I know that having 2 kids, a husband and a busy schedule doesn’t allow for much downtime! I used to really rely on coffee to get the job done but these days I have turned to other healthy alternatives to get the job done! I really struggled with energy when I first started doing Insanity. I was 3 months post partum and I wasn’t getting much sleep because my infant was still waking up every 3-4 hours. I couldn’t drink coffee because I was nursing so I researched other ways to up my energy naturally.
First I had to prioritize my day. I could take a nap in the afternoon because I was making it a priority to workout. I had to get up before my kids did in the morning so that I could take a shower. So I made sure that I went to bed by 11pm so that I was well rested.
Next, I allowed myself 1 cup of coffee first thing in the morning. Then, I drank lots of water throughout the day which helps speed your metabolism and keep you hydrated. When you are dehydrated and hungry then you become mentally foggy and tired.
I followed Tosca Reno’s Eat Clean diet which says that you should eat 5-6 small meals per day pairing a complex carb with a protein. This is beneficial because it keeps your body burning fuel efficiently and consistently. Protein takes longer to burn off which prevents your body from the rapid drop in blood sugar that you get from eating carbs. When I eat 5-6 small meals per day I am never hungry and I always have energy.
I also drink my Shakeology everyday! I replace my lunch with my shake because I am always on the go at this time and its the easiest meal to prepare! I just mix the scoop of shakeology in my shaker cup with some water and go! If I am home and have time, I will put it in the blender with some ice, banana and some peanut butter for a smoothie!
After about 30 days of exercising and eating right my body was over the initial exhaustion of starting a new fitness program and I felt like a well oiled machine! I had more energy than ever and I was physically able to do things that I could not do before! Now just 6 months later I have mastered eating clean and I feel great!
Here are some snack tips that can help you feel energized throughout the day!
- 6 almonds + 1 ounce low fat string cheese + 1 medium pear
- 1 orange + 12 cashews + 1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese
- 2 slices whole grain toast + peanut butter + 1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese
- high fiber dry cereal + skim milk + fruit
Caffeine works by blocking adenosine, a drowsiness causing neurotransmitter whose levels build over the day and peak at night to help you fall asleep. Fight off its energy robbing effects by munching on snacks that pair a slow digesting carbohydrate with protein. These options can sustain you for 2 to 3 hours.