We’ve all felt the afternoon slump that can send us running to vending machines for a soda pop. Or what about those commercials for energy drinks that promise to revive us when we’re feeling down? The problem with most of these quick-fix items is the effect they can have on our blood sugar levels, metabolism, break your diet through too many calories or cause problems with the hormone processes in the body.
Even caffeine can overstimulate the body, causing a crash later. These quick energy boosting tips will help revitalize you when you need a boost, without causing a jolting crash, or health problems, later down the road.
Eat Small, Frequent Meals
Research seems to suggest that a large, heavy meal can cause you to feel sluggish and fatigued as your body works overtime to digest the meal. Plus infrequent meals can cause blood sugar spikes and dips that contribute to a lack of energy. By eating small but frequent and healthy meals you can keep your energy levels up throughout the day and will be less likely to overindulge later.
Include Mineral, Iron and Vitamin Rich Foods in Your Diet
Even mild iron deficiencies, known as anemia, can cause feelings of fatigue and general “run-down” blahs – especially for women of childbearing age. Foods rich in iron include meats, eggs, dark leafy greens like kale, spinach and mustard greens. Eating vitamin rich foods can help increase your body’s use of other vitamins (for example, vitamin C increases your ability to absorb iron) and will help your body function at it’s best.
B Vitamins are known to help prevent fatigue and increase our feeling of energy also, and you can do a lot to add sufficient B vitamins to your diet through foods. [Energy Dots are natural energy: B12 Boost + Phenynalaline & Malic Acid combine] Increase the amount of eggs, whole wheat (wheat germ is high in B vitamins) and whole grains, avocado, nuts, and leafy green vegetables in your daily foods to ensure that you get a healthy amount of vitamins and minerals.
Take a Brief Exercise or Stretch Break
Yes I know you’re busy. You might not think you have time, or room, but studies show that when workers take ample break times they are more productive. Why? Well we aren’t sure but it seems that the increase in oxygen, and the movement not only wakes us up, but helps us think more clearly and feel more energized.
Perhaps instead of heading to the coffee machine at 2 o’clock you can grab a handful of nuts, drink a glass of water, and go for a brisk walk around the office building. Eating healthy snacks, staying hydrated, and getting up to move on a regular basis can boost your energy levels without causing harmful crashes later.
Angela England is a freelance writer, Founder of Untrained Housewife and Editor-in-Chief of Blissfully Domestic. As a work-from-home mother of four children she is a master of hectic workweeks.
