Low Energy? We’ve all been there.
Why do I feel like I don’t have enough energy? Many American women ask themselves this question, but are frequently told that it has to do with their busy schedule. More often than not, this isn’t the case. Your lack of energy could actually be a symptom of your average everyday habits. Relax and look at a few of these tips from Web MD.
● Your body’s thirsty.
“Many women who complain of fatigue are actually just dehydrated,” says Dave Grotto, R.D., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association in Chicago. Dehydration reduces blood flow to your organs, leaving you sluggish. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of liquids such as water each day. A good self-test? If your pee is clear or pale yellow, you’re getting enough fluids.
● You crave carbs.
Who doesn’t? But the processed ones in white bread, cookies, and pasta cause your blood sugar to spike, then crash, leaving you exhausted. At least 50 percent of your diet should come from carbohydrates, but opt for complex ones like fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
● You’re skipping meals.
You dive into your workday with nothing but a Starbucks venti to sustain you, and if you’re lucky you find time to scarf down a PowerBar for lunch. Is it any wonder you’re exhausted by the time 3 p.m. rolls around? “Skipping meals, or even just not eating for a few hours, can cause blood sugar dips that leave you feeling weak,” explains Grotto. A great way to build all-day energy is to eat a fiber-rich cereal for breakfast, according to recent study findings at Cardiff University in Wales. Participants who did experienced a 10 percent reduction in fatigue, fewer incidents of depression, and improved cognitive skills.
● You’re not getting the nutrients you need.
Many women are short on magnesium, a mineral that improves cell efficiency, thus conserving energy, says ob/gyn Christiane Northrup, M.D., author of Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom. You need about 400 mg a day (most multivitamins have about 100 mg). To make sure you get enough, eat foods rich in magnesium such as peanut butter, green leafy veggies, and whole grains. Another nutrient we often fall short on: omega-3 fatty acids, which help regulate metabolism and boost oxygen intake, thus increasing energy. They’re found in higher-fat fish such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon, so aim for a few servings a week.
Read the full article here:
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/get-more-energy
