Who isn’t tired, right? If you’re “dragging” more than you’re “doing,” not to worry. The culprit is probably your diet. There’s a compelling wealth of research that closely links the food we eat with our energy levels.
Happily, a few simple changes will zap your fatigue quickly – especially this summer when the heat can make you feel overwhelmingly tired.
Go Keto-Green. Explained in my book The Hormone Fix, this diet keeps you in a fat-burning condition called ketosis, as well as in an alkaline state for great health. It restricts carbohydrates, which are energy foods that yield glucose. This diet, however, gives you a better energy source - ketones. Where glucose is gas, ketones are jet fuel! Ketones are a breakdown product of burning fat on the Keto-Green diet. When glucose isn’t readily available, the body taps into ketones for energy. And so does the brain. So just after a few days of going Keto-Green, your energy levels – physically and mentally – will be through the roof.
Power up with protein. Protein foods aren’t energy sources, per se, but they boost levels of an amino acid called tyrosine. It activates the production of two brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine. They elevate your energy levels, promoting alertness and activity. My Keto-Green diet is rich in protein – nuts, seeds, chicken, lean meat, and fish. Fish deserves a special mention because it’s high in omega—3 fats, vital for brain power.
Serve up more magnesium. My Keto-Green Diet is loaded with energy-supporting, alkalinizing magnesium. If you're low in this mineral, you'll feel absolutely pooped. Magnesium is the ignition that starts your body’s engine - it stimulates an enzyme that sparks the entire energy-making process. Leafy greens like spinach and kale (both plentiful on the diet) are loaded with magnesium. Blend up a glass of pure energy with these veggies with my Keto-Green approved Island Green Smoothie (see below.) And be sure to listen to my podcast episode with Ian Clark when we discuss the importance of magnesium!
Eat low-sugar seasonal fruits. These include moderate portions of blueberries, strawberries – and of course that summer favorite, watermelon. These supply your body with natural energy and antioxidants that protect you from energy dips.
Guzzle enough water. Water is crucial to almost every function in the body. Without it, we can't absorb nutrients or eliminate toxins. It energizes you because water is used to make energy on a cellular level in your body. If you're even mildly dehydrated, your body will alert you with fatigue, and you’ll feel wiped out. The more water, the better. My rule of thumb is: Drink 60 to 70 ounces of pure water daily. Use common sense though, if you’re a marathoner competing in the heat this summer you need more. If you’re a sedentary worker indoors, you probably need less.
Forget energy drinks. The concentrated level of sugar, caffeine, and questionable pick-me-up ingredients in these products can result in a boomerang effect of headache, sluggishness, and irritability when consumed in excess. Instead, reach for my favorite drink – Mighty Maca in water or in a Keto-Green Smoothie. Maca is known to boost energy, stamina, and endurance.
For more energizing info, read my 5 Hidden Energy Robbers blog; listen to my Your Vibe, Energy, and Life podcast. By having a basic understanding of which foods and nutrients power you mentally and physically, you’ll be able to nourish your body well this summer and tap into unexpected levels of energy and vitality!
P.S. - Looking for an extra boost of energy this summer?
I recommend Mighty Maca Plus. Not only is it a refreshing drink on a hot summer day, it also aids metabolism, boosts energy, delivers essential nutrients, and tastes great. Snag a sample here!
