Coffee has a new reputation of being healthy, as long as you don’t overdo it. Coffee is chock-full of antioxidants and ergogenic compounds shown to increase exercise performance and give you power and endurance. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee
Coffee has a new reputation of being healthy, as long as you don’t overdo it. Coffee is chock-full of antioxidants and ergogenic compounds shown to increase exercise performance and give you power and endurance.
The U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee in 2015 evaluated the latest scientific research and determined that moderate coffee consumption of three to five cups a day can easily be incorporated into a healthy nutritional program as long as the coffee is clean sourced and low heat processed. Coffee is also — contrary to popular belief — a hydrator and does not cause dehydration.
In 1960, Soviet scientists discovered adaptogens, which led Soviet professional and Olympic athletes to improve their training, optimize their mental and physical performance and recovery time. Adaptogens such as those found in a product which I endorse called Ionix Supreme (go to www.discoverthis.isagenix.com) greatly increases one’s energy, helps calm the nerves and optimizes mental clarity and physical performance.
This product and products like it that use natural adaptogens found in well-studied plants help energy levels throughout a workout as well as assisting in post workout recovery. Adaptogens also improve sleep quality so energy levels improve naturally because of better sleep cycles.
Another way of naturally increasing energy throughout the day is to drink Yerba Mate, a South American tea that contains almost as much caffeine as coffee, and also has vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Drinking water or water based drinks without added sugar will help keep you energized. Even mild dehydration can lead to tiredness. It is recommended by experts in energy that you should eat a fiber-rich breakfast daily to stave off hunger and to keep your blood sugar levels stable and your energy constant throughout the morning.
There is research on taking a cold shower that shows the cold shower actually shocks the body into a state of wakefulness. Not sure I’m up for that one in the morning, although it is a natural way to increase energy. Think I’m more into hot baths at night to soothe the body to a restful sleep and then wake up refreshed.
Music, especially if it is peppy, increases energy. Likewise, soothing music can reduce stress. So plug in your buds and enjoy some good tunes whenever it is appropriate and you need an energy boost. Exercise helps you pump oxygen throughout your body and especially to your brain to energize your thought processes.
Even mild stretching at work or a little walk down the hall can revitalize you. Sitting is a deadly energy sapper. While sitting, we usually do not breathe deeply and our posture becomes poor so our energy degrades. Get up and move around a little every hour to stay alert. If possible, go for a walk outside. Getting a little sunshine in the middle of the day will give you some vitamin D which is needed to make melatonin. This will help you sleep better and therefore help will your daytime energy levels.
The flavonoids in dark chocolate (at least 60 percent cacao) improve mood and cognitive skills and is an energy booster. Just one square will revitalize you. Other tricks to regain your energy in the afternoon include: sniffing lemon, either real or using aromatherapy oil; or have a snack with magnesium in it. Magnesium-rich snacks include almonds, hazelnuts or cashews. So a little handful of healthy nuts, maybe with a little square of chocolate, sounds like a nice healthy idea for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
There are lots of artificial ways of getting sleep and lots of artificial ways of getting high energy levels throughout the day. But sleeping pills and energy potions that are either drugs or rely on powerful stimulants do not improve your health but detract from it. Going natural is always a better strategy for the long run and there are many natural options to live energetically. Hope your New Year is one of peace, prosperity and health.
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Jane Riley, M.S., B.A., C.P.T., Certified Nutritional Adviser, can be reached at janerileyfitness@gmail.com, 212-1451 or www.janerileyfitness.com.
