Eat for Energy FAQs
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Really, do I have to give up coffee to have more engergy I NEED IT?!
Is coffee a friend or foe? The comfort and pleasure of a hot cup of java is one of life’s simple pleasures. So do you really have to give up coffee (caffeine) if you want to improve your energy?
As with most nutritional dos/don’ts, coffee is a matter of moderation. Often clients will come see me with energy concerns and they are consuming 3-4 cups a day. This is a lot of coffee that could be taxing your liver and as a result, actually contributing to your feelings of low energy. It’s important to take note of the size of coffee you are drinking. Coffee has become “super-sized” and is most often served way above in the recommended 6oz size for a cup of java.
The other concern is that a reliance on coffee to make you feel like you have more energy could be masking nutritional deficiencies that would improve your energy if addressed.
My energy slumps in the afternoon. What can I do to avoid this?
\Typically an afternoon energy slump can be addressed by stabilizing your blood sugar levels. Too often we’re not eating enough calories in the morning and THEN we over-do-it at lunch. This causes your insulin to spike then crash midafternoon.
Instead a prepare a breakfast that includes a good source of protein and eat well balanced snacks and meals in regular intervals to ward-off that sluggish afternoon feel.
What about energy drinks?
My concerns with energy drinks, besides the processed nature and sugary/artificial flavors in most drinks, is that reliance on energy drinks to make you feel like you have more energy could actually be masking nutritional deficiencies that would improve your energy if addressed.
I need a quickie energy solution, and if energy drinks isn’t it then what?
Your body may be in need of an oxygen boost. A brief 2 minute bout of exercise can really perk up your energy levels. I know of a corporate executive who goes into the women’s washroom stall to do a few jumping jacks and high knees to get her focus on in under 5 minutes.
