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Health & Fitness Tip #8 - March 2006

Energy Boosters

“I feel like I am coming out of hibernation and am still lacking the pep in my step”. At this time of the year a lot of my customers complain about being tired, fatigued and listless. Maybe it’s time for you to add Energy Boosters to your diet and life.

What is Energy? Every activity your body performs depends on Energy. Whether you are exercising, working or just surviving by breathing and digesting. Energy is what keeps you going! Your energy tanks are replenished though nutrition you take in by eating and drinking. These food energies are unusable for your body until they are transformed into the only type of fuel your body can utilize, Adenosine Triphosphate or ATP. How your body uses ATP depends on your body type and size, your level of physical activity, your age and health as well as the functions of several of your glands. Other factors that influence your metabolism are the climate you live in and the types of foods you consume.

How can you influence your Energy Level? Here are some simple tips that can help you boost your energy:

1. Allow for plenty of sleep and rest at night. Losing just as much as an hour or two of sleep can affect your energy and concentration throughout the day.
   
2. Stay hydrated. A dehydrated body looses its ability to perform at high levels. Try to upgrade your fluid intake preferably by drinking water or other non alcoholic and decaffeinated drinks.
   
3. Eat enough. Low calorie diets generally contain too little vitamins and minerals necessary to stay healthy and energetic. Severe calorie restrictions can leave you fatigued and even depressed.
   
4. You need some fat. A high energy-diet does require fat in moderate amounts (< 30% of daily intake). Low or very low fat diets can impair your energy levels and lead to overeating.
   
5. Carb Loading. I know Low Carb Diets (Atkins etc.) are very trendy right now but the fact remains that Carbohydrates are the most powerful energy nutrient and a lack of Carbs will definitely affect your energy level negatively. When loading up on Carbs try to choose hypoglycemic types of foods such as whole grain breads and cereals. Avoid highly processed carbohydrates such as sweets and white bread etc.
   
6. Supplement. If you are currently trying to lose weight or are restricting your caloric intake for other reasons or your diet lacks fresh fruits and vegetables try to add a multivitamin supplement to ensure proper levels of nutrients.
   
7. Check your Iron levels especially if you’re a vegan and/or female. Iron deficiency is the leading cause for fatigue amongst women.
   
8. Don’t skip meals. Eating frequently including small snacks that include some protein and carbohydrates keeps your blood sugar and energy level steady.
   
9. Exercise regularly. Aerobic activities can help reduce stress and increase your stamina.
   

I hope these suggestions will make the transition from winter to spring easier on you and help you regain your lost energy! Should you have any further question please feel free to contact me!

A Sante
Hartmut