After a long and frustrating day at work, finding the extra energy and motivation to head to the gym can seem feel like the straw that broke the camel’s back.
It’s simply too much to take in single day, and after working so hard, you would be justified in collapsing on the couch and catching a few Zzz’s.
On the other hand, you may have more fuel left in your tank than you realize, and these amazing energy boosters can give you the extra pick-me-up you need to get up and get in shape.
Energy Supplements
There are countless pills, supplements, and products in the weight loss industry that can give you the extra boost you need to keep going. Some use all-natural herbs and ingredients and other rely heavily on the caffeine to help you feel more alert and awake.
According to experts at WebMD, “caffeine and similar compounds do step up the metabolism temporarily,” and “that can make people feel better.”
Supplements such as Slimquick are said to provide safe solutions for improving performance with (and without) the use of caffeine, but on the other hand, they may end up causing more side effects than they’re worth (you can read more about why at this in-depth review:
Get Up and Get Moving
Although moving may be the last thing you feel like doing, a brief session of physical exercise could give you a surprising boost in energy rather than draining everything you have left.
Rita Redberg, MD, suggests, “I like walking because it’s accessible, easy to do, doesn’t need training or equipment and you can do it anywhere.”
Various studies have also shown that even 10 minutes of walking can increase energy levels for hours – boosting mood and performance throughout the day.
Power Up with Power Foods
Cutting calories to extremes can leave your body in a state of stress, resulting in irritability, fatigue, and similar symptoms. Instead of focusing on which foods you have to cut out, you may want to change the way you lose weight by focusing on healthy foods you can eat.
Lona Sandon, RD and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association says, “If you weren’t fortified well at breakfast and lunch, you need to take a moment and have a snack.”
Foods that are rich in protein and whole-grains can give you long-lasting energy and help you feel full, while fruits can give you a quick boost in energy via all-natural sugars. Try powering up your day with energy boosters such as apples, mixed nuts, whole-wheat crackers, or even spice things up with bell peppers (which can boost metabolism and help you lose weight).
Additional Suggestions
The key to keeping your energy levels in tip top condition is to pay attention to what your body needs rather than what you want to get done throughout the day.
You may be sleep deprived, and a quick power nap could do the job, or you could be low in vitamins such as magnesium (which is essential for breaking down glucose into energy) and may need a multi-vitamin to get you going. You could even be stressed or bored and may need a creative outlet to help you find more satisfaction throughout your day.
If you’re suffering from chronic fatigue and exhaustion and can’t pinpoint the source, then you may need to consult your physician to ensure that you don’t have more serious medical problems that could be slowing you down.
