It’s a busy world we live in. With the many social platforms and nonstop pace of fitness, I sometimes find myself working 12, 18 and even 20-hour workdays.
The workload can take a huge toll on my energy stores. A lot of people ask me, “How do you have so much energy all of the time?” Many assume that my energy comes from caffeine, but they are wrong.
A big part of my energy comes from my nutrition. My nutrition consists of many substances that I like to call “energy food.” Energy food is how I use food for energy instead of turning to caffeine or other stimulants.
Don’t get me wrong— like many of you reading this right now, I learned the hard way that too much caffeine can hurt instead of help you.
Too Much Caffeine?
Yep. It’s a real thing.
We sip coffee, Red Bulls and other energy drinks hoping for the big boost and after a while, we notice that the big “boost” just doesn’t happen. We end up more irritated, confused and tired.
Why does this happen?
Well, when you overconsume caffeine, you produce what’s called cortisol, aka the stress hormone. Cortisol sucks. It drains you of energy, makes you irritable and yeah, you are more “stressed.” Nobody wants that, right?
So, What Can You Do?
This is where the energy food comes into play! Load up on these energy food sources and watch your stress levels decrease, your energy increase and your overall mood improve drastically.
Apple cider vinegar: Take just one to two tablespoons per day. I use this at night, and mix it with one tablespoon of honey. It helps me with my sleep, and we all know how much sleep increases energy. In addition, apple cider vinegar helps with acid reflux, heartburn and can even help control your blood sugar.
Almonds: Almonds provide me with magnesium, which is a key nutrient for energy production. I eat two handfuls per day.
Oatmeal: If I know I have a long day ahead of me, I’ll use high-quality oatmeal as my breakfast. This sticks to my gut for hours, and provides me with the great carbs that I need for focus and energy. Oh yeah … and this helps to pack on the fiber, which also helps boost energy.
Black beans: Fiber is a beast! Yes, it does clean you out, but it’s also a huge help with keeping your energy up and staying level throughout the entire day. Instead of that big spike and crash, you have a more sustained and even energy.
Sardines: These might be the most underrated food out there. Sardines pack a ton of B-12 vitamins and protein. The B-12 vitamins are crucial for turning the foods you eat into energy.
Trust me when I say this— sardine are not as gross as they look! They taste amazing. Just try them.
If you just can’t man up and eat sardines, you can always go to Emergen-C, which is a B-12 vitamin supplement. The only difference is that the Emergen-C will have more carbs. It’s your choice.
Dark chocolate: If I need to, I will eat one or two pieces of dark chocolate … nature’s natural caffeine. Just make sure you get a high-quality brand that isn’t loaded with sugars. Be smart here; don’t eat two packs of chocolate a day and wonder why you are not losing weight.
Water: When you are dehydrated, everything sucks. Your energy is whack, it’s tough to focus, you get out of breath fast and yeah, it just sucks. Water plays a huge role in energy production. In order for all of the chemical reactions to happen in your body, you need to fuel up and stay hydrated.
Watch Your Energy Go Through the Roof
Start adding these powerful foods to your regular diet, and watch your energy go through the roof!