What?s Causing Your Energy Drain?

This is such a busy time of year, isn't it? Whether it's school or after-school commitments, social or philanthropic organizations that start meeting again after the summer, end of the year plans at work, or all of the above, fall activities are demanding! If you're like me, you know you plan too much, but you still want to be efficient, accomplish everything, and do it well. There is no time in the schedule for running out of energy or getting sick, and "Collapse From Exhaustion" is not on the TO DO list. But your body will stop you if you don't stop it first. How will you know if you are running on empty? The number one warning sign is fatigue.

Abnormal fatigue can be a sign from your body that you are overworking, overthinking, underresting, or undereating. (I don't know if all those are words, but they should be.) A variety of illnesses and medical conditions can cause fatigue, including hormone disorders, depression, and pregnancy, so if you notice a dramatic or persistent change in your energy level, it's wise to consult your physician. The good news is that if it's your hectic agenda that's leaving you drained, you can give yourself the best chance of staying well by looking at a few key areas ? sleep, nutrition, hydration, and relaxation.

As with many beneficial life habits, these four staples of health do not have catchy slogans or expensive promotional campaigns. Bottled water brands and sleep number beds are starting to change that, but they're based on the premise that you need a very extravagant bed or water purification system, rather than the idea that you need sleep and water to be healthy. (Common sense, you say? How long has it been since you got eight hours of sleep and drank two liters of water in the same day?) Most nutrition-related marketing promotes one food or food group over another, rather than the guiding principle that you faithful readers know by now: eating frequent, small amounts of a variety of foods.

On the other hand, I'm sure you've seen and heard multiple advertisements for energy bars, energy drinks, and energy boosting supplements, promising more energy if you eat or drink the magical concoction of chemicals. Remember what you learned in Nutrition 101: Your body can only make energy from three things: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. ONLY. Other nutrients help your body USE energy, including iron and B vitamins, but nothing you get in a pill can actually give you more energy than eating actual food. Caffeine, ginseng, guarana, ma huang, ephedra, and xenedrine are all stimulants that make your heart beat faster, so your brain gets more oxygen, so you FEEL like you have more energy?but it's a trap. When the effects wear off, you will be more tired than you were before. If you use the chemicals again, you perpetuate the cycle, or in other words, you're hooked!

Quick Tip: Real energy means calories. If a product contains 0 calories, it's a fake.

The good news (yes, there's more!) is that although no supplement can make up for poor habits, changing habits can eliminate the need for these potentially harmful chemicals in your body. Easier said than done, I agree. But start in one area, and experiment with a small change. If you see results, you will have proved to yourself that the change is worth it! In the coming weeks, we'll look at each of the key areas, sleep, nutrition, hydration, and relaxation, with the goal of maintaining exceptional energy throughout your day.

If you need an energy makeover, why not keep an energy log? On 2 weekdays and 2 weekend days write down the following: What time it is each time you eat (you don't have to write down WHAT you eat); what time it is when you go to sleep and when you wake up; what beverages you drink throughout the day; any relaxing activities you did that day; and a description of your energy (highs or lows) throughout the day. In two weeks we'll meet back and see what your results mean and where to improve! To be continued?

Jessica Setnick is a registered dietitian in Dallas, Texas who travels the world spreading nutrition wisdom. As an accomplished speaker and writer, Jessica's passion is promoting a positive relationship with food and eating as a key component of a healthy and happy life. Find out more or contact Jessica to speak at your event by visiting her website at www.understandingnutrition.com.
© 2004 Permission is granted to reprint this article in print or on your web site so long as the paragraph above is included and contact information is provided to www.understandingnutrition.com.

---

Fluoride Debate Continues

The debate regarding Fluoride continues to rage, is it good... Read More

Time Line of the Development of GlycoBiology and GlycoNutritionals

1880s - Characterization of monosaccharides by Emil Fischer.1952 - Fresh,... Read More

Toxic Metal Removal Through Restored Protein Anabolism. Focus: Mercury Toxicity

Toxic metals exist in our environment as pollutants in our... Read More

The Joys of Being Healthy

It is amazing to be able to say I am... Read More

Is Your Food Aging You?

Did you know that the food you eat could be... Read More

REAL Summer Foods

Fire ElementAccording to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there are five... Read More

Healthy Eating Made Simple

The confusion about eating healthy and dieting will now be... Read More

Good Fats and Bad Fats -- Whats The Difference?

As a low carb dieter, your diet is undoubtedly high... Read More

Healthy Aging - The Clean-Meat Connection

It is shocking how many people are not taking advantage... Read More

The Glycemic Index and Dieting

The field of nutrition is awash with charts, tables, diagrams,... Read More

Calcium: the Miracle Mineral

We've heard it not only once or twice or even... Read More

Fibromyalgia: How Simple Sugars Turned Fatigue into Energy

Several years ago, Marilyn M. couldn't even spell fibromyalgia.Now she... Read More

Learn About Food Nutrition Facts

Food nutrition factsFinding food nutrition facts and dietary nutrition used... Read More

3 Things You Want to Know About Cholesterol

You wouldn't judge a book by its cover, would you?You... Read More

Blueberry Picking Techniques

First of all you have to have a bucket. You... Read More

Essential Fatty Acids - Americas Major Dietary Deficiency

America's major dietary deficiency - EFA a panacea for good... Read More

Lifestyle Wellness

LIFESTYLE WELLNESS = An Adventure of Health + Vitality!Not a... Read More

Eating Disorders Do Not Discriminate

Who suffers from Eating Disorders?Eating Disorder sufferers are male and... Read More

Nutrition For Your Young Athlete

Nutrition is extremely important for any young person, especially an... Read More

Adding to Your Level of Health is the Key

Here is a continuation of the light and darkness metaphor:... Read More

The Fountain of Youth - Right in Front of Us All This Time!

Can we really stop the aging process, slow it down,... Read More

Combat Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion

Today, more than ever, consumers over the age of 50... Read More

Discover How to Grow Your Own Source of Vitamins, Fiber, Proteins, and More

Sprouts not only taste good, but they are also a... Read More

Calorie Deficit

I am sure you have heard you have to build... Read More

Vitamin D - The Sunshine Vitamin!

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin like A and E.... Read More

Brain Foods Make You Think Differently for Back-to-school

Students might start thinking a little differently, once they learn... Read More

The Secrets of the Centenarians: How to Live to 100!

When Helen Boardman was still a girlish 99, she fell... Read More

Cherries - A Natural Joint Pain Killer

Fruit Advantage Tart Cherry capsules are a nutritious, all-natural alternative... Read More

Preventing Heart Disease: What Not To Eat

About 12.6 million Americans currently have heart disease.1.1 million Americans... Read More

Ambrotose Complex

Mannatech's patent-pending glyconutrients complex, Ambrotose, is perhaps the greatest wellness... Read More

Eliminate Sugar and Lose Weight

If you want to lose weight, there is one thing... Read More

The Minefield Of Eating Out On A Gluten Free Diet

Eating out when you are on a restricted diet always... Read More

Healthy Eating Myths Destroyed

Some of the things you think you know that just... Read More