Many grab a coffee and a sugary snack to help them power through. And it works.
Until it doesn’t.
If you’ve gone with the sugary snack, you crash hard. If coffee gave you some support, you likely find yourself lying in bed, wide awake, at 1:30 am.
These options are neither healthy nor sustainable. If you’re looking for a way to sustain energy levels throughout the day without paying for it in other ways, here are some worthy options.
More Movement: It seems counterintuitive, but more moderate movement throughout the day can lead to increased energy. Come up with achievable activity goals to hit each day. As little as 10 minutes of movement, including stretching, can lift energy levels.
Eat “Good Carbs”: Slow absorbing “complex” carbs from whole grains, legumes, and sweet potato can supply a steady stream of energy for hours without a crash. To give them even more run, eat them with protein or healthy fat.
Monitor Iron Levels: In some women, low iron levels can lead to fatigue and other symptoms. You can talk to your doctor about supplementation or implement more dark leafy greens, beef, and fortified foods into your diet.
Get Outdoors: There is research to show that just being outdoors in nature can lead to boosts in vitality and energy. When you feel like you can’t get off the sofa and need a pick me up, head to the door before the fridge. It works!
Higher energy is generally associated with better overall health. By making healthy decisions each day and being proactive in your lifestyle, you can achieve more energy, avoid crashes, and build an arsenal of tools to keep yourself moving throughout the day.