Feeling tired or exhausted? You might think the only options for ramping up your energy levels include drinking coffee, energy drinks or taking some sort of stimulant. Well, as it turns out, you do have some natural options, too. There are a lot of simple easy ways to boost your energy levels that you may not have thought of!
According to an article in Prevention Magazine, Stacey Whittle, RD, a registered dietician who works with the University of Southern California, states that, "Certain eating strategies will definitely help you ward off fatigue."
1. Fueling your body with the right nutrients will play a role in how energetic you feel. Obviously, carbohydrates are a great source of energy and will power you through your day and your tough workouts. But, not all carbs are created equally. If you eat processed foods and sugars, you won't feel the same surge of energy the natural whole food carbohydrate sources will provide. The Livestrong Foundation suggests that in order to avoid sugar crashes, it's better to replenish your energy with slow-burning carbohydrates like oatmeal, yams and brown rice which will give you sustained drive for hours. You can take a look at a list of suggested carbohydrates here.
2. Another great way to up your energy is by getting plenty of water. Don't allow yourself to get to the point where you're feeling thirsty. The website WebMD lists several ways to boost your energy levels and one of those ways is to make sure you are getting plenty of water. Don't let yourself get dehydrated. If you do, your energy levels will tank, you'll probably feel sleepy and hunger pangs might rule your day. Staying hydrated is a key factor in keeping up your strength and helping you feel full and alert. However, don't try to get your daily water quota all at once. It's best to sip water often throughout the day rather than chugging it all in one sitting.
Now you know which carbohydrates will help you get through the day, and you're drinking a lot of water, what else can you do to ensure lasting energy?
3. Eat breakfast! According to Debra Wein, RD, the president and co-founder of Sensible Nutrition Connection, in an article in Prevention magazine, says that what you eat and drink has a huge impact on your feeling of well-being. She states that if you repeatedly don't eat breakfast, you'll start to feel tired. "Many women skip breakfast," states Wein. She goes on to say, "And if you keep skipping meals, the result over time is a general malaise." Breakfast, or "breaking the fast," will help stop the state of starvation your body enters into during the night. Enjoy a breakfast of carbohydrates which will provide you lasting energy all day long, and stay away from sugary processed breakfast foods.
Now you have a few things you can do to renew your energy. Adding these three easy items to your lifestyle can make a difference in the way you feel. Getting the right carbohydrates, drinking enough water and eating breakfast will all help you power through your day. Next time you're in line for that double espresso pick-me-up, remember some of your natural energy boosting strategies, and maybe you'll be opting for the decaf coffee drink instead!