Have you ever run out of toothpaste?  You squeeze the tube from every angle, roll it up from the bottom, just trying to pinch the last bit out.  The amount of energy you have each day is a lot like your toothpaste:  it’s an essential part of taking care of yourself.   With toothpaste, though, if you run out, you know how to get more.   When you run out of energy, it’s hard to know what to do.  Many people try to restock their energy by reaching for a mid-morning sweet or an afternoon latte, but what they don’t realize is that learning to eat for energy can radically change how they feel each day. Energy can be purchased at the grocery store, if we know what we are looking for.  Without a doubt, we are searching for it in many of our purchases.   Americans spend millions of dollars each year on energy drinks and energy bars.  While these quick fixes give us a temporary lift, lasting energy comes from only real nourishment.   What is real nourishment?  Real nourishment comes from foods and activities that feed our body and soul in a way that create more energy.  Many foods do the opposite.  Sugar and caffeine, the two most common culprits, decrease our energy.  We use them as a quick “pick me up,” although they may give an initial burst of energy, they are nothing more than “fake fuel”.  The sugar and caffeine send us soaring for a little while, but as they are processed in the body, they send us crashing.  Ouch!  It doesn’t feel too good down there, so we reach for more sugar and caffeine to temporarily solve the dilemma.  This constant up and down is an energy roller coaster.  I rode that roller coaster until I decided it was time to get off.  If you want to jump off the ride and experience sustained energy, the following tips will get you started.        

Choose water instead of ‘energy’ drinks, caffeine and sugar-filled juices.  Your body is made of water and needs to be replenished.  When you do not consume enough water, you become dehydrated, which decreases your energy as your body tries to cope.  Drink two full glasses first thing in the morning to jumpstart your energy.·        

Incorporate whole grains instead of processed, refined grains.  Processed grains are in many of the foods on our grocery store shelves, like baked goods, cookies, crackers, quick cooking rice, white pasta, and many breakfast cereals.  When a grain is processed, it is stripped of the wonderful minerals and nutrients that provide lasting energy.  For breakfast, replace your cereal with whole rolled oatmeal topped with dried fruit and nuts.·        

Think green!  Green vegetables are the number one food missing in most American diets.  Somehow, we thought that eating French fries counted as our vegetable for the day.  Green vegetables cleanse the body of toxins and impurities, giving it more energy.  Experiment with some new green vegetables this fall and winter, like kale, Swiss chard, collard greens and bok choy.  These amazing dark, leafy greens are filled with the vitamins and minerals our bodies crave.·        

Relax your body and mind.  If your mind is always racing, consider yourself normal.  Our busy lives often cause our thoughts to show up as worries, fears or endless to-do lists.  A racing mind sends a stress response to the body.   Put yourself first by starting the day with at least five minutes of “Me Time.”  Focus on breathing, meditation, prayer or positive visualization to quiet your mind.  Consider incorporating yoga or other forms of movement to increase energy in the body.