Being sleep deprived comes with the territory of being a new mama. This means my energy levels are not what they used to be pre-bambina when I could sleep for 8 or 9 hours uninterrupted. Despite my lack of sleep I think I’m doing pretty good avoiding the mid-afternoon energy crash. I really do swear by these tips in this video to keep my energy balanced all day long.
Many people complain to me that they hit the mid-afternoon energy slump every single day and often resort to sugar and caffeine for a boost. If this describes you and you want to feel energized all day long I think you will find these tips super helpful.
Here’s the video:
Here’s a quick summary of my tips:
Power up at lunch
When I review food journals of people who typically have that afternoon crash they are usually not eating a fulfilling lunch. Making sure you include protein (from plant foods or animal) and good fats such as nuts and seeds, avocados, healthy fats and oils like coconut oil and extra-virgin olive oil will ensure your lunch is more ‘fulfilling’. This will help you power through the afternoon with great energy!
Don’t be so sensitive ![;)]()
Dairy, gluten, sugar, unfermented soy are all very common food allergens and sensitivities. I know this first hand from doing hundreds of IgG food allergy tests. A very common symptom of food sensitivities is fatigue and low energy due to alarming the immune system and setting off a cascade of hormones and inflammatory chemicals. If you suspect you have a food allergy or sensitivity take a break from the problem food for at least two weeks and take notice if your symptoms improve.
Feel the fresh air
Let’s get back to basics. Get outside and go for a walk! In fact, walking was one of my recommendations in my recent webinar for a joyous 2016. The reason that getting outside is so effective at helping you avoid the afternoon energy crash is because daylight stimulates the brain and resets your circadian rhythm. Lack of daylight makes you drowsy because hormones that regulate your body’s internal clock are stimulated by daylight and they prevent melatonin (sleep hormone) from being released.
Add this, minus that
This one is simple. If you take a supplement to help boost your energy and vitality, the most important thing is that it is research proven to actually work. Unfortunately there are far too many supplements on the market that may not have the potency of the ingredients they claim to have. This is why I recommend greens+ extra energy because it works. It has ingredients that truly nourish the body and provide what I like to call “clean” energy. Ditch coffee and sugar because they can make the root problem of why your energy is low in the first place, worse. Check out my Mochaccino Smoothie recipe!
Check out this fun infographic (an all-day energy guide) from my friends at Genuine Health.
Simply breathe
Breathing is both voluntary and involuntary. 99% of the time we do it without even thinking about it, but that’s actually part of problem. When we breath without awareness – like we do most of the time – we breathe very shallow. Shallow breathing means we are not taking full deep breaths and we are short-changing ourselves and our energy level. We need oxygen to provide nutrients to our millions of cells. The simple act of deep breaths is proven by science to be energy boosting.
Here’s a quick exercise to boost your energy and also relax your body at the same time:1. Take a deep breath in allowing the belly to expand. This should take about 4 to 5 seconds.
2. Hold this breath for a moment.
3. Exhale fully for slightly longer than the inhale.
Do this right now! Feel the difference? Told ya
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Drink water
Your body needs water to survive and dehydration leads to lowered energy levels. Water helps everything in your body run smoother — it speeds up your metabolism and aids in detoxification. Drink enough water so that your urine is pale yellow.
Want to learn more ways to boost your energy? Join my upcoming webinar below.
Wishing you joyous energy!
Joy
Joy McCarthy is the vibrant Holistic Nutritionist behind Joyous Health. Author of JOYOUS HEALTH: Eat & Live Well without Dieting, professional speaker, nutrition expert on Global’s Morning Show, Faculty Member at Institute of Holistic Nutrition and co-creator of Eat Well Feel Well. Read more...
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