The beginning of March is a tricky time. We keep hearing that spring is just around the corner, but that can be hard to believe when we keep receiving snowfall warnings! If you feel that your energy level is below normal, you’re not alone.
Thankfully, there are some simple ways to put more pep in our step, in a healthy way. Along with getting enough sleep and increasing our activity level (even a brisk walk can be immensely helpful!), nutrition is a great way to boost our energy.
Kick your coffee up a notch. Why settle for a boring cup of joe when you can pack more nutrients in your morning drink? For a good dose of healthy fats, try blending pure, organic coconut oil into your coffee (believe it or not, this is a popular trend right now!). You can also add a little bit of honey or stevia for some natural sweetness. Or, for a healthy coffee alternative, try a delicious matcha green tea that’s brimming with antioxidants and natural caffeine, or a simple mix of hot filtered water, lemon juice, and honey.
Shop the first fruits and berries. Although our local farmers’ market won’t open for a couple months, there’s no need to limit ourselves to boring apples and pears. The first blueberries, raspberries, and even watermelons are hitting store shelves, so dig in! If you’re concerned about pesticides and herbicides, be sure to look for certified organic options at your local health food store.
Use superfoods to your advantage. Basically, superfoods are just foods that have a higher-than-normal concentration of nutrients. They can make great snacks that keep us going and give us a quick boost of energy—without the guilt. Consider kale chips, dried goji berries, walnuts, avocados on toast, or hemp seeds. You can even whip up a trail mx featuring your personal favourite mix of dried fruits and berries, seeds, nuts, and dark chocolate. Yum! Carry it with you for those times that you’re tempted to hit the vending machine or drive-thru.
Replenish with probiotics. Probiotics are the healthy micro-organisms that live happily in our digestive tracts. In good times, they help us with digestion, fight off germs, and are even thought to keep our mood balanced. However, antibiotics and certain illnesses can kill off these beneficial bacteria. Get them back by eating probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, as well as with probiotic supplements.
Get enough vitamin D. Vitamin D is available in a few foods (such as liver, fortified milk, and egg yolks) but we also get it from the sunshine on our skin. Sadly, as most of us BC folks know, sunshine is hard to come across this time of year. Why should we care? As it turns out, vitamin D is helpful for much more than our bones—it’s thought to help improve mood and boost energy in those with low levels. Supplements are widely available at health food stores and drugstores alike. It’s easier and cheaper than scheduling a monthly trip to a tropical destination! As always, talk to your doctor to make sure supplements are right for you.
What are your favourite healthy, energy-boosting foods? Do you have foolproof tips to banish fatigue? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
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Leah Payne is a writer, editor, blogger, and the owner of Cedar Hill Creative. She regularly writes about health and wellness—one of her favourite topics. Leah can’t wait for the springtime and the energy boost it always brings her! In the meantime, she’ll make do by following these tips.