Fight Fatigue
Hitting snooze so many times that you’re almost late for work. That dip in energy at 3pm. Cancelling dinner plans last minute. No thanks!
Fuel Your Life
Fatigue is one of the most common medically unexplained complaints, and many physically healthy people admit to feeling “tired all the time.” Here’s how to find more energy for all the things you need to do – and the things you love to do, too.
“Lack of energy is plaguing so many of us – and it needs to be addressed.”
Dr. Katherine Kremblewski Naturopathic DoctorHealthy Habits for
All Day Energy
Remove energy zappers
That first coffee of the day, sure. A few coffees over the course of the day, not so much. Relying on caffeine alone for dealing with low energy can do a body more harm than good. Caffeine is a stimulant, which stresses the central nervous system. Speaking of stress, chronic stress leads us to experience feelings most of us know all too well on a daily basis: exhaustion, anxiety, depression, and feeling “burned out.” Reducing stress is easier said than done, but try to relax, and step back from stressful situations for some perspective. Don’t be afraid to say “no” and learn your limits.
Are you getting enough protein?
Believe it or not, many energy rollercoasters are fueled by too much sugar and too little protein. When we’re tired, it’s not uncommon to turn to sugary snacks to get a hit of energy. Sugar’s effects are very short-lived. When we eat sugar, our pancreas releases insulin to help clear the sugar from the blood. The more sugar we eat, the more insulin is secreted, leading to blood sugar imbalances that can deplete energy. A very easy solution is to eat protein at every meal! Protein can slow the absorption of sugar at a meal and can reduce spikes in blood glucose.
Feed your energy
Food is fuel – literally! Consuming a whole food diet, rich in colorful plants, healthy protein sources, and nourishing fats is crucial to preventing nutrient gaps. Why? PHYTONUTRIENTS! These are what give plants their vibrant colors, tastes and textures – and unique health benefits! Each day, aim to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables in as many different colors as possible. And at the end of the day, feed your energy some more by getting a good night’s sleep. Unplug from email and web surfing at least an hour before retiring and designate the bedroom as a sleep-only zone. And get on a sleep schedule by going to sleep and waking up around the same time each day.