Top Ten Ways to Increase Your Energy – By Ana Poirier
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I hear a lot in my practice is “How can I get more energy?” In
today’s fast-paced world, a sense of having enough energy can feel
like an uphill battle. To many, the idea of actually having surplus
energy almost becomes laughable.
I am here to tell you that getting the energy you desire is
completely and totally attainable. In fact, having more than you
need is not impossible as long as you commit to a little
self-exploration and transformation.
This is an area into which I personally have put a lot of time and
attention and would like to share with you these main principals.
One thing I know to be true is that in order to gain energy, you
will have to give some in the form of committing to new habits as
you consciously release old ones.
As you embark on your journey to getting all the energy you want,
remember to get the support you need whether it be from a friend,
family member or health professional.
#1 Eat Whole Foods
No matter how “convenient” they may seem, processed foods are only
robbing you of valuable energy AND time. In the end, you will need
to play catch-up from relying on these nutrient void, disease
promoting, and energy suckers. How’s that for a dramatic picture? It
is so important to eat foods in their natural state and it does not
need to be a chore or take up enormous amounts of time. Even the
extra bit of initial effort it takes to change your current routine
will pay you a handsome return that is well worth your investment.
#2 Drink more water
Most Americans are chronically dehydrated. The simplest (and most
effective) suggestion I can give to help pep you up when you are
feeling low is to have a glass of water. Make sure it is purified or
quality spring water though, as tap water can leave you feeling
worse. Wait a few minutes and you should be feeling better. If not,
have another!
Sugar and caffeine and diet sodas will only deplete you in the end,
but adequate hydration with pure water supports every system in the
body.
#3 Eat more (naturally) green foods
Green is associated with spring, the time of renewal and refreshing,
vital energy. Greens are full of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients
and great for improving circulation, lifting the spirit, purifying
the blood and strengthening the immune system. Enjoy broccoli,
collards, bok choy, kale, mustard greens, broccoli rabe, arugula,
dandelion, spinach and mizuna to name just a few. Green superfoods
like spirulina, chlorella and blue green algae can have an
incredibly powerful effect on energy as well.
#4 Eat more raw foods
Raw foods are light, cleansing and full of natural enzymes which
means that your body does not have to work to produce it’s own.
Start with having at least one large beautiful “rainbow” salad per
day. Try new vegetables and healthy salad dressings to keep it
exciting. And don’t forget your greens!
#5 Use “gentle” sweets
Sugar robs the body of energy, depresses the immune system, inhibits
proper hormonal functioning, supports brain fog and promotes weight
gain with empty calories. Unfortunately artificial sweeteners are
not much better and may even be worse according to recent studies.
So how can a sane person get their sweet fix? Look for Stevia, an
herbal sweetener that is up to 300 times sweeter than sugar, has no
calories, and even has some beneficial actions on digestion and
blood pressure. It comes in powder and liquid extract and I
recommend experimenting a little until you find the form and brand
that you prefer, as there can be some variations in flavor.
Other gentler sweets include organic agave nectar, pure maple syrup
and a Chinese herb called Lo Han. Try including more sweet
vegetables in your diet like yams, sweet potatoes, carrots and
beets.
#6 Get moving!
Exercise is critical to a long and healthy life, so it is no
surprise that it is an essential component to having more energy. If
you have been sedentary for a while, it may feel like a
contradiction to get up and move when you feel sluggish, but once
those endorphins kick in you will be happy you did!
Start with simple activities like walking or yoga – start with ten
minutes a day and gradually increase. An exercise buddy or personal
trainer can be invaluable for long-term success.
#7 Make sleep, rest and relaxation a priority
When you are chronically tired and stressed from lack of sleep,
working long hours and running on high speed for months and years on
end, the body’s deep reserves become depleted. One of the best
things you can do is to schedule in more sleep and down time.
Consistently getting 6 or less hours of sleep per night has been
shown to compromise mental function, promote excess weight, and
generally sap the body of optimum health.
Start to wind down 30 to 60 minutes before bed by turning down the
lights, turning off the TV, putting away your work and enjoying some
quiet time to get you in the mood for sleep.
#8 Evaluate the amount and quality of animal
foods that you eat
This is an area that I encourage people to continually evaluate. In
some cases eating too much meat, dairy, chicken and eggs can lead to
low energy. And yet so can eating too little! I encourage you to
choose organic, 100% grass-fed and free-range as much as possible.
Be open to exploring your individual needs without getting too
locked into what you read in the latest book or website. Stay open
to the journey.
#9 Get in touch with your spirit self
We are all spiritual beings in a physical world, but the way in
which each of us best connects to spirit can vary widely. Find the
ways that work best for you, be that meditation, church, dancing,
writing poetry, temple, art or being in nature.
#10 Let go of draining relationships
This is such a crucial principal and yet so often overlooked.
Evaluating our relationships can be a whole lot scarier than eating
some broccoli! The reality is that people can drain you just as much
as poor dietary choices. This is not to say that these individuals
are bad, but it is good to notice who drains you and why. See if you
can transform those relationships by communicating and setting
boundaries, or ending the relationship.
My intention is that each of you can begin somewhere. Perhaps you
will choose to implement just one or two of the items listed above.
Then add one or two more every week or two until you have the energy
you truly desire and deserve.
One last note: As we approach the seasonal shift from winter to
spring, it is a wonderful time to consider a cleanse program. This
can be the perfect jump-start to clearing out energy-draining
toxins.
I wish you all the best on your journey towards greater energy and
look forward to supporting you in the future!
Get Up and Go! Greens Smoothie
This smoothie is wonderfully refreshing and uplifting. It can be
had in the morning or as a mid-morning or afternoon snack. The green
taste is masked by the sweetness of the fruit and stevia if used.
1/2 avocado
1 apple OR 1 fresh or frozen banana
1⁄4-1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk or plain water (enough to get
the blender going)
2 cups fresh spinach, romaine or parsley
1 scoop of green powder*
1 T fresh ground flax seeds or flax oil
Stevia to taste (if needed)
Variations:
- If it is hot or you enjoy a thicker, colder shake: add enough ice
to give it the texture you want and use only ¼ cup liquid.
- Try adding 1 to 2 drops Young Living** orange, lemon or grapefruit
essential oil. This will enhance taste and provide you with a
therapeutic dose of antioxidants.
- Try adding ground cinnamon and ginger to taste. Both help warm the
body, stimulate the metabolism and taste delicious!
- For added protein, try a scoop of high quality whey*, hemp or
brown rice protein***.
- For a raw chocolate boost try adding 1 Tablespoon of raw cacao
nibs (unprocessed crushed chocolate beans) ***.
Directions
Blend all the ingredients with a blender and savor slowly with
attention.
* Greens First and Dream Protein are my favorites. See: (www.FirstShake.com/4550)
** Not all essential oils are safe for internal use. Young Living
oils are 100% organic, pure and therapeutic grade essential oils.
You may purchase them at Energia or by visiting
http://vibrant-health.younglivingworld.com.
*** Hemp protein, cacao nibs and brown rice protein can be found at
health food stores or discounted online at
www.astore.amazon.com/devana-20/.
©2008 Ana Poirier, CHC
About the author:
Ana Poirier is a holistic health and nutrition counselor and yoga
teacher on staff at Energia Body Centre. She is available for
individual health and nutritional coaching and presents educational
workshops in the Monterey area.
Ana specializes in individualized cleansing, health and nutrition
plans that are simple and fun and focus on long-term health and
wellness.
www.devanawellness.wordpress.com
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