Hello! So I'm a fairly new mom and I'm breastfeeding now. I feel kind of weak and tired during workout - is there something that could help me feel more energetic? I want to ask first before I buy any supplements or pre-workouts as I'm breastfeeding, so I rather stay careful.
Hi! Most pre-workouts are based on caffeine and truth be told I'm not sure how safe is consuming excessive amounts of caffeine during breastfeeding.
You may just try drinking coffee an hour or two before your workout. Additionally, I could recommend consuming more carbs before workout, like for example eating a big dinner that is full of carbs before workout. I'm not sure what your goals are though - if you are trying to lose or gain weight for example.
Usually women want to lose weight after pregnancy, but setting your meals in a way that you have more carbs before workout can definitely make you feel more alive during workout.
You can try using creatine. I've used it when I was breastfeeding as well because after pregnancy my body wasn't as strong as before, so I was feeling a little fatigued during workout as well. Creatine will increase your amount of ATP in muscles, so it should also increase your stamina and you won't be feeling as tired during your workout. I can usually work out for a bit longer and more intensively when I'm taking creatine, so it should help you and will be definitely safer than drinking a lot of coffee as caffeine is an stimulant - it will make you feel more alive, but your body will be as tired as always.
Hey! You should just sort out your diet, buy some vitamins and maybe a creatine also will be a good option. Apart from that, as Katyaa already said - eating a lot of carbs before working out should give you more energy, but don't eat too much though - I usually feel sleepy after eating too much carbs and it actually gives you an opposite to effect to the one you desire. You should also remember to get enough sleep! It is very important.
Thank you for your suggestions. I don't know if caffeine is the best option either. I'm currently not overweight and not skinny - I think, that I'm fairly fit.
As for now I was working out in the evening and having my dinner 2 - 3 hours before. I will try to eat 1-2 hours before the workout and I will consume more carbs.
I just hope I won't gain weight this way. I have also ordered creatine already, thank you - it shouldn't be a problem during breastfeeding and I have also read some article about how it works
I have plenty of sleep - 7,8 hours. I'm waking up myself, so I think it's enough.