Hi everyone ... not sure if I should have posted this under nutrition or exercise, so trying both ....

I go the gym at 8 or 8.30 at night most nights of the week. Like most people these days, I start early, I work long hard days and some nights I have absolutely no energy.

Can anyone advise on what I should be eating when?

Am trying hard to maintain enthusiasm, but when mojo doesn't come to the gym with me, it can be v disheartening!!!!

In the past I found a veggie stir fry with brown rice was good to eat before going to the gym but I'd make sure I finished it 1-1.5 hours before going.

I'm in the same position as you at the moment. I have a longer communte with my new job which means that by the time I get home I'm not sure whether to eat before or after the gym - 9:30/10 seems too late for dinner but I don't like eating too close to going to the gym.

One thing I might try next week is having a banana or cereal before I go. I think bananas are supposed to be great for energy so perhaps one would give my work out a bit of added oomph.

Hi Ginny

You can go into a lot of science but basically you should
a) carb load your body before (but NOT immediately) exercise/sport
and
b) have a good quality high protein snack or meal (plus loits of fluid) soon afterwards.

So my suggestions would be to perhaps split your evening meal in two given the times you are at the gym. Try and have a some low GI carb based food at about 6 - 6:30. Things like rice and past with not too many sauces or protein Even a good sandwich. If you go straight from work, pack some pasta salad wiht the tuna/chicken separate and eat at different times.

Then when you get home, lean grilled meat, baked fish, eggs etc but keepping the fat and addeds low. Lots of water or if you like them energy drinks.

Try and resist alcohol or carbs AFTER exercise as they will make you feel more tired. If all else fails, a banana before and an avocado (or half) afterwards.

Is there any way you could go to the gym before work? sometimes its the only way i can fit a workout into to day, and i think it supposed to be the best time for fat burning exercise, also, its out of the way for the day and leaves you feeling good. I know its not always easy, especially in the cold dark mornings.
If this isnt going to work, keep with what your currently doing, the more exercise you do, the more energy you will have, and the longer you keep up the exercise you will get into a routine.
I would try eating a banana chopped into a yoghurt or a couple of mini babybels or even a light ham/tuna salad, all recommended with a strong tea or coffee. and plan a 'treat' for when you get home - even if its just a lovely hot bath or a new face cream/new clothes at the weekend if you manage to go so many times in the week. motivation for me is all about playing little games and dangling a 'carrot'!
any way, seem to have written an essay, sorry! just can really empathise with how you feel.
good luck. if you can motivate yourself in the bleak month of jan you can do anything!!!!

Is there any chance of changing jobs and getting a better work-life balance? I worked long, long hours and burned the candle at both ends. Long story short, I got ME, and have just got to the point where I can start with 'baby steps' at the gym.

Now I work for myself, and I've learned to work smart rather than hard ... and my work is generally so fun, it doesn't feel like 'work'. I fit work around exercise rather than the other way around.

Should have made the leap ages ago, but was scared to. Now I know it was nothing to be frightened of. It's easier said than done of course, and neither does it answer your immediate problem ... but it's worth considering.

Good luck

Jacqui