Energy Fix!

Being a full time working mom can have its challenges. Lately I've been relying on caffeine to get me through the day. Although that works temporarily, I still find myself crashing when it's not quite bed time, or not being able to fall asleep because I've had caffeine too late in the day.

Whether you're a parent or not, being alert at your job is a must! I've been looking for solutions that keep me on par with my fitness goals as well as keeping me awake all day long. So here is what I found...

1. Energetic Foods!

• If you find yourself being more tired than you should be after what appears to be a good night's rest, try implementing these foods into your diet.

• Oatmeal

• Yogurt

• Shrimp

• Strawberries

• Hummus

• Spinach

• Almonds

• Bananas

• Popcorn (I would try the others first, they are the healthier options)

• Water (this one is a given)

*For additional details on why these foods work, check out the entire article here.

2. Habits of Highly Energetic People!

• These daily habits have been found to increase your energy levels more than caffeine!

• Meditate: This is a great practice to get into. Even two minutes a day can be beneficial to your health and well-being.

• Drink plenty of water: Here's that H2O again!

• Waking up on the right side of the bed: Okay, don't take this one literally, but being positive in the morning can help create healthy energy throughout the day. Even if you aren't feeling particularly optimistic try the ole 'fake it til you make it' approach!

• Take a 30 minute walk at some point in your day.

• Adding a dash of lemon to your water.

• Making sure you eat a healthy breakfast. Try eating within an hour of waking up in the morning. Even if it's something small like a yogurt or a banana can really do the trick.

• Exercise during the day. This is taking that additional step (pun intended) and actually doing a workout.

• Step outside at least a few times a day and enjoy that wonderful Vitamin D!

3. Small Changes

• If you already find yourself feeling tired throughout the day you might try changing up a few things. Here are a couple things that have made a big difference....

• What's your sleep number? Find out how many hours you sleep per night and feel your best. For me personally, I feel the best when I get 7 or 7.5 hours of sleep each night. If I get 8 or 8.5 I don't feel as energetic throughout the day. So I try to set my alarm to be on par with my sleep number.

• Cut out caffeine: Okay, so this is definitely an option for some people, but not one for me. As a working mom, who is still nursing, caffeine is my only vice!!!

• Cut out alcohol: Cutting out alcohol will help you sleep better, you will get more sleep, and you wont be as dehydrated. I definitely recommend this if you are more than just a one drink hitter.

• Water: Again....every article I have researched water is on there. This is a huge and pretty easy one to change. Just up your water intake by a liter per day and see how you feel!

That's all folks!! I hope you will now wake up feeling refreshed, positive, hydrated, and energetic all day long!!