Lacking Energy? Your Diet Could be The Cause

Are you lacking energy?  If so, take a look at what you’re eating and drinking because your diet may be the culprit. 

I understand that I may sound like a broken record, but it's with out a doubt the truth, we really are what we eat and drink.  Proof of this happened to me the other day.   I experienced a huge energy meltdown when I caved  to a time crunch and drove through Arbys on the way up to Austin. I can tell you first hand that the Turkey Market Day sandwich will put you to sleep within minutes of eating it.  So believe me, our nutrition totally effects how our bodies operate and how we feel.  I not only felt like taking a nap, but nibbling on a few curly fries also sent my gut into a rebellion. In addition to extreme exhaustion, heartburn and acid indigestion plagued me for the rest of the afternoon.  The reason this happened is pretty simple stuff.  Our bodies convert the food we eat and the liquids we drink into energy, so how can we expect to feel good and have our bodies run right if we eat and drink empty crappy calories. 

It may sound easy not to eat and drink junk, but even though the concept is simple, the task isn’t easy.  Take a look at our lifestyle.  Most of us are overworked, stressed out, sleep deprived and malnourished.  The perfect recipe for a processed fast food lifestyle.  And even though we’re malnourished it isn’t because our diets are lacking calories because two thirds of us are either overweight or obese. 

I’d also bet my next paycheck that most of us know the reason behind our personal energy crisis.  A hectic lifestyle laden with processed and fast food heavy in all the white stuff.  These poor food and drink choices heavy in refined sugar, flour and polyunsaturated partially hydrogenated fats are not only bad for the waistline, but they also wreak havoc on our get up and go.

You don’t have to keep feeling zapped anymore though, because there is light and energy at the end of the tunnel.  With a little pre-planning that includes the following simple guidelines pep will return to your step in no time.

Re-energize by following these 5 easy steps.

1.) Eat REAL food.  REAL food usually doesn’t come in a bag or a box and is closest to its natural form possible.

2.) Drink plenty of fluids especially water and avoid sugary drinks like the plague.  i.e. soda, sports drinks, energy drinks and fruit juices.  Also watch your caffeine and alcohol intake. Too much of either will zap your energy big time.  Not to mention excess alcohol isn't very waistline friendly either.

3.) Choose your carbs wisely.  Include fiber rich WHOLE grains, legumes (beans and lentils), veggies and fruits.  Including a lot of time released or slow carbs like beans, lentils and veggies and going light on sugary fruits will help tremendously. 

4.) Eat 3 balanced meals and 2-3 snacks that include all three key nutrients: Carbohydrates, Protein and Healthy Fats.  Including all three will also give you more of that time released energy and help prevent crashes that are sometimes felt when you eat carbs by themselves.

5.) Follow the 90:10 rule.  Eat clean and make good choices 90 percent of the time and give yourself a break and allow yourself a cheat meal or day once a week.

Even though life is crazy, it’s really important for your energy levels and your health to make wise food and drink choices.  Do an experiment, plan a little and change it up and watch your energy levels crank up quicker than you’d think.