March Fitness #3: I need ENERGY!!!

 
Awake since 5:00 a.m.  Check!

Baby taken to family care at 7:00 a.m. Check!

Work till 3:30 p.m. Check!

Pick up baby at 4:00 p.m. Check!

Make dinner…..clean up dinner…..change diaper…..carry baby on hip because he’s in a clingy phase…..laundry….play with dogs…..feed dogs…… clean-up toys…….check! Check! CHeck! CHECK!!!!

Where is the energy to do it all, and everything else that falls in between??

Being hypothyroid, (click here for more info on Hypothyroidism), I have researched and researched healthy ways to promote natural energy to make it through the day.  Because I barely have a metabolism without medication, I have tried EVERYTHING! Here is what works for me, and maybe it will work for you.  But keep in mind, what works for me may not work for you. 

My Power Supply Box:

SolaRay Once Daily, High Energy Multi-Vitamin (bought from Whole Foods Market)

I LOVE this vitamin! My mom got it for me once, and I haven’t used anything since.  Its time released energy that gives me a good boost all day.  Because of the hypothyroid meds, I have to take it at noon, but it’s a great time to take it.  It ensures I’ll have enough energy for the afternoon.  I’ve been using it for several years, and I have been good to go. 

Here is the link so you can see for yourself what is in it. (http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=SO-1182

Sublingual Liquid Vitamin B Complex with B-12 (I use Sundown Naturals bought from Publix)

This supplement, alone, has restored energy to my “end-of-the-day dead battery”. I picked the sublingual form of B-12 Complex because it hits your system faster.  I don’t have time to sit around and wait for energy to overtake me…. I gotta have it now!

  **You might find this article very interesting in regards to taking vitamins.  It can give you more information than what I can provide here. From EHow.com, How to Take Vitamins for Energy

Super Green Drink –Berry (bought from Trader Joe’s)

I’ve also used Amazing Grass from Whole Foods Market.

I LOVE this too because it gives me a good amount of energy and provides me with nutrients that I should get from vegetables.  It purifies your blood, enhances your energy, aides in digestion, and helps build your immune system.



TIP!: Mix with a small amount of fruit juice and just shoot it.  Don’t let it linger in your mouth….it will gross you out.  The taste isn’t bad…it’s just grainy.

{AM only} Organic Coffee – Keurig, Paul Newman (bought anywhere—Sam’s, Target, etc.)

• I only drink coffee in the morning.  I have about 20 ounces, and that is good enough to get me going.  Plus, I like the taste. 

{PM-Only if needed} Samurai Chai Mate (bought from Teavana)

Mate tea is great anyway, but I really like Teavana’s options for Mate.  My and my husband’s particular favorite is Samurai Chai Mate.

Benefits of Mate (<--Click for more information on Yerba Mate tea) Has the same caffeine as coffee, but no jitters.  It also has higher levels of antioxidants as compared to green tea.  There has been some studies that have shown it has cancer fighting properties.

Apples

• They have enough carbs and fiber to give you some sustainable energy.  It’s a great “after school/work” snack.

Omega-3 Peanut Butter

• I eat this with the apples.  Omega-3 boosts heart health and lowers triglycerides. Healthy heart means more energy to workout.

Greek Yogurt

• Greek Yogurt has a great balance of protein and carbohydrates.  This makes for an awesome low-calorie snack or breakfast.  It keeps me satisfied until the next meal.

*All photos from Google Images