Why do I lack energy in the morning?
Asked by homeagainquick on Apr 28, 2009
in Fitness
I wonder if I am dehydrated because I always lack energy when I have to exercise. I am in the service and my allotted exercise time is 7am to 8am. Before bed, I drink about a liter of water and probably another half liter through the night. In the morning, I finish off the other half liter on my way to workout. But no matter what, I always feel fairly dehydrated and lack the energy for a full workout. I do try to eat something light before my workout (cottage cheese or half a bagel with peanut butter). Any advice?
Answer
In a hot dry climate, if you exercise a lot, you (personally) could need up to five liters of fluid a day. Dark-colored, scant urine is a sign you need to drink more. You do lose fluid through the night via the breath and sweat. But you also burn energy all night long on basic bodily functions, and that taps into the carbohydrate stored in your muscles and liver. Perhaps you have run out of fuel by the morning and you need a quickly absorbed high carbohydrate snack, like 8 - 12 ounces of juice or a sports beverage. Eating protein before exercise does not increase energy. Calculate your fluid requirements at About.com.
Why do I have yellow hands and feet?
An excessive intake of carotenoids, found in carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, winter squash, spinach, kale, broccoli, and dark green and orange produce... Read more