All the Things You May Be Missing Out on for More Energy

Energy is something most of us don’t think much about - until we realize we could really use more of it. Whether you’re launching a new business, keeping up with a busy social & family  schedule, or you’re running a company - how you show up is everything. and your attitude and your energy levels are crucial.   

I’m always amazed when I talk to clients who are doing so many things right -  they’re dedicated to eating well and exercising (which is so impressive) but yet they are not getting quality sleep or are missing out on easy ways to maximize energy levels.

And talking about sleep - it’s SO important for great energy  - if you don’t have this piece working in your life it goes without saying you won’t be bouncing around with energy to spare.  Less than optimal sleep increases cortisol (the stress hormone) and slows down growth hormone production which can speed up the aging process, increase appetite, and make it more difficult to stay focused when you’re awake.  

Sleep aside, I’ve found most of us lacking energy overlook easy opportunities to have more of it.

As someone who is always looking to increase and maximize my own energy, I’ve tried lots of different things over the years, some worked, some didn’t.  Check out the list that follows for some key things I do to optimize the energy that are still in my rotation right now - they’re simple and they work!  

Breakfast

I’ve always been a morning person and I love breakfast, which means I usually don’t fast beyond the 10 0r so hours from when I eat dinner to when I start my day.   Most days I wake up without an alarm clock around 6 am, take my dogs out, fix a cup of organic french press coffee and a small balanced breakfast, and dive into my day.   Doing this modified fast and having a nutrient-dense breakfast just really works best for me, my body, my mindset, and my life.   Having said this, if you’ve followed me at all you know I take a bio-individual approach - we are all so different, right? I take this same approach with intermittent fasting.  It works well for some people, and some people end up happier and healthier having breakfast.

A healthy breakfast allows you to avoid the ‘caffeine-sugary carb-caffeine’ cycle and it always should include good fat, healthy fiber, and quality protein. 

Some great options are smoothie bowls, a few organic cage-free eggs with sautéed greens and sliced avocado, or a serving of quality coconut yogurt with a handful of fresh organic berries and a sprinkling of raw walnuts or almonds.

Bananas are good every once in a while too (the greener ones have less sugar) and contain energy-promoting vitamin B6 and high-quality carbs.   Add some raw organic almond or walnut butter and sprinkle with help seeds for a more balanced meal.

MCT Oil

I literally love MCT oil!  It’s sooo good and gives you a boost of all-natural energy when added to a morning smoothie or cup of coffee (my one cup is organic and I like to grind my beans fresh each day and make it in a tiny French press),  MCT oil is loaded with medium-chain triglycerides from plants which help to increase energy levels. I’m almost obsessed with Garden of Life’s Organic MCT Oil which is made entirely from organic coconuts.

Magnesium

This powerhouse is a key nutrient responsible for over 300 processes in our bodies that help keep us healthy and energized, including breaking down glucose into energy.

Because it’s involved in so much, it can get depleted quickly and women especially can fall short.

Our cells are fueled by something known as ATP (adenosine triphosphate) - basically, ATP is the currency of energy in our bodies.  Even though ATP is the main source of cellular energy, it is not biologically active unless it’s bound to magnesium. Magnesium is essentially, a key to having energy!

Three of my favorite magnesium-rich foods are almonds, quinoa and chard.   

Plus, magnesium can have a calming, relaxing effect on the body and may even help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep.   A win-win!

Right now I really love my 'magnesium hot cocoa' concoction in the late afternoon. 

To make: mix Mushroom Cacao  (I like 4 Sigmatic brand) with about a tablespoon of powdered magnesium ( you can easily find both online or at your local health food store) in warm water and sip (I usually do this while flipping through an interior design or fashion magazine).  It’s a nice way to help me transition out of ‘work’ mode into ‘home/rest/restore mode’.

Citrus essential oil

It’s so easy and instantly gratifying to diffuse a few drops of essential oil in your space - the senses awaken as the mind begins to shift.   Citrus, lemon, grapefruit, and lime are some of the most uplifting and energizing essential oils.   Lemon essential oil in particular, contains antioxidants, healing terpenes and can also help support a healthy liver - which leads to less overall toxicity and more energy.  

Make sure to choose high quality, therapeutic grade, organic essential oils to assure they have gone through third-party testing for purity and efficacy.    

Warm water with lemon juice first thing in the morning

You’ve probably heard all about it - but are you doing it?

Before you eat or drink anything in the morning, have a cup of warm filtered water with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.  This simple trick is an easy way to jump-start your digestive system, alkalinize and rebalance the body and flush out excess and toxins - setting you up for more energy throughout the day.

I also like to add in essential liquid mineral drops and sometimes even a dash of cayenne, cinnamon or a slice of fresh ginger depending on what my body needs that particular day.

My one word of caution: don’t go crazy with the lemon – a quarter of one is plenty to get the lift without damaging the enamel on your teeth. 

Avocados

If I were to get stranded on a desert island and could have only few things to sustain me for the rest of my life I’d choose clean alkaline water and avocados.  They’re SO GOOD - and loaded with healthy fats - which help your body absorb key nutrients. Plus, the fiber in avocados helps maintain steady energy levels and  they contain B vitamins which help convert the foods we eat into fuel for our cells.

There they are, a few simple tweaks that can make a big difference in energy levels - because who doesn’t want more pep in their step?