Five ways to boost energy without downing an energy drink
Energy drinks come labeled with dynamic names like “Pow!” and “Zing!” and “Crashbangwallop!” They also come wrapped in the sort of eye-catching packaging that is about as subtle as a roller-skating elephant in a tutu.
[Image1 Image from Pixabay]
So when you’re flagging and that big, long day is stretching out ahead of you, it’s tempting to reach for one of these little life-savers in an aluminium can. The problem with energy drinks is that they are rather seriously unhealthy. For example, a [Link http://www.coca-cola.co.uk/brands/category/relentless.html 500ml can of energy drink can contain as much as 161% of a man's RDA of sugar, and as much as 200% of a woman's recommended daily intake.] This is tricky to work into a balanced diet.
So here are five alternatives to help you stay bright and alert throughout the day.
Nuts
I’ve mentioned nuts before in an [Link http://healthyhints.com.au/effective-protein-substitutes-for-vegetarians/ article about protein sources.] It turns out these little, naturally-occurring foodstuffs are astonishingly versatile. Nuts such as almonds contain useful nutrients which help convert food to energy, giving you the boost you need.
[Image2 Image from Wikipedia]
Peanut butter may be high in calories, but eat a little of it and you may feel energised for longer. The stuff is also rich in a range of other nutrients which can help your body in other ways while also giving you an energy boost.
High Fibre Breakfast
It’s a cliché, but it can be argued that breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. It’s at breakfast time that we get the nutrients required to sustain us for the first part of the day and, as
studies have shown that productivity tends to be highest in the morning, this can be vital to a successful working day.
[Image3 Image from Wikipedia]
Start the day with a breakfast that’s high in fibre. Foods like whole grain cereal can be incredibly useful to keep you feeling pleasantly full and energised until lunch time.
Jelly Beans
While we’re certainly not advocating that you subsist on a diet of jelly beans, the colourful little sweets can provide a much needed short-term energy boost. Many marathon runners swear by chewing on a couple of jelly beans at weary points in a race, and marathon runners tend to know what they’re talking about when it comes to health and energy.
[Image4 Image from Wikipedia]
The sugar boost provided by jelly beans can give you the impetus to get over a hump of tiredness. Just don’t over do it, all right?
Meditate
Some workplaces have implemented “power nap areas” in their offices in an attempt to boost productivity. Unfortunately, these have been found to have the opposite effect. While it’s good to take a rest here and there, taking a nap can make you fuzzy-headed, unmotivated and even more tired than before!
[Image5 Image courtesy of Ian Burt, Flickr]
Instead, take a five to ten minute meditation break when you feel weary. Listen to soothing music and look at something which isn’t going to tax your brain too much. Don’t worry about yoga positions, scented candles or Tibetan chants unless you really want to; the point is to clean your mind and refocus for the rest of the day.
Get Moving
One of the best ways to boost energy is to actually expend some! If you’re feeling tired, get outside and take a brisk walk, or if you have time, go for a jog, swim or hit the gym for 45 minutes. The adrenaline boost you receive from this kind of activity beats the caffeine blast from a can of “Pow!” hands down.
[Image6 Image from Wikipedia]
Hopefully these tips will help you to keep up your productivity and energy levels throughout the day, without resorting to overloading your body with sugar and caffeine. If you have any tips of your own, let us know in the comments.
Categories
#nutrition
#general_wellness
%healthyhints
235546 - 2023-07-18 00:16:08