Feeling fatigued? Low energy levels affect more than just your stamina with it commonly leading to stress, mood swings, weight gain and absentmindedness.
As a nutritionist, I’m passionate about helping people lead happier, healthier lives, without having to deprive yourself. Thankfully, by using a few clever switches, you can make some big differences to your energy levels, naturally.
If you find yourself lost for words during an important meeting, using sugar and caffeine to keep going throughout the day or you’re just feeling ‘out of sorts’, you might benefit from these seven simple lifestyle changes.
1. Up your iron
Iron is an essential mineral that transports oxygen to the blood, so if you’re deficient in iron, you’re likely to experience fatigue. Make an effort to include iron-rich foods such as legumes, chicken, meat, leafy greens and nuts into your daily meals.
2. Say ‘no’ to refined sugar
Processed, sugary foods can cause your blood sugar to spike and then rapidly drop, which can lead to quick bursts of energy, followed by long slumps. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t stress; just replace your unhealthy processed treats with a more nourishing option.
3. Take care of your adrenals
If you’re tired for too long, your adrenal function can become compromised, which can lead to fatigue. Focus on relieving your fatigue by getting more sleep, cutting out alcohol and reducing stress.
4. Limit caffeine intake
Aim to reduce your coffee to one per day before 10am - this can work wonders for lowering your stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline. When there’s too much stress in the body, it limits its ability to heal and repair.
5. Practise yoga
Yoga does wonders for your energy and mood. If you’re new to the practise, Vinyasa flow is a good starting point. This flow encourages you to focus on your breath as you move in between a series of poses. Yoga helps with stress and anxiety, as well as flexibility and agility.
6. Go for the H2O
Dehydration zaps your energy, so be sure you’re drinking at least two litres of water throughout the day.
7. Consider supplementation
To help maximise your energy levels, I recommend taking a vitamin or supplement with B complex, magnesium, vitamin C and iodine. Before taking a supplement, make sure you get guidance from your medical professional.
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Jessica Sepel
Founder of JSHealth, author of two best-selling books and accredited nutritionist, Jessica Sepel is passionate about taking a balanced approach when it comes to food. Jess believes we need to give up diets to overhaul our relationship with food and advocates for moderation, mindfulness at meals and healthy body image.
Check out more articles by Jess, including the delicious and healthy recipes she’s created exclusively for nib.