It is 5am and your alarm goes off.  Do you hit snooze until you are running late for work, or do you spring out of bed and get in a quick workout, make some coffee, read the newspaper all before getting ready for your day?  Does the thought of a 5am alarm freak you out? 
 
Are you in a low-energy rut?  Sometimes it's lack of sleep that's the culprit, but other times – even if you're getting your Zzzzs – you can fall into a vicious low energy cycle.  And before you know it, you're making frequent stops at Starbucks to kickstart your day.  Make a few tweaks to increase your energy naturally without relying on caffeine or processed sugar.
 
Here are some of the ways that you can keep your energy level high all day.
 
1. Drink apple cider vinegar 
I call this my morning elixir... Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) plus warm water, a squeeze of lemon, and some cinnamon.  I drink this daily for hydrate, to help kick start the inner fire before eating cooling foods, plus it tastes good!  ACV has been tied to many health benefits, but did you know that increasing energy is also one of them?  The amino acids contained in apple cider vinegar work to counter fatigue.  This also means that a switchel made from ACV< apple cider, ginger root and lemon makes for a wonderful pre-, during, and post-exercise drink!  Next time you're feeling worn out, add a teaspoon or tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water or your smoothie and watch your energy level rise.
 
 
2. Fuel up with fiber
 
Starting your day off with a breakfast containing fiber can help boost your alertness throughout the day.  This is possibly because fiber takes longer to digest by slowing the absorption of food in the stomach, so blood sugar levels remain more steady for a longer period of time. Some great options are whole-grain toast or a bowl of oatmeal with ground flaxseed.
 
3. Pick a protein
 
While protein isn't going to give you the energy surge you would get from a macchiato, it's in it for the long haul giving you lasting energy for hours to come.  Include protein in your meals throughout the day for energy without the crashes. Additional bonus... it curbs that appetite and keeps blood sugar levels balanced. 
 
4. Have more frequent meals
 
Rather than having three meals a day, it may be beneficial to you to eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. This allows you you to maintain a higher, more stable blood sugar level throughout the day so you're not experiencing the sugar highs and lows. I have recently switched to 5 meals a day, each with nearly equal macro-nutrient ratios and my energy is consistent throughout the day.  
 
5. Go for a stroll
 
If you tend to get a mid-afternoon energy downturn, going for a short walk can invigorate the rest of your day.  The next time you feel a coffee run coming on, head outside for a walk instead.
 
These are just a few ways that you can increase your energy.  Start with one of these tips and over time you'll begin to reap the benefits of lasting energy -- all it takes is a few simple shifts in your habits.
What do you plan on implementing this week to try to maintain your energy throughout the day?  I’d love to hear, hit reply and let me know what you plan on doing!
 

If you are looking for more energy, I have just published my newest Guide - Refuel for Health - Eating for Endless Energy available for download for free to you as my thanks for being a part of the Shine community of wellness renegades!

In health,