eating for energy

I've been burning the candle at both ends this week so I found this article in the A.M. New York newspaper interesting. As tempting as it is for me to reach for sugar/caffeine, I'm trying to steer clear.

(I'm modifying the article for length)

(1) Problem : Caffeine One of the first things you might look to for energy is caffeine. However, caffeine also causes blood sugar levels to fluctuate, making the body work harder, diminishing energy. Yes, you may feel that initial boost, but it is usually followed by a downward crash.

(2) Problem: Sugar We all know the common myth that sugar provides fast energy, causing people to grab candy and other chemical-heavy processed snacks. Like caffeine, you may feel a short lift, only to crash. Refined sugar requires extra effort to digest because it lacks vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The refining process strips sugar of necessary nutrients, so the body exhausts its own stored minerals and enzymes to absorb it. This drains the body of energy and causes it to crave more sugar.

(1) Solution: Water The first order of business when it comes to boosting energy levels? More water. Most Americans are chronically dehydrated, so before you reach for dehydrators like sugar and caffeine, down a glass of water and wait a few minutes. the formula for the amount of water you should drink is simple. Take your weight, divide it by two, and that is the number of ounces of water you should drink per day.

(2) Solution: Greens & Grains Add dark leafy greens like broccoli, collard greens, bok choy or kale into your diet. Greens are full of vitamins and nutrients and ideal for improving circulation, lifting spirits, purifying blood and strengthening the immune system. Choose whole grains like steel-cut oats, quinoa, brown rice or kasha, which digests slowly, keeping blood sugars leveled and creating lasting energy.

(3) Solution: Natural Sweeteners Ditch the sugar and choose gentle sweeteners like maple syrup, brown rice syrup, agave nectar and stevia, which won't drain your body or cause dramatic spikes in blood sugar levels.

Summing it up: Maintaining steady energy levels requires a balanced diet and lifestyle. Using caffeine or sugar to remedy the problem will only exacerbate it, so it's best to take small steps.

Cutting out all sugar and caffeine at once may only lead to withdrawal symptoms and eventually to failure. Slowly incorporate more greens in your daily diet and experiment with natural sweeteners.

Written by Roxanne Anderson, Certified Holistic Health Counselor