Boost energy with the right food, not more caffeine
Written by: Lindsay Little, MS — Holistic Health Coach
You want more energy. Don’t reach for more caffeine, keep reading...
I've never heard anyone say, "Man, Lindsay, I just have TOO dang much energy. I need help taking it down a few notches."
And I don't EVER expect to hear that.
Well, to be honest, my husband does have that problem. Sometimes I have to tell him to go chase around the goats or the pigs just to burn some of it off… (for real, we rescue farm animals so there’s always someone to chase around!)
So this article isn’t for him, but it is probably for everyone else. If you want to feel more like a kiddo on the first day of summer vacay and less like a bear settling in for the winter…keep reading!
Everything nowadays seems to sap our energy. From being glued to devices to skipping workouts to working long hours to eating unhealthy.
Not to mention the mess all that's creating in our digestive tract.
Yep, if you're feeling zonked, there's a good chance your gut bugs are outta balance.
The most common reaction to low energy is to reach for another cup of coffee or Red Bull. But that’s a problem. Let me tell you why.
Relying on caffeine is not only bad for your health but it's a red flag that your gut needs some help and most likely, that your adrenal glands are zonked as well.
When you’re in desperate need of more energy, avoid these foods:
Energy drinks
Trail mix
Granola
Protein bars
Pastries
Orange juice
Potato chips
Pasta
Donuts
Fancy coffee drinks
It’s a good idea to limit those foods, in general, to help build more sustained energy and avoid the dips. But instead, of thinking about how you can cut out those foods, try focusing on eating MORE of the foods below:
Beets
Watermelon
Dark chocolate
Matcha
Miso
Bananas (bonus points if they’re slightly underripe!)
Quinoa
Tofu
Kale
Blueberries
Eating these foods will help to improve your gut microbiome and give you the nutrients you need.
*You did see dark chocolate on that list, right? You’re welcome!*
The big takeaway here is that you’re not tired because you're caffeine-deficient. That’s not a thing, sorry to say, so “fixing” it with more caffeine isn’t the answer. In fact, that can make things worse.
You're tired because you're nutrient deficient.
And if you're not digesting your food well, you can't get the nutrients you need. The point of eating is to nourish your body by taking the nutrients from that food and turning it into energy. Remember from middle school science class, that a calorie is a measurement of energy.
So if your energy is low, your nutrition is likely low. You wouldn’t put orange juice in your car’s gas tank would you? Your car needs the right fuel. So does your body!
Another myth that’s all too common on Instagram these days is that eating less carbohydrates will give you more energy. Nope. That’s not true.
If you scroll back up to that list of “eat more” foods listed above, all but the tofu are carbohydrates. These are called “complex” carbohydrates. You should limit the amount of “simple” carbohydrates you eat, not complex carbs. Simple carbs include things like cookies, cake, white flour, white sugar, etc.
There’s a difference. Not all carbs are “bad”, as you can see from the list above.
When you cut out most of the carbs from your life, your energy stores really take a hit. Your muscles prefer to burn carbs, not fat or protein, so if you’re not eating complex carbs, you’ll be tired.
One common complaint from people eating high-protein, high-fat diets is that they often feel really tired. That’s because they’re not eating enough carbs to fuel their body.
Have you heard of athletes “carb-loading” before a big game or match? That’s what they’re doing. Sometimes this is called “refeeding” in the personal training and bodybuilding industries.
Being tired all the time is a sign that something is off in your body, and it’s likely stemming from your food. Start there. It’s the easiest starting point, especially when you consider the alternatives – expensive tests, hiring specialists, or buying some new, fancy tools.
Just start with food. And if you still are feeling abnormally sluggish after dialing in your nutrition, then move on to something else.
Nutrition is the foundation to good health and if your foundation is crumbling, the house is gonna fall down.
Don’t try to fix the holes with more coffee. It won’t work, just ask a construction worker.
Hey there! I’m Lindsay! I’m a Holistic Health Coach with a Master's Degree in Holistic Nutrition and a specialization in gut health. In my virtual health coaching practice, Full Bloom Acres Wellness, I help busy women over 40 eat the foods they love without embarrassing, painful, and annoying digestive issues. I would love to help you, too! Connect with me on social media at @fullbloomacres or on my website, www.fullbloomacres.com.
Get started resolving your digestive issues by downloading my FREE cheat sheet featuring my 10 favorite superfoods for good gut (and hormone!) health right here!
DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational and information use only and is not meant to diagnose or treat disease or illness. Please work with a qualified healthcare practitioner before making dietary or lifestyle changes.