What? It’s still/only Monday and you are exhausted already?? Think twice before you hit those energy drinks. While you feel they might be working for you, there is little evidence that they have any unique performance enhancing powers beyond making you high on potentially harmful amounts of caffeine. Instead, consider eating your way to more energy. The best place to start? BREAKFAST. Invest in an early one and you will get great returns, both physically and mentally. Just make sure this meal consists of the fab trio–a whole grain carb, a protein and a colorful fruit or veggie. Also consider packing a banana as an energy snack. Bananas come in their own containers, don’t need to be washed and can be eaten almost anywhere. Not only does it contain antioxidants, necessary carbs for energy, and fiber to helps you stay full, but it also contains potassium, a key ingredient in sustained energy. Adding some nuts (any kind) will help keep your blood sugar levels stable. (Try a batch of my banana oat bars which contain all the key ingredients for a great breakfast or snack—search the recipe in the search bar at the top of the home page). And while water may not be the most exciting of stimulants, staying fully hydrated through the day will keep your body and mind functioning at peak levels. Fatigue is a symptom of dehydration, and many of us walk around in a state of mild dehydration, so drink up! Another great source of water AND potassium, vitamin C and beta carotene is watermelon. One slice has the same amount of water as a glass of water according to
Registerd Dietician, Elizabeth Somer. When all else fails, clearly a cup of coffee works. Unfortunately, if you are drinking it all day your doing more to fuel your fatigue, than your energy. Besides the “slumps” every time the effects of the caffeine wear off, drinking it too late into the day, might mess with your sleep cycle. And sleep, after all, is the best way to refuel. So avoid those crazy energy drinks (who knows what the heck is in them, anyway) and rely on these readily available gifts from mother nature to keep you feeling energized throughout the day.
As you travel through this day, remember the dream that Dr. Martin Luther King had for us all and spread the love. This is a man who lacked NO energy in his fight for world peace and equality. His dream is my dream, too. Thank you Dr. King.
