Hi there,
The week is winding down, and for many, so is their energy.
Many are under-rested, over-worked, under-nourished, and over-stuffed. This unbalanced approach to rest, nutrition, and movement leaves us barely able to get through to 5pm on Friday.
Does it really need to be this way?
Here's the thing - YOU are in control of you. So while some things maybe out of your control, such as how long you are at work or what the traffic is like, many things are 100% in your control if you choose.
What you eat impacts how you feel. It impacts your brain, your mood, your gut, and your energy levels.
Ever enjoyed delicious pizza for lunch only to find you can't keep your eyes open at 3pm? Maybe you love your morning bagel but find yourself craving carbs to bring you "back up" at lunch time. This, my friends, is a great example of food impacting your energy. Eating in a way that supports stable blood sugar throughout the day is one of the easiest ways to stop your mid-morning slump and afternoon crash.
I am so excited about the seminar that I am bringing to a local group this weekend. We are going to get into the nitty gritty of eating for energy. We're talking about managing cravings and hunger at unexpected times. (P.S. I do NOT give the standard advice here). If you live in Maryland please check out this event! We have great swag bags and I will be doing a raffle for a larger prize!
If you can't make it, here's a sneak peak at the RealFoodCourt approach to feeling good (and remember, when you feel good, you look good):
1. Eat every 3-4 hours. This is usually three meals with snacks in-between. Don't be scared to eat. If you are hungry, honor it. Snacks can help!
2. Balance each meal. We can't be perfect, it's impossible. What we can do, is strive to create a balanced, nutrient dense meal whenever we can! Focus on foods you enjoy from each group. Include a starchy carbohydrate (potato or grain), a low density carbohydrate (fruit or veg or both), a protein source, and a fat.
3. More, is more. Honor your cravings, stop restricting, and let yourself enjoy food. Like I said above, you wont be able to eat a perfectly balanced meal every time. We have events, we have holidays, we go out - it is part of what makes life so great! So relax. Enjoy your time and the food. The instant you tell yourself "no" your body and actions will say "yes". Relax, go slow, and tune in to what your body is asking for. Consistency is key and no meal or day can make or break you.
More about the RealFoodCourt approach to eating coming over the next few months. Look out for programs and tools to help you on this journey. My approach is simple, and provides structure without unnecessary food rules. You can enjoy the foods that feel good to you while maintaining energy and guiding your body towards it's preferred weight. Stay tuned!
