Energy Now

Health Corner with Trena Barishnikov

Have you seen the ads at gas stations emphasizing they use the cleanest type of gasoline? It makes sense to us to pump high quality gas into our car to make it run better. Would we be surprised to know that the food we put in our bodies can either deplete our energy making us tired and sluggish, or fuel us with energy causing us to become stronger and healthier?

Webster’s dictionary defines the word “energy” as vigor, power in action, and vitality. When you feel energetic you feel happier, more hopeful, more optimistic, and have better self-esteem.

The source of our energy is within our reach. But in order to tap into this source, it is crucial for us to know the impact that the foods we consume have on our bodies. While carbohydrates may give us short bursts of energy, proteins release it more slowly and evenly. The biggest source of energy is concentrated in healthy fats. Though it seems that in order to keep good stamina, all you have to do is to eat foods rich in healthy fats, in reality for optimum health and energy we need to find the right balance between proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. And it is not complicated at all. Some nutritionists suggest that it is good to fill half of your plate with non-starchy vegetables, a quarter plate with healthy carbohydrates, and the last quarter with a lean protein.

For example, I always enjoy a mixed green salad with tomatoes, carrots, slices of avocado, seeds, nuts, and other veggies toppings, buckwheat or brown rice, and a piece of wild caught Alaskan salmon. For vegetarians or vegans, you could substitute fish with legumes or whole grains.

It is also important to remember that as we sweat we lose valuable salts, minerals, and glucose. Rehydrating yourself properly with natural juices and water will help you replenish your body with necessary sugars and minerals and regain the lost energy. Instead of drinking coffee to give you that desired “kick”, let us just try fresh fruit. You might be amazed how a fresh apple or an orange will do the trick better than sugary sweets or coffee, not only pulling you out of an energy slump, but giving your body the fuel it needs.

So, has your body been dragging without any energy? Maybe you pulled to a gas station that does not care about purity of its product. Maybe it is time to change the source of fuel and get your body what it needs to be charged and ready to go.

3 John 2 – “I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in good health, even as your soul prospers.”

The information provided is for educational use only and is not intended to diagnose and treat any health conditions.