3 Tips for Reliable, All-Day Energy...Really

​The holidays are over and now it’s full speed ahead into the new year. Or is it? Are your energy levels keeping up with all the demands of your daily life? Or has multiple-daily infusions of caffeine or sugar become the norm? First, let’s be kind to ourselves if that is the case. And since now is the time of year when people are taking a closer look at what they want for their lives and their health, for some it may be the time to ensure they have reliable energy to create the life they want this year.   

To start off your new year with greater vitality and alertness, check out these three tips to ensure reliable all-day energy. And if you’re a woman in the Bay Area, consider joining me this Friday, Jan. 8 in Danville for my Eating for Energy workshop. 

1. Start the day with a green smoothie instead of coffee. The nutrient-infusion of a green smoothie can create a morning energy burst without the crash of coffee. I often recommend people try it for 5-7 days and see how they feel. If you’re going to experiment with this you may want to taper down your caffeine consumption to avoid caffeine-withdrawal symptoms. Check out my nutritionist-approved green smoothie recipe to get you started.
2. Eat every 2-5 hours. It may _seem simplistic, but I’ve seen time and again in my practice that this one tip can be a game-changer for people. Our brains need a constant supply of amino acids from protein, healthy fats and glucose (from the metabolism of healthy foods, not from a shot of sugar or caffeine). Without regular fuel, our brains can become tired, which can cause our energy to tank. Similarly, without a regular infusion of nutrients, our cells can’t create energy, and we suffer. Over time, by paying attention, you’ll get a sense for how often you need to eat to sustain your energy, as it is different for everyone. 
3. Suss out your food sensitivities. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of undiscovered food sensitivities. The most common trigger foods are gluten, dairy, soy, peanuts, eggs, corn, and sugar. One of the best ways to identify food sensitivities (which often don’t show up on food allergy labs) is to stop eating the foods for a few weeks and then systematically re-introduce them and monitor how you feel. Then, you can stay away from these foods for a period of time, while healing the underlying reasons you’re sensitive to them in the first place. People often need support to accurately assess and reduce their sensitivities using this process, and my Real-Food Detox is a great way to do this if you are in the Bay Area. You can also get in touch to learn more.  

Want more ideas to reclaim energy? If you’re in the Bay Area, join me this Friday, Jan. 8 for Eating for Energy. I’ll be talking about food’s pivotal role in your vitality, what can cause a fallout, and practical tips for all-day energy.