There are far healthier and better ways to increase your energy levels than artificial energy drinks.
If you look around your local convenience store or any store for that matter, you are likely to find energy drinks lining up the shelves. Convenient stores have more energy drinks than bottled waters. It seems like the world is in some crazed energy crisis.
[spoiler title=”tl;dr – click to read summary” style=”fancy”]Energy drinks are typically loaded with caffeine, sugar, artificial sweeteners, taurine, and a wide array of other mechanically produced ingredients that are definitely not healthy even if they give you short-term energy. The healthier ways of increasing your energy level are drinking coffee or tea after a meal, regular exercise, eating fiber, having natural energy boosters and getting some sun.[/spoiler]People have become more sedentary and lethargic, and they turn to a can of sugar or artificial chemicals when they are in need of energy. The problem is that people are becoming reliant on artificial forms of energy and not really helping the main problem – their lifestyle!
Energy drinks are typically loaded with caffeine, sugar, artificial sweeteners, taurine, and a wide array of other mechanically produced ingredients that are not healthy even if they give you short-term energy. It will do you no harm if you take energy drinks in moderation, say two to three times per week. However, if you drink these several times a day, you are asking for trouble. Your body is extremely efficient and will run like a machine if you put the right fuel in it. Energy drinks are not the fuel your body needs for your body’s optimal energy levels and long-term health.
Energy drinks for one contain tons of artificial sweeteners and ingredients that have been linked to cancer and other health issues. The energy drinks that claim they do not contain artificial sweeteners contain just as much sugar. Most of them have high fructose corn syrup just like most sodas.
There are far healthier and better ways to increase your energy levels.
Five Healthy Ways to Increase Energy Levels
1. Drink Green Tea or Coffee after every Meal
More often than not, we feel lethargic and don’t feel like doing anything after a hearty lunch or dinner. This can have a chain reaction and will affect how you want to spend the rest of your day. However, by drinking a hot and naturally caffeinated beverage directly after a big meal such as green tea or coffee, you will feel a lot less lethargic and actually have energy shortly after you eat! Green tea or coffee can actually speed up your digestion which is really good for your health. Try a delicious cup of piping hot green tea or coffee after every meal and you will feel a natural surge of energy.
2. Workout / Exercise Every Day
Have you ever heard of the saying, “Objects in motion stay in motion”? After you workout, you feel less sedentary and more likely to have a positive energy. The best time of the day to workout or exercise is in the morning and / or in the afternoon. Physical activities such as workouts and exercises have positive effect on you and it will make you feel more energetic for rest of the day. It actually makes you feel much more energized and makes you feel happy as it is a natural way of releasing endorphins in your brain.
3. Eat More Fiber
Sometimes a stalled digestive system can play havoc on your energy levels. You need to make sure that you have a regular intake of wholesome fiber-based diet to have optimal energy levels. If you do not, it is most likely that the food in your system will build up which can make you feel lethargic. Know that it is important to eat a high fiber meal at least twice a day. Some of the best high fiber choices are oatmeal, quinoa, whole grain bread, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. These foods will speed up your digestion and help your body to naturally increase your energy levels. This is because fiber provides you with slow digesting carbohydrates that your body uses throughout the day.
4. Stick With All Natural Energy Boosters
If you are really having a tough day and you feel that you are low on energy levels, there are healthier options than energy drinks. Before you reach for an energy drink, try the all-natural energy boosters first! Some of the best all natural energy boosters are Green Coffee Extract, Raspberry Ketones, Green Tea Extract, Green Tea, White Tea, and Coffee. These are all great sources of natural energy and the do not have harmful artificial ingredients. These natural energy boosters will also speed up your metabolism and help you lose body fat. Try one of these all-natural boosters or even try a combination of a few of them and it be really good for your health.
5. Get Some Sun
The sun can naturally increase your energy levels and boosts your mood! Getting some natural sunlight for 15 or 20 minutes can really boost your energy levels. The sun is a natural source of some essential vitamins that your body needs. Next time you are low on energy, make it a point to go to the beach if it is possible. This will make you feel re-energized. Just make sure you don’t overdo it, as the sun can dehydrate you on a hot summer day. Keep your sunshine to a maximum of 30-40 minutes and your energy level will definitely go up.
