If you're experiencing low energy more and more and think it's just another sign of aging - think again.  You may be suffering from adrenal fatigue.  Feeling fatigued all the time is not part of the natural aging process.  As long as you have no major health issues, there's no reason you shouldn't be living an
energized, vibrant life.  Small steps can help get you back on track:
  
1) Sleep - 8 to 10 hours a night (more than that on a regular basis may indicate another
problem like mild depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder).
2) Exercise - studies have shown that people with a sedentary lifestyle have increased energy when they start an exercise program.
3) Eat well and often - a diet rich in whole foods, healthy grains and appropriate amounts of protein increase energy.  Avoid over caffeinating yourself.  Also, don't skip meals.  Hunger puts a strain on the adrenals.
4) De-stress - massage, yoga, meditation and even sipping a cup of tea in a quiet setting can
recharge your batteries.
5) Re-evaluate - find some time for play and get rid of the things in your life that drain you.
 
Want to learn more?  Contact me for a complimentary health consultation : )

When a client comes to me complaining of fatigue, my first recommendation is to get rid of artificial stimulants.  Coffee, soda, sugary snacks and junk food all fit into this category.  The best way to transition to healthier habits is to "crowd out" the old food and drinks with water, protein, healthy fats and dark leafy greens.  We can only eat and drink so much.  For example if we fill up with a snack of water with lemon and a handful of raw almonds, then chances are we won't be craving - or have room for - junk food.  It's a choice.  And we're in charge of making it.

Another thing we can do to alleviate cravings is to eat quality protein.  Organic whole grains and legumes; meat from organically raised, free range animals; and low-mercury content seafood.  Protein increases our metabolic rate and digests more slowly than carbohydrates so it lasts longer.

Incorporating healthy fats creates efficient energy and creates the building blocks for compounds that fight inflammation and maintain brain health.  Eggs, nuts, olive oil and seeds are a great source of healthy fats and eaten in moderation promote health.

When we're stressed, we quickly deplete certain vitamins like Vitamin B.  Green leafy greens like kale, spinach, collards and swiss chard contain these energizing B Vitamins which are critical for generating new cells.  They also contain antioxidants and dark green chlorophyll which helps repair and grow healthy tissues. 

So just by changing a few things in your life like eating healthy proteins, incorporating health promoting fats and dark leafy greens you can have long lasting, sustainable energy.  Not to mention all the health benefits!

Try to be mindful of the messages your body is sending you and how it's responding to eating healthy foods.