Top ten tips for gaining optimum energy

Naturopathic nutritionist, Emma Jones gives a summary of the best ways to optimise energy this summer.

1. Stay hydrated with Coconut water. it has the perfect balance of electrolytes/minerals to create complete hydration. More potassium than any other food and a high antioxidant contact for perfect skin and weight balance. It is high in vitamin E helping to give skin that glow and it will renew energy after a workout much quickly than using water. It has been know to be used in some countries instead of a blood transfusion because of its perfect balance of nutrients. This food is the number one secret to health especially during the hot summer months. A definite health tonic.

2. Eat avocado.  This food is one of the best kept secrets. It's a food that many people avoid due to its oil content. However research shows because the oils are essential fats such as omega 6, these oils are actually good for us. They reduce the bad fats in the body and can help with wait loss. Additionally they are high in protein, amino acids, zinc and vitamin E. Therefore very good for instant energy. They have been known to reduce cholesterol and have a positive effect on skin health. This food is also seasonal to the summer months.

3. Eat raw greens. They are much more powerful then any other colour vegetables. Raw greens such as spinach, rocket and watercress are high in iron, magnesium and folic acid having a positive effect on energy and vitality. Also raw greens have a high chlorophyll content which is antiseptic and rejuvenating for the skin. Chlorophyll has powerful anti ageing properties and will keep wrinkles away. Green foods have a very low sugar content which has a positive effect on blood sugar and will help with cravings for sweet foods. The bitter flavour also cleanses the liver. Use greens every day!

4. Enjoy the cacao bean. Its good news as chocolate is actually useful for you in its natural state. High in antioxidants and healthy fats it can really make a difference to energy. It has over ninety minerals per bean, so snacking on them in their raw state has serious health benefits. Natural chocolate does not increase weight; in fact it does the opposite! It can boost metabolism and suppress the appetite. The natural bitter flavour is a tonic for the heart and liver and will increase the circulation. Its natural stimulants can help with mental alertness and increase stamina.

5. Snack on Goji berries. More tradionally known as Wolfe berry. Don't leave home without these! Packed with antioxidants, high in vitamin c, beta-carotene and zinc. They are colourful, energising and will keep you going for hours. If you soak them you get even more health benefits, and you can add them to smoothies and salads. They can be added to hot water for a berry tea, giving your immune system a boost. The nutrient content is very high especially if you purchase organic. Eat some everyday to ward off colds as they have natural antibiotic properties. They are vitamin packed snacks.

6. Take 1 teaspoon of Macca. This root vegetable can be taken in powder form and increases energy and stamina like no other food. Just by taking 1 teaspoon per day you can get all your B vitamins and zinc requirements and it will keep your energy and blood sugar stable for hours. It has hormone balancing qualities and can regulate the mood. It has been known to have aphrodisiac properties. You can use it smoothies and juice as well as sprinkled in recipes. If you're brave you can increase the dosage! It is the new natural alternative to Viagra with no side effects.

7. Use linseeds and flaxseeds in your cereal. These seeds are very high in omega 3 and are natures answer to many things. If you take 1 Tablespoon per days that have been soaked overnight in water it will help to hydrate your body. They are much more useful soaked as this releases the omega 3 content. Helping with digestion and bowel health as well as hair, skin and nails. These seeds have Oestrogen boosting properties therefore they are useful for hormones, premenstrual symptoms and menopause. They can trick the body into feeling hydrated when you have days where you have not drunk enough water.

8. Add bee pollen to your smoothie. This is the season's most useful power food. Taken in granule form this food can be added to breakfast, smoothies or taken from the spoon. High in protein and amino acids it has the perfect balance of all the nutrients we need to survive. It is very energy enhancing as it's especially high in B vitamins. Particularly B5 which is useful for reducing allergies. This food has high antihistamine qualities helping to counteract hay fever. This can be used to boost the immune system because of its high antioxidant qualities. Use the super food for the summer.

9. Add hemp seed to your salad. This perfect seed has a balance of omega 3, 6, 9 and other fatty acids. These oils are essential for health and vitality. This seed will boost your skin and increase your energy. It has antibacterial properties and will help to balance hormones. This food will keep is an adaptogen so it can keep you cool or heat you up depending on what you need. It grows in abundance and will give you massive levels of absorbable protein. Eat them straight from the packet, ground on breakfast, soaked in muesli or in cold pressed oil form.

10. Snack on quoina. This seed when cooked can resemble and taste like a grain. Its gluten free and high in protein. Known as the vegetarian form of meat, extremely nutritious and versatile it can be used to boost energy. It has high levels of essential fats, zinc and B vitamins. Know as the most useful food of the decade it's a new food which we need to use more of because of its health benefits. You can enjoy it with salads or even mixed with fruit for a sweet dish. It's low on calories and high in nutrients making it perfect.

For more information contact Emma Jones on 07854 425930
www.healthyjones.co.uk
Copy right of Emma Jones - Naturopathic Nutritionist.

Emma Jones works in association with Renew Fitness Retreat.


17 June 2010