Food Is Energy

One of the most powerful tools you have in your daily toolbox to get more energy is food.

I know, it sounds crazy, right?

How can food give me energy?

But you surely know the story about how the Thanksgiving turkey puts you to sleep?

It’s true. There is a chemical in turkey called tryptophan that actually makes you drowsy. Turkey is loaded with it!

Well, the opposite is true of a lot of other foods, and if you can harness the right foods at the right times, you can be energized by your food all day long.

First, let’s talk about what puts you to sleep, aside from turkey, of course.

Foods that Drain Your Energy

Coffee. The beloved energy drink of so many.

Coffee is amazing, it is packed with healing and wellness properties like polyphenols and antioxidants, but too much coffee actually drains your energy.

It’s true.

6 hours after you have coffee, it drags you down into the doldrums and leaves so many people with that 3PM slump.

So, if you are going to drink coffee, and who could blame you, aim for a small size, maybe even a half caffeinated option, and try to find one that has mushrooms in it!

Yes, mushroom coffee is all the rage right now and for great reason. Mushrooms have amazing healing properties for your brain and gut health, and they will boost your energy as much as coffee will.

Also, try to limit the amount of sugar you put in your coffee, or switch to a lower glycemic sweetener like agave or honey.

Why?

Sugar is another energy drain. Like coffee, it will boost your energy temporarily and then drop you flat.

The awful part is that there is no healthy upside to pure sugar in your body. You get plenty of the natural sugars you need from your fruits and vegetables.

Cane sugar, and especially high fructose corn syrup, are really just toxins your body has to fight off and clear out, which, of course, takes energy.

Which means your energy will flag.

With honey or agave, at least you are getting all the good antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.

Processed food is another huge energy drain. If it was not made with real food, as close to its original state as possible, it is likely going to sit in your body for a long time, which is going to drain your energy because your body is busy trying to break it all down.

Cut out processed foods and foods made with seed oils and vegetable oils as much as you can.

Foods that Give You Energy

Now, if you can eliminate or severely cut back on the foods that drain your energy, and then add in the foods that give you energy, you will find yourself energized and focused all day long.

Green tea is a wonderful natural energy source, and when you make that green tea a matcha, you’re getting an amazing benefit to your health. Matcha provides your brain with L-theanine, which allows for a calm and focused brain.

Even better than coffee!

Another food that offers long term energy is steel cut oats. Whereas rolled oats can make your blood sugar spike, steel cut oats provide you with a steady energy source for hours that won’t make you drag later in the day.

Greek yogurt is packed with protein, healthy fat, and good bacteria, offering you hours of energy, brain food, and a healthy gut.

Cinnamon is a spice you can add to your coffee or tea that will stimulate your brain and boost your energy levels.

Beans and lentils are an excellent source of protein and long term energy, as well as offering aid to longevity and total wellness.

Did you know that virtually every civilization in the world that lives to be 100 on average eats beans and legumes almost daily?

It’s true!

Avocado is another healthy fat and protein source that will fill you up and energize you.

And there’s so much more.

But are you seeing the trend here?

Eat foods that are close to their original state, that are mostly plants, and eat them throughout the day in small portions, and you will never need to reach for a giant coffee mocha frappe with extra whipped cream to get you through the midday slump again.

Just as a sweet afternoon treat, of course.

Support Your Diet

The bonus to eating a healthy diet that energizes you is that it also inspires and encourages you to do the other things in your life that energize you.

Like exercise.

Exercise, though it seems counterintuitive, actually provides you with a tremendous level of energy that will last you through the day and even into the next day.

If you aim for just a 30 minute walk outside each day with your favorite podcast in your ears you will reap the benefits on so many levels.

You will find your mind more clear, your heart happy, and your energy levels boosted.

And it’s so much more than just the exercise. The time outside provides you with happy lungs and vitamin D, which also boosts energy.

The time alone with your favorite podcast, audio book, music or just your thoughts, will also make you feel more relaxed and prepared to take on the world.

Then, to make your life even better, a healthy diet and regular exercise will allow you to sleep better, more restfully, and longer each night.

Which, of course, in turn, raises your energy levels!

Good sleep is one of the subjects we just don’t talk about enough in the wellness world, and it really is a critical component to total wellness.

Aim for 8 or 9 hours, so that if you fall short, you at least will hit the 7 hour bare minimum recommendation by all sleep experts.

Come In to Agua Fresh Today!

At Agua Fresh, we love to be a part of energizing your day.

Come it and have some healthy, energizing food, and contribute to an amazingly upbeat experience today!