.  I get the most out of dancing or classes – especially when the instructor varies the routine.  Find a gym that offers interesting classes and try something that sounds exciting.  No matter how tired I am, I find that when I’m actually excited, the exercise becomes a treat as opposed to something I need to force myself into.  If you are on a budget and that fancy gym is out of the question, become a Groupon or Living Social fanatic – these sites are constantly offering classes and packages for steep discounts and you are sure to find something you enjoy.