Improving your health can sometimes seem hard. You may feel you just don’t have the energy to make the changes you need to boost your energy and overall health. The good news is that those first steps to health are very easy. Most people I see complain of low energy, in addition to whatever other complaints they also have, and the energy levels are among the first improvements they feel.
The first easy change - drink at least 2 litres of water a day
Lack of adequate water is a widespread cause of low energy in New Zealand. So the first easy change to make is to drink at least 2 litres of water a day.
An important aspect of this is that I am not talking about drinks generally I do mean water; plain water not fizzy or flavoured in any way. In order to drink that much water you will probably have to cut out some, or better still all: coffee, tea, juice, fizzy drinks, and alcohol. By cutting out all those you will also decrease your risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer, mental health problems, heart problems, hormonal problems, weak bones and joints and so much more.
The second easy step is to include high quality fats every day.
Contrary to popular belief we need fats for every aspect of our health including energy and to simply survive. However it is hugely important the fat is a quality health giving fat. Start to include quality fats every day. The easiest way to do this is to pour 2- 3 teaspoons of Cold pressed oil 2-3 times a day cold on your food. The easiest of these quality oils to get hold of is Organic (if possible) Extra Virgin Olive Oil. You could also use Flaxseed/Linseed oil, Cold pressed avocado oil or ORGANIC Coconut oil/ Coconut Butter. Other sources of quality fats are soaked nuts (eat no more than 5 at a time), Avocados, Fish, and Organic meat. Organic meat is higher in omega 3 fats than fish- the same does NOT apply to meat is not of an organic standard. High quality fats help: decrease inflammation, heart health, skin, decrease stress, hormones, blood sugar levels, improvement for health, decrease depression, and relieves anxiety.
The third easy change – (saves Money any Health) – cut out sugar
The third easy change, will not cost a thing as it is about not putting certain things into your mouth. Sweet foods can really zap your energy. You may argue that initially sugars do give an energy boost. While that is true the initial boost is very short, soon after you will find your energy flagging, searching out yet another sugar rush. Your body also uses up important nutrients when sugar is taken in; the very nutrients that help you to produce energy. Sugar will lower your immunity making you more prone to infections which also lower energy. Sugar increases your risk or type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Cancer cells feed on sugar.
Simply stop the sweet tasting foods; biscuits, cakes, fruity yoghurt, Milo, sweets, dried fruit, honey, maple syrup, soft drinks and fruit juice(home squeezed is OK). In fact avoid anything sweeter than a fresh raw apple –If you want to check labels look at the ingredients section- sugar, syrup, malt, honey, and any word ending with the letters “ose” for example fructose, sucrose etc are sugar.
When you have made these 3 simple easy changes you will have more energy to move on to even more ways to help your health.
If you find you need more help to get even more energy or for specific health problems email us or call 07 571 3226 to book your appointment.
Original Article February 2013 Copyright Jaine Kirtley
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