Beat the Summer Heat and Keep Energy UP!
BY APRIL PASCARELLI
A heat wave can sometimes be too hot to handle. And this summer has had its fair share of HOT days! There is more than a month left in the season and another stretch of extreme heat in the upcoming forecast. So how do we beat the heat and keep our energy levels up? As enticing as a dip in the pool or a beach day sounds, we know that is not always possible. Especially when the hot days accumulate and work, responsibilities, family, and day-to-day duties are calling.
But just like we can feel unmotivated in the wintertime with ice-cold temps, we can feel the effect of the summer heat draining us and tugging at our lazy bones. So, if you feel like you are in need of a recharge, here are a few tips that should help you feel more motivated.
1. STAY HYDRATED
We know we need water for a multitude of reasons. From quenching thirst to aiding in digestion to holding off hunger pangs, it plays a crucial part in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But it is a factor in our energy levels as well. The key here is to be sure you drink before you feel thirsty. Aim for 8-10 sips every hour to make sure you stay hydrated in the summer. Keeping this up will also help to hold off those headaches and migraines (which can most definitely interfere with our energy). Lacking proper H2O amounts can cause metabolic processes to shift and lead to fatigue. So, do not let dehydration lead you to decreased energy. Drink up!
2. EAT SMALLER MEALS
If snacking is not your thing and you sit down to three large meals daily, you may want to switch things up. Those larger meals make your digestive system work double time (it takes more time and energy to break down those big meals), and they can be overly taxing on your system. All of this leads to lethargy. Consider snacking on smaller portions throughout the day. Make it a goal to grab something every two to three hours. Perhaps you will find that grazing is the way to go!
3. JOURNAL IT
If cutting down your meal size and spreading it out throughout the day does not make a difference, then it may be time to look at WHAT you are eating. Grabbing a sugary snack every couple of hours may give you a sudden burst of energy, but only before your body feels like crashing. Fuel your body with the best to keep it properly running. Think whole foods, less processed, and less sugar. Maybe it is time to ditch dairy (as many have an intolerance) and move away from eating meat since it sits in our digestive tract and weighs us down. Ponder more plant-based options to increase your energy naturally. But regardless, grab your pen and put to paper what foods you eat every day. Notice which foods makes you feel full of energy and which are zapping you of your zest.
4. SWAP OUT MORNING CAFFEINE
For all the coffee lovers, this one may have you scratching your head and thinking, “Absolutely not! No way!" But hear me out. It may seem counterproductive to eliminate caffeine from your diet after you wake but drinking caffeine first thing in the morning can deplete your energy levels. According to researchers, waiting a while after you wake to drink that cup of joe is best due to the regular production of cortisol in your body and it being at one of its (three) daily peaks in the hour after you rise. Try waking up to a glass of warm lemon water or organic green juice, or fuel up with whole grains instead.
5. CONSIDER A CLEANSE
Rid your body of toxins and reset your system while feeling re-energized! Your body will have time to heal and repair as you save energy by not having to break down food. Additionally, you will soak in all the nutrients extracted from the fruits and veggies and restore your natural energy levels. Opt for an organic cleanse to be sure you are eliminating toxins, and plan for two or three days to give your body a chance to feel the effects. If you are not sure where to start, there is this great little local place I know (wink, wink).
IN SUMMARY:
Hydrate, eat clean, small meals, jot down what you eat and how you feel, cut out the caffeine, and cleanse your body. In addition, check out your B vitamin levels since they play a role in energy production. The moral of the story is - do not let the weather dictate your mood and motivation and zap you of your energy. Make a few tiny swaps, say hello to healthier habits, and sayonara to feeling sluggish!