Energy - some of us have it and some of us don't. Obviously it's something we all want. For those who have trouble with energy and maintaining energy levels, the best way to determine what is 'zapping your energy' is to go back to the basics. Here are some suggestions how:
- Reduce your daily caffeine intake to your morning one or two cups of coffee or carbonated beverage. During the day drink bottled water or natural, non-sweetened beverages like green tea sweetened with honey. Green tea has a minimal amount of caffeine and is a natural source of anti-oxidants. Substitute that 'acquired need for caffeine' with high potassium, low glycemic, non-tropical fruit like apples or oranges. Try to avoid commercial juices which tend to be loaded with sugar.
- Snack frequently during the day, if you can on low-carbohydrate, high protein snacks. Read the ingredients. Avoid high sodium or highly sweetened snacks. Sodium has the opposite effect of potassium, creating feelings of fatigue. If you cannot snack frequently during the day, eat a midmorning snack and lunch of complex carbohydrates, i.e. whole grain, high protein granola bars and high protein, low fat sandwiches on whole grain bread. Substitute mustard for ketchup. Ketchup hides a massive amount of sugar and salt in it's ingredients and mustard, believe it or not, actually has a mood-lifting effect and is good for the digestive system.
Headaches & Body Aches - There is nothing worse than trying to start your day with body aches and pains or a headache. Having the occasional afternoon headache or migraine can also be a problem when affecting your daily productivity. If you continually have these issues, you should see your doctor, but if these symptoms are only occasional here are a few suggestions which might help:
- As a remedy for both body aches and headaches, follow the suggestions above for energy maintenance. Avoid high sodium and high sugar products.
- For joint pain, Glucosamine Sulfate or Glucosamine-Chondroitin with MSM can also be helpful. These health supplements can be found at your local drug store or health food store. Follow the instructions on the label for daily dosage. Eat foods high in calcium and turmeric. Both help with joint pain relief and inflammation reduction.
- For those occasional headaches and body aches, the supplement white willow is an excellent alternative to over-the-counter pain relievers. White willow can be found in most health food stores.
Vitamin Supplements - Here we go again....the food pyramid....do you think you can eat a 'perfect pyramid a day?' In our ever increasing hectic world of 70 hour work weeks and family obligations, I personally don't think it's possible to eat a 'perfect pyramid' every day. Aside from that, through the emergence of the 'Organic Industry' it has become common knowledge that our foods do not provide the essential vitamins and minerals necessary to maintain the 'perfect pyramid.' As a result there has been an ever increasing need for education on the importance of health supplementation in America. Everyone, especially women and children SHOULD be taking a good quality vitamin supplement on a daily basis. This is not something you should be shy about in regards to finding the BEST. Do research. Womens' supplements should not only contain the RDA of vitamins and minerals, but also contain a good B-complex and calcium/magnesium combination. As for our children, who on a daily basis are exposed to overprocessed and mass produced foods, there is no way they are getting what their developing minds and bodies need. Children's vitamin supplement should, like womens' supplements, contain a good B-complex, a calcium/magnesium combination and extra B-12.
I hope this information eases your daily life. As I learn of other health discoveries, I will try to keep you informed through the boutique. Take care & be healthy!!!
