| If your energy level is stretched to the breaking | | | | meals, don't forget to drink lots of water. Not |
| point and you feel just plain tired, it might be time | | | | only do high-fiber foods digest better when |
| to make some simple changes. I know; when | | | | well-lubricated, but sometimes energy lags are the |
| you're dragging it's probably hard to believe there | | | | result of dehydration. Keeping a bottle of water |
| might be easy solutions. But there are, and they | | | | handy and sipping it throughout the day can help |
| involve just three simple concepts: eating right, | | | | ensure you don't have a dip in energy because |
| exercising regularly and getting enough sleep. | | | | you're not well-hydrated. Eating healthy snacks |
| Move it! | | | | can help maintain your energy, too. Whole-grain |
| Contrary to what you might think, regular | | | | pretzels and crackers, whole fruit, fruit juice, |
| exercise doesn't make you more tired; it actually | | | | yogurt and cheese are all good choices. Ditch the |
| keeps you energetic. That's because it raises | | | | candy bars, though. Sugary treats raise your |
| serotonin and beta-endorphin levels, which boost | | | | blood glucose, which will give you a burst of |
| energy and give you a feeling of well-being. Just a | | | | energy followed by a sleep-inducing drop in blood |
| little aerobic activity can do wonders: It can | | | | sugar after about 20 minutes. |
| smooth out your emotions, improve the way you | | | | Zzzzzzzzzz |
| think, sooth your nerves and lower your blood | | | | Speaking of sleep, it's common for people to |
| pressure! You say you don't have time to | | | | require about eight hours of it every day. But |
| exercise? Maybe you just need to alter what you | | | | sleep needs actually can vary widely from person |
| think of as exercise: Even taking the stairs, | | | | to person, with some getting by on four hours a |
| weeding the garden or parking your car further | | | | night and others needing as many as 12. |
| from the mall entrance and walking qualifies. | | | | Whatever your requirement, don't short yourself. |
| Eat, drink and be merry | | | | Try to get about the same amount every night, |
| When you're active, eating five or six small meals | | | | and attempt to go to sleep and awaken at the |
| every day is the best way to maintain your | | | | same time every day. Because sleep restores |
| energy level. Foods high in fiber are particularly | | | | you, getting enough on a consistent basis is critical. |
| good because they digest slowly and give you | | | | So remember, if you're dragging, make sure |
| long-lasting energy. On the other side of the coin, | | | | you're eating well, and getting enough exercise |
| foods with a lot of fat or protein can make you | | | | and sleep. That formula might seem simple, but |
| sleepy. | | | | it's actually a combo that can help you feel |
| While you're eating those frequent fiber-filled | | | | energetic for a lifetime. |