Vegetarian energy nutrition?

[teddybayo]

I have been a vegetarian for 17 years and am happy with that.  However, sometimes I feel low in energy, especially as I often stand/am constantly on my feet for long hours at work.  What's the best way to give myself the energy I need for those 10-14 hour work days?  I find it hard to get motivated in the morning so need something to energize me for breakfast and then continually throughout the day.  I love cooking and smoothies and would rather eat real food over taking supplements.  I do eat eggs and dairy, just not meat and fish.  I'd like to start doing more work outs to make me fitter but never find the energy for them.  Can anyone help with how to balance my nutrition?  I have looked online but everything is about supplements or suggests I eat all the things I already eat.

Thanks for any help you can give! :)

[Paxiled]

One possibility is that you have a problem with dairy -- most people do but don't notice that's the problem.  Wheat is another common problem food.  Soy is a problem for many people.  Some people just aren't suited to being vegetarian, as well, another possible problem.  But it could be other things -- for example, do you like your job?  Do you have plenty of energy for other things but just not for work?  And not exercising isn't great for energy -- humans need to move, expending energy gives us more energy.  As for supplements, some are just food, for example, spirulina, bee pollen, royal jelly, barley and wheat grass, that are just do high in nutrients or chlorophyll that they can give us more energy.  Because lack of energy can come from so many things, have you given thought to seeing a holistic nutritionist, and have you gotten a good work-up from your doctor?  Could be thyroid, could be emotional, could be nutrient deficiency, could be food intolerances, could be a whole lot of things.  Good luck.

[teddybayo]

After reading your smoothie thread I noticed someone mention that they had a protein absorption problem.  This may in fact be the issue with me as I know that I do have a very good daily protein intake.  Thank you for bringing this possibility to light!  I will look into ways to improve my protein absorption and see if that makes a difference.

[teddybayo]

Thanks for your reply. This is what baffles me you see - I eat tons of protein - loads of lentils and beans in particular.  I already eat upwards of 2000 cals per day and am putting on weight because of it.  I am female so that's already over my RDA.  Aside from work I spend a bit of time in the garden but otherwise don't find much time for exercise.  I am eating all the things I can see suggested all over the Internet already and yet still find I am never energised.  I also eat a range of healthy nuts and seeds that don't have any added things like salt - they are all natural.  I don't eat processed foods and grow a lot of my own organic produce myself.  I feel like I'm missing something? I looked up things like vitamin B12 intake but between the dairy products I consume daily I have that covered no problem (yoghurt in my smoothies and milk)

I will check out your recipes though, I love a smoothie!!! :)

[teddybayo]

Thanks for your reply. This is what baffles me you see - I eat tons of protein - loads of lentils and beans in particular.  I already eat upwards of 2000 cals per day and am putting on weight because of it.  I am female so that's already over my RDA.  Aside from work I spend a bit of time in the garden but otherwise don't find much time for exercise.  I am eating all the things I can see suggested all over the Internet already and yet still find I am never energised.  I also eat a range of healthy nuts and seeds that don't have any added things like salt - they are all natural.  I don't eat processed foods and grow a lot of my own organic produce myself.  I feel like I'm missing something? I looked up things like vitamin B12 intake but between the dairy products I consume daily I have that covered no problem (yoghurt in my smoothies and milk)

I will check out your recipes though, I love a smoothie!!! :)

[gymdandee]

My list of smoothies in my journal the address is below.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Healthy-Cooking/Smoothies/show/2152584

One cup of cooked soybeans has 29 grams of protein, according to The Vegetarian Resource Group. Soy products, such as tofu and tempeh, are derived from the soybean, and can replace meat in some recipes. An expanding market for soy products means you can find soy hot dogs, burgers, bacon and sausage at your super market.
Beans, like black, kidney, lima and baked beans all have more than 10 grams of protein per cup. Include chickpeas, split peas, haricots and lentils.
Eggs are a complete protein source and a good source of energy. They contain vitamin D.
If you eat enough protein, and still feel tired, think about increasing your calorie intake. In addition to the energy your body derives from protein sources, your body also requires calories from foods that contain carbohydrates, particularly if you are an athlete or very active. Some foods have both carbohydrates and protein! examples are whole grain products, like whole wheat bread, bagels and cereals. Vegetables, nuts and seeds also have proteins.