Ways To Increase Your Energy

1. Reduce or eliminate caffeine ~ the ups and downs of caffeine include dehydration and blood sugar swings, making mood swings more frequent.

2. Drink water ~ Most Americans are chronically dehydrated. Before you turn to sugar or caffeine, have a glass of water and wait a few minutes to see what happens.

3. Eat more vegetables ~ They are full of vitamins and nutrients and great for improving circulation, lifting the spirit, purifying the blood and strengthening the immune system. Try broccoli, carrots, zucchini, cauliflower, peppers, kale, and collard greens.

4. Use gentle sweets ~ Avoid sugar and chemicalized, artificial sweeteners. Use gentle sweeteners like maple sugar, raw honey, brown rice syrup, agave nectar, and stevia.

5. Get physical activities ~ Start with simple activities, like walking or yoga - start with 10 minutes a day and increase.

6. Get more sleep, take breaks ~ When you are tired or stressed, your body will crave energy. These cravings are often a result of being sleep deprived, going to bed late, waking up early, for months and years to end. You allow your body to rejuvenate and work efficiently the rest of the day when you take breaks.

7. Evaluate the amount of animal food you eat ~ Eating too much meat, dairy, chicken, and eggs can lead to low energy. So can eating too little.

8. Take time for rejuvenation ~ Find activities that restore your energy, such as a walk, a bath, a museum, a movie or whatever you enjoy, and schedule a weekly date with yourself to do these things!

9. Get in touch with yourself ~ Find ways to get in touch wit who you are, and find ways to feel more grounded and add some stability to your busy life.

10. Spend time with friends and loved ones ~ People are important, spend time with people who support, inspire, and energize you.

(2006 Intergative Nutrition)