Top 5 Energy Boosters To Add Into Your Life
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Day by Day in Our World is happy to welcome Lisa Consiglio Ryan, author of Renewal “Anytime”10 Day Detox, as a guest poster today. Don’t miss my short review of the book. But, for now, read on for her top 5 energy boosters to add into your life.
“I don’t have enough energy to get through my day.”
“I crash around 3:00 every afternoon.”
” By the time I get home from work, there is NO way I have energy left to exercise.”
“I wish I could keep up with the kids. I just don’t have the energy to play with them.”
It seems that lack of energy is an epidemic in North America. We have so much on our plates, and it is overwhelming even to think of getting it all done.
Overwhelm has taken over!
Most likely you know that your calendar is never going to be empty, and your to-do lists will never be short. You may want to make a few simple changes to boost your energy so you can everything done and more.
Think of your body as an automobile. You need to fuel up your car by using premium gas just like you need to fuel your body with whole foods. You can wait until the gas gauge is on empty before going to the gas station to refill… but your car won’t run as efficiently.
Your body is the same way. It is very resilient. It will work for you unconditionally. But after a certain point, the gas tank hits empty. Your body becomes exhausted.
Here are the top 5 ways to get more energy and keep your tank full:
1. Drink water throughout the day. The first sign of dehydration is fatigue. Try beginning your day with a glass of water and take sips throughout the day to stay hydrated. Anytime you crave sweets, try having a glass of water instead. If you’re thirsty, that means you’re already dehydrated.
2. Eat a healthy carbohydrate/protein based snack about half hour before you tend to start losing steam. This will help get rid of the 3pm slump. Try lentil soup with rice crackers, salsa, celery and hummus, apples and almond butter, or trail mix with lots of seeds and nuts. Build your snacks with a good fat (ex. avocado), good carb (ex. veggies and fruit), and good protein ( ex. nuts, quinoa).
3. Increase your iron intake. Iron is a trace element which gives you energy and helps your immune system function. You’ll get iron from nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, brown rice, millet, and those dark leafy greens like kale and spinach.
4. Eat foods that are ALIVE. Try replacing your crackers and chips with vegetables and fruits. Their energy levels will give YOU energy. Pick the foods that look most alive and fresh in the grocery store. Try carrots, snap peas, celery, juicy tomatoes, spinach salad, strawberries, broccoli, oranges, or squash. These veggies and fruits have all the vitamins and minerals your body needs for energy.
5. Get more rest and relax. Stress makes us tired. Very tired. So does lack of sleep. You have to make sure to get some downtime in order to give your body a chance to rejuvenate. Instead of pushing your body past its breaking point each day, why not listen to it and give in every once in a while? Try taking a nap (my favorite), taking a walk, reading a book, sleeping in late, getting a massage… these will all increase your energy. AND they are fun, too. J
All of these strategies can be practiced while doing a 10 day detox. As you clear toxins from your body, you will be able to energize as well as form new habits with your food and managing stress. Ready to try a detox and feel amazing?
Lisa Consiglio Ryan is the founder of Whole Health Designs, juicy clean living advocate and mama of two. She loves her yoga practice, running, and has a mission to spread the word, “Food is love.” She provides detox programs and private coaching for women who desire to embrace clean living.
Thank you Lisa for sharing this with us. I know that I can always use a reminder of ways to improve my nutrition which most definitely affects my overall health and well-being.
What are some things you are doing for improved health?
Have you tried any of these tips before in your life and how did it work out for you?
great tips.. I just told my husband earlier that I need to find some energy somewhere… This came in perfect timing…thanks for sharing
Thanks for the great tips! I am anemic, and I definitely notice a huge difference if I forget to take my iron supplement. I get very sluggish and tire easily.
I know I need to drink more water. I am always fatigued and it usually clears up after a glass or two of water.
I think that more water would be really helpful for me. I’ve been slacking and need to get it together better!
I love that these are natural! I hate when someone tells me to take caffeine to help!
Water makes a big difference for me, but sometimes it just never crosses my mind to stop and drink some! I need to keep a water bottle at my desk all day, maybe then I’d remember
These are great tips. Everyone is always reaching for some energy shot from one company or another, when all we have to do is change a few things in our diets to make ourselves feel so much better.
Those are great tips! Usually if I’m over tired it is because I’m not eating right, not getting enough sleep or not drinking enough water.
Same here, Amber!
I am trying hard to have a balanced life so I am less stressed. I definitely need to eat more foods that are “alive” and work out. I just opened a gym membership so I have no excuse now right?
Heather,
I like to find balance in all things. I used to LOVE my gym membership when we lived in Ohio and Maryland. But, between the cost of it here in Alaska and the time spent getting there, I started doing workouts at home with Beachbody products.
I used to do the same at home, then found the kids distracted me too much with their needs for me to stay disciplined and still do a work out, even if I included them in it. I’m hoping the free childcare at the gym, will be the motivator. But yest, cost and travel can definitely be a concern. The cost is why I’ve waited so long.
If the gyms here didn’t charge an additional fortune for child care, I’d be right there with you. The inexpensive gym ($40 a month) doesn’t have it. And, the ‘family friendly’ one can cost you close to $150 a month. That’s why I went with the home workouts through Beachbody. Plus, I have now enlisted the older boys and hubby for some of the programs which gives everyone extra motivation to get it done.
These are such great tips. The protein snack and drinking plenty of water are key for me.
It is amazing how much stress can make you tired and you don’t even realize it.
I’ve become WAY more aware of how stress wrecks havoc on my system. To think of all the ‘problems’ I had and worried about having a weird disorder when all the time it was stress induced.
Just what I needed to read, I’m always exhausted! I know that when I exercise I feel like I have more energy!
Oh I love #4! Real food makes a huge difference in your energy levels.
Going to grab a clementine and water right now. Why can’t I ever just learn this lesson and be done with it?
I struggle with it constantly, too, Shelley. I’ve improved a lot, but certain things (coffee and chocolate) just call to me.
I could use this – I’ve been feeling so sluggish lately!
I’m not sure I’ll ever sleep again… but I do love these tips! I always try to have a half gallon of water before I drink anything else. I think that’s what keeps me going!
Great tips and I need to try them!
Yes, I love foods that keep me feeling alive! I find fresh fruits and veggies really do the trick these days!
Those are all great tips. I think so many people underestimate the power of drinking a lot of water.
I’ll admit to having days that make it hard to get as much water as I need. I am for half of my weight in ounces…which is a lot!
I keep telling my wife i need to rest and relax, but she just thinks i am taking a nap.. btw, i eat as much fruit as i can when i can..