Wake up Early, Have More Energy and No Need For Coffee

Copyright (c) 2010 Mountain West Foot & Ankle Institute

We all have 24 hours in each day, but many people are able to accomplish more in the same amount of time. Many people turn to coffee or other stimulant products to get the energy so they can wakeup earlier or stay up later to get more accomplished. What is the real secret to having more energy? I would submit to you that without coffee, without caffeine in any form and without special "energy" products you can have the energy that you require so you can accomplish more.

Key #1: Exercise. Runners have long felt the "Runner's High" after running. They often describe increased energy, clearer mind and ability to accomplish more. This feeling doesn't just come with running, it can also come with any form of vigorous exercise. The reason for the improved feelings and the clearer mind are both related to improved oxygen flow to the tissues by improved efficiency of the lungs and more productive pumping of the heart. The interesting thing is, however, that a single run can start to make this change. This will also allow you to get improved rest at night and need less sleep overall. In otherwords, exercise can produce improved energy when awake and allow for less required sleep (ie more productive for more time).

Key #2: Diet Is it any wonder that food we eat can also influence your energy level. What foods produce energy and what foods decrease our overall energy? Let me explain with an analogy:

- When we start a fire while camping, wood is chosen based on the type of fire required. Some wood produce fast burning, hot fires, but burn quickly. Other woods produce long lasting, hot fires that will burn for long periods. The best fire energy will come from the long burning wood.

Our food supply should be considered in a similar manner. Simple sugars produce energy, but only last for a short time and then "burn out" quickly. This produces a drop in energy levels quickly. Complex carbohydrates and natural sugars (as in whole wheats, dairy, fruits and vegetables) produce greater energy and last significantly longer. In these cases, you will have prolonged energy and will accomplish more. It eating these products, it is always recommended to eat smaller, more regular meals (stop eating just 2-3 times per day, consider 5-6 times at least).

The other advantage of these foods is the ability of these foods to provide the nutrients that allow rapid repair of the tissues, which produce significanlty more ability to function without prolonged injury.

Running is my energy boost, and a nutrient rich diet of fruit, vegetables and complex carbohydrates produce a long burning energy reserve. These allow me to wake early, work or play longer and still have the energy necessary to function throughout the day. What a great insight this has been for me....