How To Maximize Energy Naturally

Feeling exhausted all of the time? Finding yourself constantly going for that second or even third cup of coffee? Tired of being tired? 

Here are some great ways to maximize your energy in a natural, holistic way!

-Increase Antioxidants

Antioxidants help repair and prevent oxidative stress which is a HUGE contributor to brain fog and lack of energy. A super interesting and fun fact about antioxidants is that you can actually see them in the flesh of fruits and vegetables. For example apples and bananas are the two most commonly eaten fruits in the US; and although they are a great source of potassium they fall extremely short on antioxidants. You can see this when you cut into them, they have light colored flesh that browns quickly after being cut into. Whereas fruits such as mango, berries, and citrus fruits stay rich and vibrant in color long after being cut into. This is due to the high content of antioxidants they contain. Antioxidants play a similar role in our own bodies by keeping our skin bright and plump, nourishing our cells, supporting overall cell health, improving athletic performance, as well as boosting our energy. So if you are feeling extra fatigued try adding more antioxidant rich foods into your daily diet and get ready to see a shift in your energy levels!

-Eat Naturally Occurring Nitrates 

Nitrate rich vegetables have been proven to improve brain health/ function, regulate blood pressure, improve heart health, and increase athletic performance. Nitrates have gotten a bit of a bad rep because of their ugly step sister N-nitrosamines. N-nitrosamines are not created from nitrates that are naturally occurring in plant foods. They are mainly created by nitrate additives in meats, alcohol, and other processed foods. Nitrate rich plant foods are amazing for improving energy levels. They help dilate our blood vessels which increases blood flow, fights inflammation, clears brain fog, and increases oxygen supply. Some great sources of naturally occurring nitrates are dark leafy greens and root vegetables, especially beets.

-Stretch, Stretch, Stretch 

Stretching is such an effective and easy way to boost your energy levels naturally. By stretching daily you are effectively increasing your serotonin levels, which helps regulate mood and reduces stress. You are also increasing blood circulation/ flow to your brain and the rest of your body which helps fight inflammation and improve focus. A bonus is that stretching regularly will help improve mobility, relieve muscle soreness/ pain, and breaks up the “fuzz” that forms in between your muscles. And YES fuzz is actually a thing it is both fascinating and unsettling lol. If you have time, are interested, and are not easily grossed out I urge you to look into it or click the link  "The Fuzz Speech" to watch this informative video.

-Get Some Sun!

This is a big one. Vitamin D is so important for proper functioning of our immune system and cells. Our cells are unable to generate enough oxygen and power without proper amounts of vitamin D. So in result we are fatigued, have sore muscles, feel weak, and are more prone to getting sick. Getting out into the sunshine and nature is one of the best things you can do to increase vitamin D levels. It is so healing, it helps reduce stress, improves mood, and increases our vitality. Some times of the year it is near impossible to get enough vitamin D solely from the sun. This is where vitamin D supplements or lotion can come in handy. Either way vitamin D is an essential ingredient when it comes to creating energy in our bodies. 

-Eat More Fiber & Low Glycemic Foods

This is a super easy and effective way to increase energy levels. Low glycemic foods release sugar slower, they don’t cause as much of a spike in our blood sugar, and they are broken down slower in our bodies. This provides us with longer lasting energy. Some examples of some low glycemic foods would be fruit, legumes, whole grains, nuts, vegetables, and for you bread lovers out there sourdough. Although fiber doesn’t necessarily provide energy it plays a key role in regulating our energy levels. For example making sure you are getting enough fiber is like making sure you set the thermostat before turning on the heat. 

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As always, thank you so much for reading. I hope you give some of these holistic energy boosters a try and feel your energy and vitality return to you!