BodyWorks
Revitalize the Body: Caffeinate Naturally
Patrice Jones, contributing editor
As your health and strength depletes, you are no longer an asset to your employer and the burdens of your unhealthy habits soon fall onto the shoulders of your loved ones. Should your children REALLY have to care for YOU? Or, should they be allotted the same chance at enjoying their adulthood? However harsh it may sound, it is our responsibility to care for our bodies by maintaining a healthy diet and including daily exercise. That said, we must get adequate rest, and maintain a substantial energy level to ‘do it all’.
The word ‘busy’ doesn’t even BEGIN to describe most people’s schedules. There’s work, the kids’ activities, personal tasks, household tasks, emails and caring for loved ones, just to name a few things. I know what you’re thinking; “I don’t have TIME to workout!!...how CAN I with all of THIS on my plate?!...AND by the time I’m done doing things for everyone ELSE, I don’t have any ENERGY left to do ANYTHING for myself!”
At first thought, many people reach for coffee or energy drinks to give them the ‘boost’ they need to get through the day. Unfortunately, most of these unnatural energy-boosting beverages contain caffeine; an addictive substance that affects each person’s body differently. A person who consumes caffeinated beverages daily (i.e. coffee), builds a tolerance AND a dependency. Caffeine is an acidic, toxic diuretic that depletes the body of nutrients, negatively affects the digestive system and can raise a person’s blood pressure.
Need energy? MAKE the time to adopt a daily exercise regimen and reach for natural foods to fuel and energize your body. Exercise strengthens your heart, sharpens your mind, helps build strong bones and muscles, helps regulate sleep patterns, decreases stress and INCREASES energy levels. In addition, fueling your temple with ‘healthy-energizing’ foods and getting adequate rest, will give you ALL the energy-boost you’ll need to lead a ‘wholesome-healthy’ day.
EXERCISE — Plan your workouts the night before. Pack your gym bag, including any cosmetics and/or toiletries you may need. You may find that early morning workouts are good for you because it gives you that early morning energy boost; OR, you may find that a lunchtime workout is better because it gives you that mid-day boost to get through the rest of your day. No matter what time of day, PLAN, PLAN, PLAN time for YOU!!
FOODS — Load-up on fruits and vegetables; especially those high in Vitamin C, as this antioxidant helps fight fatigue brought on by Anemia. Drink at least 3 quarts (96 ounces) of water per day; dehydration causes fatigue and exhaustion. Also, be sure you’re getting your Omega-3 fatty acids; without them, you could experience mood swings, poor circulation, exhaustion and dry skin. Iron deficiency is another culprit of chronic fatigue. MAKE time for a well balanced diet that includes adequate revitalizing vitamins and nutrients.
You’ve heard it time and time again; a healthy diet and exercise is ‘key’. We’ve all made excuses and fallen short on the task of making time to actually LIVE a healthy lifestyle. However, once you realize how energy-depleting habits can effect your work performance AND your ability to relate to your children or loved ones; its time to WAKE UP! Wake up naturally with natural resources. You CAN do it!
Patrice A. Jones
Certified Personal Trainer
Founder, FRU-FIT Affordable Fitness
202-255-5565
PatriceFRUFIT@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: FRU-FIT Affordable Fitness
