Health Articles >> Boost Your Energy Daily

Boost Your Energy Daily

Ezine - 02/22/2012

Print Boost Your Energy Daily Print | Email Boost Your Energy Daily Email | Boost Your Energy Daily Comments Comments | Share Boost Your Energy Daily Bookmark Us

Instead of quick fixes like caffeine, sugar or energy drinks, you can instantly energize yourself on a daily basis with these healthy alternatives.

H2O is the way to go
Your body is made up of about 60% to 70% water. By drinking 64 ounces a day you will help hydrate your body almost immediately depending on your body type. You can also add a little favor to your water with a lemon wedge, a crushed mint leaf, or a cucumber slice. This will make the water go down a little bit easier. Another way to hydrate your body with water is to eat two servings of fruit and vegetables that contain water. The highest levels of water contained in fruit and vegetables are celery and watermelon. By eating fruits and vegetables such as these you can give your body the energy it needs to get through the day. Keep a water bottle in your bag and you will be better prepared to start your day.

Get your move on
Sitting all day without perfect posture is a disaster waiting to happen. This adds stress to the neck, shoulders and back. It also stiffens your muscles and joints. Stand up, walk around and get your body moving. Go for a small walk or stretch out those body parts and you will get your fluids in your joints flowing to help wake up your body. Try this stretch for the shoulders and upper back: 1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart. 2. Bring your arm out in front of you and reach across your body. 3. Repeat on the other side. Do this active stretch for 1 minute and remember to exhale as your arm reaches the other side of the body.

Two snacks a day keep the blues away
Food gives you energy, especially carbohydrates. The average woman must eat 4-5 small meals a day including your snacks, especially if you are exercising frequently. The best snack one can eat is the pairing of both a protein and a carbohydrate. Try a small piece of fruit such as an apple or peach paired with 12 nuts such as almonds or cashews. The combination of a protein (nuts) helps to balance the carbohydrates (fruit) so the food will slowly enter the blood stream and won't raise your insulin levels. Raised insulin levels can affect your metabolism which is the key component of weight loss and getting in shape. Eating a carbohydrate by itself will raise your insulin levels and may cause energy to drop in the afternoon. Having just one or two snacks between meals can keep your insulin level balanced and keep you fuller. This keeps you from over eating on your next meal as well as giving you energy to last through-out the day.

Turn on the tunes
By listening to your favorite music that has a fast beat can help increase your heart rate, make you feel better as well as the need to dance. Music is known to increase your circulation, put you in a good mood and gets your blood flowing. Start by adding a playlist to your mp3 or iPod for those long afternoons to help boost your energy levels. Try the Top 40 playlists and dance music that always has great beats, sounds and lyrics.

For more information about fitness, exercise and nutrition go to: http://www.diamondbarbells.com