Thread: Help me, I have no energy to dance!

I'm so burnt out from work...I'm a line cook at a restaurant, it's the busy holiday season. Everyday I get my ass handed to me b/c it's so busy and I have to push the food out faster than fast! Bending, lifting, stooping, standing, sweating, and sometimes running! And as of late, no lunch breaks and barely time to throw some food in my system before the lunch rush...some days I go in early and stay late...

Please...can anyone kindly give me any suggestions as to keeping my energy up? I don't even have the energy or gumption to properly cook for myself when I get home most days.

And I'm supposed to be working on a restaurant set for my teacher to evaluate. ..c::

And I'm supposed to be working out too!!!..cr.:

I'm so tired....and I'm anemic.,f::

After work today, I decided to run errands, then I crashed on my couch...then I decided...hmmm, let me practice a little...I couldn't even make it a half hour. I always have all these great ideas while listening to the music in my car....but that doesn't count, b/c I just didn't have the energy to make it happen! This is depressing. So...

I just don't know what to do anymore...tips anyone?

wow, that's quite a schedule! i think the first thing is to get some rest & get your anemia under control. then you can push yourself. your body probably needs to catch up first, before you can ask it for more.

there are few things that I know might help you to bring your energy, if you take these regularly as supplement your nutritious diet;
wheat grass juice (has the highest chlropohyl amount provides), ginseng tea/pills, good sleep, dark green leaves, good protein, low cooked food rather than heavy stewed type of food, more fresh fruits and veggies, carb will give you quick energy but will disappear fast, so cut sugar/flour intake.
hope you feel better soon.

ohh also eating small amounts every 2 hours or so will help you to maintain your energy level....I think with your schedule it is very important to keep this balanced.

I ditto the above advice!

I hope you get to feeling better, now that the Holidays, are almost over!

(((Hugs!)))

Thanks for the tips everyone! I can't wait till January when things should slow down for me at work(unfortunatley this brings less hours and school work back), and I should at least be able to get a lunch break. If anyone ever tells you that chefs eat the best because they are around food all the time, bust them for lying! Lol. I know I need the protein and dark greens, but I find it diffficult to get them in while I'm running crazy like this....any crazy schedule food tips? Maybe some supplements, or meal replacement bars/drinks? I suppose I need to do some research...

Sounds like your job is killing you! My only advice is at breakfast make sure you have a full complete meal which includes a fist full complex carbs like wholemeal bread, a fist full of lean protein like eggs and chicken breast, some greens like baby spiniach or fruit, and add some Essential Fatty Acids like a couple of tablespoons of flaxseed oil or a whole avocado.

That should hopefully mean this will last you past the lunch time maddness.

Then at work you can take meal replacements like Myoplex if you really don't have time for a sitdown meal.

If you want to do some research, read a book called Body for Life by Bill Phillips. You can also get receipe ideas with Eating for Life.

Oy, I worked in restaurants half my life- I vividly remember the trials and tribulations (like getting yelled at for shoving a cucumber slice in my mouth while I was making a salad for guests, even though I had been on 10 hours with no break, no food). I know it can be difficult to even have time to mix up a smoothie or a meal replacement...you must have a refrigerater near your work area~ can you purchase cans of meal replacement beverages to keep there, even if you have to bring your supply daily? Larabars are really yummy, made with nuts and fruit; they are small enough and light enough they are easy to eat in a few bites (as opposed to a protein bar which takes me longer to chew). Do you have time on your day off to go to the grocery store? And then can you make time to prep your food for the week? You can do up salad mixes like kale, spinach, chard, etc. and have them in a bowl so when you get home at the end of the day all you have to do is dish up your portion and eat. Even the protein, tomatoes, cukes etc can be chopped ahead of time~ think your kitchen as your restaurant kitchen, but without the stress and the stinky coat. ..l;,

I agree with the Lara bars, all natural, super yummy, and easy and quick to eat.

Also, can you throw something in the slow cooker the night before? This may help you get the nutrition that you need with little time in the kitchen. Just let it cook all night, put it in the fridge in the morning, and heat it up after work.

I've got some great recipes like Curried Red Lentil Soup and Broad Beans, Sage, & Kale if you need some ideas.

Yep, former line cook here! Worked my way up to sous before I left to start my own biz....the hours are brutal on the line...so make sure you get sleep, take a multivitamin, drink lots of H2O, lay off the alcohol (if you drink), and definitely get your protein. Lots of good advice above. The Holiday season is almost over...so hang in there.

Originally Posted by Birdielee

Thanks for the tips everyone! I can't wait till January when things should slow down for me at work(unfortunatley this brings less hours and school work back), and I should at least be able to get a lunch break. If anyone ever tells you that chefs eat the best because they are around food all the time, bust them for lying! Lol. I know I need the protein and dark greens, but I find it diffficult to get them in while I'm running crazy like this....any crazy schedule food tips? Maybe some supplements, or meal replacement bars/drinks? I suppose I need to do some research...

there are some supplements made of natural products those would be your quick solutions like Immune Support is based on minerals, Super Food is a green mix has wheat grass in it, you should take iron (liquid) but dont exceed the level of max you can take a day, also instead of intaking protein from meat, take from beans family by fermenting them or sprouting them first.

Wow, you are working so hard! Get some rest and if you are still listening to music and thinking about your dance, hey, visualization is a powerful tool! You CAN progress more than you might think by visualizing yourself dancing. At this point, you need to really take care of yourself.

I like raw almonds for quick protein. Greek yogurt, even V8 juice in a pinch for a quick veggie fix. Rice cakes or corn thins and raw veggies with hummus. Good luck!

Thanks everyone, these are all great ideas!..l;,