Top 10 Energy Boosters

Do you feel like you're always running on empty? Here are some natural health tips to help you get a natural boost of energy!

1: Eat More Complex Carbohydrates & Cut Down the Sugar

The key here is keeping blood sugar levels balanced so your energy levels do not dip and soar through the day. When you eat a sugary food, you experience a spike in your blood sugar levels. This provides an initial lift, but it is quickly followed by a rapid drop in your blood sugar levels, which leaves you wiped out. Choose low GI foods that provide sustained energy.

2: Choose To Move

Even though you may not feel like it doing some type of exercise or moving your body will energise you and lift your mood. Walking is one of the best physical activities.

3: Take a Power Nap

Do not push on when you are feeling exhausted, take time out to recharge your batteries. A 30 - 40 minute power nap can do wonders if you are feeling sluggish.

4: Don't Skip Breakfast

A healthy breakfast supplies a much needed boost of energy for the day. Make sure you balance blood sugar levels for the entire day by eating three nutritious meals, along with a healthy snack mid morning and mid afternoon.

5: Reduce Stress

One of the biggest energy zappers is stress. Find what is relaxing to you and program these calming activities into your day.

6: Drink More Water & Less Alcohol

Even marginal dehydration can leave you feeling tired and lethargic. The solution is simple: a tall, cool glass of filtered water. If you find yourself frequently fatigued after a good night's sleep, try cutting down on alcohol during the evening hours. While alcohol initially helps you fall asleep, it interferes with sleep quality, so you are not getting the rest you think you are.

7: Increase Your Magnesium

If you are feeling tense and lack energy you may need magnesium. This mineral is vital to more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including the break down of glucose into energy and relaxation of the muscles. Even a marginal magnesium deficiency results in fatigue along with muscle tension.

8: Consider a Power Snack

Power snacking is more than just eating between meals. A combination of protein, carbohydrates, fibre and a little fat will sustain you for longer. Try yoghurt with a handful of fresh nuts, a berry protein shake or nut paste on rye crackers.

9: Check Your Iron Level & Thyroid Health

A check of your red blood cell count and iron levels may reveal the reason why you feel like you are dragging yourself around. A common symptom of iron deficiency is dizzy spells. Your thyroid controls your metabolic rate and energy levels. Women in particular have health issues affecting the thyroid.

10: Cut Down the Caffeine

Tea, coffee, soft drinks and caffeine drinks are over stimulating, leaving you flat when the effects drop off. If you are not sleeping well avoid caffeine drinks after midday as this caffeine can cause you to wake in the night.