Stay Energized all Day…Without Caffeine

Don’t get us wrong. Pretty much everyone here loves starting their day with a cup of tea or coffee. And we aren’t about to give that up anytime soon. But as for the mid-morning coffee, the lunchtime coffee, the mid-afternoon coffee (and the list goes on) …we’ve found that it’s actually possible to make it through the day without them. And seeing as we’re all likely feeling extra sluggish after this week’s time change, now is the perfect time to share some of our favourite tips.

Eat smart

It will come as no surprise that a healthy, balanced diet is the best place to start. So many foods we already think of as healthy are also a great source of energy. It’s not rocket science…just try to eat a balanced diet high in whole grains, vegetables and healthy fats, and you’re already halfway there. Here are some ideas to get you started…

Whole Grains – Providing a brain-friendly dose of glucose, whole grains are a proven source of energy

Nuts – Packed with healthy fats and proteins – the perfect snack to get you going…without a sugar crash half an hour later

Avocado – Rich in healthy fats, which your body uses for energy, and B vitamins, which provide an instant boost

Fish – High in omega-3 fats, which are said to help your brain function better

Citrus – The vitamin C in oranges helps circulate oxygen to your body and brain, giving you an all-natural boost

Blueberries – Packed with antioxidants, these little berries are the original superfood

Broccoli – Not only is broccoli packed with vitamin C, fibre and antioxidants, it also contains chromium, which helps regulate blood sugar to keep you high-functioning

Dark Chocolate – While it does have some caffeine, cocoa also contains flavonoids, which have been shown to boost cognitive skills and improve your mood. Sweet…

It’s not just what you eat…

You also need to watch when you eat. The morning rush makes it tempting, but try not to skip breakfast. A morning meal tells your body that the day has begun, and helps you wake up faster. It’s also a great idea to keep your meals small, then supplement with healthy snacks (nuts, anyone?) as needed. By giving your brain a steady supply of nutrients throughout the day, you’ll keep it running in top form. Don’t just take it from us – researchers have shown that a big lunch is more likely to cause an afternoon slump. Sorry, all-you-can eat buffet…maybe another time.

Water, water everywhere. Seriously.

Tired of health and nutrition articles telling you to drink more water? Well, get used to it. The fact is, it’s just about the healthiest thing you can do. Daytime fatigue is one of the earliest warning signs that you’re not getting enough water. So if you find yourself craving a mid-afternoon nap…try drinking a glass or two of H2O instead – it might just give you the boost you need.

Move it or lose it.

Another great way to reenergize yourself mid-day? Get up and move. An afternoon workout is an amazing way to get energized – studies show that it can actually boost productivity enough to counteract the time you spent away from your desk. But if you’re not up for a 2pm jog, even a brisk 20 minute walk outside can work wonders. And if you’re having trouble adjusting to the time change, being outside in natural light helps adjust your body clock. What’s not to love?

There. We’re feeling more alert and energized just writing about this stuff! So, how do you keep the mid-afternoon slump at bay? Shoot us an email at blog@madradish.com.