Eating for More Energy

So you want more energy?

You don't like the feeling of "hitting the wall" in the afternoon.

There are few things that feel as helpless as being tired when you don't want to be. Well I want you to know that you can change your energy level throughout the day.

Although adding an exercise routine to your life is probably one of the best ways to increase your energy level, how and what you eat can also make a big difference.

I often use the analogy of the automobile engine as a reference that most people can relate to. I want you to think of your body the way you think of your car. We are after all an incredibly complex organism not completely unlike a machine.

If you don't keep the gas tank filled, your car is going to run out of fuel and quit running. Well, the same is true of your body. Without consistent proper nutrition you too will run out of fuel, and energy!

Eating high sugar, high sodium, or high fat foods made of few high quality ingredients and containing little micro nutrients will do nothing for your energy level. In fact, the only thing that type of fuel will do for you is produce more fat and less energy.

If you are not very active, say sitting behind a desk at work, or just sitting around the house, your body will have difficulty burning fat reserves for energy. You need to do one of two things.

You have to either get your butt moving, as in doing some vigorous exercise, or you need to manage your fuel situation better.

You need to eat foods that are high in micro nutrient count per calorie. You really need to eat more often than once or twice a day. 5 to 6 smaller meals spread throughout the day will keep you properly fueled for energy.

The single best thing most Americans can do to increase their energy is to increase their intake of fruits and vegetables. You should consume between 5-10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

Limit your grains to 2 servings a day. Eat healthy fats like avocado, raw nuts, olive oil, seeds, and coconut. Drink green tea instead of sugary soda's or "juice drinks".

One of my favorite mid-afternoon snacks is a blend of raw almonds, raw cashews, and organic raisins. Just a handful provides quality protein, amino acids, and vitamins.

Plan your meals for the day ahead of time. This is the hardest part for most people. The worst thing that happens without planning is that you are overcome with hunger and unprepared to make good choices. So we do what's quick and easy, and in most cases that turns out to be unhealthy.

If you plan ahead by purchasing quality foods and having them on hand at home, it makes preparing for the meals away from home that much easier. The night before or in the morning, you can pack some good healthy things and take them with you.

Being prepared is extra work, but well worth it in the end.
Your higher energy level and your reduced waistline will be all the proof you need.

Rod Usher is a certified sports nutrition consultant, and author of 'The Clean and Lean Lifestyle' program. He continues to help people improve their health, strength, and energy so they can fully enjoy living.

To learn more please visit => The Clean and Lean Lifestyle

Rod Usher
http://thecleanandleanlifestyle.com