So, where do we get all of our energy from?  Well, it’s quite simple, our food.  Consuming large amounts of foods like animal products, refined sugar, and processed foods can slow us down. When we switch our dietary patterns to incorporate more plant-based foods, the abundance of nutrients and vitamins are endless.

Eat More Carbs!

Gone are the days of low-carb diets.   I find that many people don't want to increase eating their carbohydrates in fear they will gain a substantial amount of weight.  Our primary fuel source when we work out is carbohydrates, so wouldn’t it make sense to consume more of them so we have the energy to get us through an intense workout? What about when we work? Our brain requires glycogen to think, so carbohydrates will give you the fuel you need to complete your tasks. Of course, we want to ensure that we are incorporating complex carbohydrates into our diet (grains, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes) along with fruit (a high source of fiber and essential nutrients) so we have not only enough energy to get us through a workout but also during the day.

 Drink More Water

As you exercise, you start to lose fluid through your sweat.  This water needs to be replaced otherwise your performance will suffer. Muscle fatigue can set in when the cells in our bodies don’t maintain their balance of fluids and electrolytes.  Make sure that you keep the body hydrated prior to exercise, during exercise, and after exercise.  The more you sweat, the more water that needs to be replaced.

More Fiber

If you consume animal protein, you’re getting no fiber.   Foods such as brown rice, beans, lentils, broccoli, and fruit are high in dietary fiber. Fiber is the transport system of the digestive tract and moves food wastes out of the body.  Although there are many causes of fatigue, high blood sugar or cholesterol (cholesterol is only found in an animal protein) can contribute to fatigue.  Who wants to exercise when you’re fatigued?  Adding fiber to your diet can significantly reduce high blood sugar and cholesterol. 

Let Go of the Processed Foods

Do you really know what’s in your food?  If you are purchasing processed foods they are most likely high in sodium and sugar.  When you take in excess sodium, you’ll retain more fluid which puts more work on your heat, increases your blood pressure, and it can also lead to bloating and water retention which can drain your energy level.  How do you avoid this?  Simply buy less processed foods and include more fresh whole foods into your daily eating regime.  So instead of buying those frozen dinners, try buying some frozen vegetables and mix it up with beans and rice.  Very little salt and sugar. 

 Get a Variety of Nutrients

Transitioning from your old eating habits to a new dietary pattern can be challenging as it’s hard to change our taste buds to enjoy new foods.   Food that we get from the ground or a tree is grown naturally and contains the right proportion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.  In addition, vitamins and minerals are contained in all of these foods.  If you swap more processed foods for ‘real' whole foods, your energy will go through the roof. If you want to heal the body and maintain balance in the body’s cells, getting a variety of foods will ensure this.