A lack of energy can set in at the end of a long work day or week, leaving you too tired to concentrate and too listless to function. Often people reach for a cup of coffee or candy bar to pick them up, but these highly caffeinated and sugary foods can actually sap your energy even more. Instead, try one of these natural energy boosters to get you going again.
When you?re worn out, a workout might be the last thing you want to do, but exercise is actually one of the most effective and efficient natural energy boosters. As you climb stairs or walk around the block, oxygenated blood surges to your organs and tissues?including your heart, muscles, and brain. Even a quick 10-minute workout is enough to get your blood pumping and give your brain a boost.
Food is the fuel that powers you through your day. Some foods in particular make excellent natural energy boosters. Snacks that combine protein with slow-burning carbs?like peanut butter and banana on a whole-wheat cracker?are ideal because they maintain your blood sugar at a steady level. A handful of nuts is another good choice. Nuts are high in protein, magnesium, and folate?nutrients your body needs for energy. Don?t skip meals, especially breakfast. A nutritious morning meal will help launch your day. High-fiber foods like oatmeal are morning?s best natural energy boosters because your body digests them slowly. That means they?ll stick with you all the way to lunch.
Keep a tall glass of water close by at all times. Getting dehydrated can leave you feeling worn out. You can stick with the often-recommended eight glasses a day, but if that feels like too much, at least drink enough to keep your urine dilute and prevent thirst.
You?ll find one of the simplest natural energy boosters right outside your front door. A walk out in the sunshine is a great way to rejuvenate and recharge at any time of day.
Eating on the run can be dangerous to your health—particularly when it comes to your heart. A few bad junk food choices—salty chips, a sugar-filled pastries, high-sodium beef jerky—can undo the strides you've been making with smart eating and exercising. Fortunately, convenience stores actually offer healthy snacks on the go. … Read More
You’re feeling spent, listless, and/or exhausted after work almost every night—and the next morning. You can’t seem to break out of a pattern of dragging through the day and collapsing into bed at night. You're looking to get some zip back in your step—and to learn how to improve energy … Read More
Our bodies, as many say, are like cars; they need the right kind of fuel to run well. That means an energy diet that provides the proper vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep your strength steady throughout the day. You may already adhere to a high-energy diet. But if you … Read More
There’s no shortage of drinks, foods, and supplements promising a quick burst of energy. Problem is most give you a jolt and follow with an energy crash. An occasional extra cup of coffee may not be harmful, but if you’re constantly reaching for a sudden energy boost, it’s time to … Read More
Do you often find yourself chugging coffee in the mid-morning, hoping to find the energy to propel you to lunch—only to find yourself dragging an hour after your mid-day meal? It’s all too common in this fast-paced world to feel low on energy. Anyone who has experienced that “depleted” feeling … Read More
We encounter a never-ending stream of products that claim to be energy foods. Energy drinks, energy bars, candy, and processed snacks fill grocery and convenience store shelves everywhere, always promising to provide a delicious jolt of energy. The problem with many of these products is that the boost of energy … Read More
