Food as Medicine Eating for Energy
02/05/2012

http://www.attitudetofood.com

We often take our energy levels for granted and it’s only when we’re tired, run down or sick that we realise how important they are. Here are three easy ways to zip up energy levels in no time…

Clean-up your diet…

In a nutshell, go for real food that’s closest to it’s original state, just the way Mother Nature produced it …that means steering clear of all the nasties in processed chemicalised foods along with caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, dairy, sugar, artificial sweeteners, saturated and trans fats!

Stick to the three golden rules; local, seasonal and organic …and one more thing! If it’s got legs and a brain, go out of your way to find produce that’s free range and fed on natural meadowland with minimal antibiotics and hormones because we are what we eat …and what that eats too!

By doing this you’re not only being nice to you, you’re being kind to the planet too …double winner!

Stress is a killer…

Whether it’s chemical, emotional or physical it’s worth putting some effort in to reducing the stresses in your life. Meditation is the best stress buster and deep breathing exercises work equally well. Here’s an Easter gift that’ll leave you feeling calm, content and ready for the Easter break!

Rest and play…

Even getting one less hours sleep per night impairs judgment, performance and energy. Amazing huh, but when we don’t get enough rest the body doesn’t have time to replenish vital hormones and biochemicals and it doesn’t operate optimally. Try going to bed one hour earlier a couple of times a week as it’s more effective than trying to sleep in.

Tried all that and still feeling fatigued? Then it may be a good idea to ask your GP to check your thyroid. Hypothyroidism (or underactive thyroid) is when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce as much Thyroxine as the body needs which has a direct effect on energy levels and essential functions such as heart rate, digestion, physical growth and mental development.

Super Power Smoothie

No fancy equipment required here …just a regular blender and you’ll have yourself a filling and nourishing smoothie in minutes!

This smoothie packs a powerful, high nutrient punch …yup, by combining a protein (nut milk and butter + protein powder) with a complex carbohydrate (oats + berries) + omega 3 oils (flax seeds) …you’ll keep your blood sugar levels stable and so you’ll feel fuller ’til lunchtime!

Ingredients keep well in the cupboard and in the freezer so you’ll always have ingredients to hand too…

Here’s what you need:

2 cups milk, preferably unsweetened/non dairy; try almond, oat or rice milks

½ cup water

1-2 teaspoon nut butter (eg almond)

1 ripe banana

2 handfuls mixed berries

1 handful of oats

2 tbsp ground flax seeds

Here’s what you do…

:: Put all ingredients with the exception of the ground flax seeds into a liquidiser and blend until smoothe.

:: Pour into a glass and stir in the ground flax seeds.

…enjoy!!

Tip #1:

If you don’t have a liquidiser, then buy a sugar free smoothie from the supermarket along with some pre-ground flax seeds and mix in a glass.

Tip #2:

Banana’s freeze really well too …just peel, cut into bite size chunks and you’ll have the exact amount you need whenever you need.

Tip #3:

Power-up this smoothie even more by adding 2 tablespoons of protein powder (my favourite is hemp protein, but experiment with options and again figure out which one you like best and go with that).

Tip #4:

This recipe works equally well with alternative fruits such as pineapple, mango, peach or lemon …always go with whatever gets your taste buds watering!

http://www.attitudetofood.com

Facebook

MySpace

Digg It

Del.icio.us

Reddit

StubmleUpon

Newsvine