We all want more energy! As the days are becoming shorter we feel like we have less time to get things done. So boosting your energy in the fall as you get back into your busy routine just makes good sense.
In an interview with Dr. Felicia D. Stoler, author of "Living Skinny in Fat Genes™: The Healthy Way to Lose Weight and Feel Great," and the host of TLC’s groundbreaking series, "Honey We’re Killing the Kids," she shared with me the some of reasons we lose energy in the fall. And more importantly, she shared some tips to how to boost it up.
Stoler said that in the fall we tend to start eating more comfort foods. We exercise and sleep less, too. This triad sets us up for less energy and the possibility of weight gain, hormonal imbalances and metabolic issues.
It is easy to reverse this trend. With a little bit of knowledge you can increase your energy and vitality, and even lose a few pounds at the same time.
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Empowher:
What is the leading cause of energy drain?
Dr. Felicia D. Stoler:
Chronic stress! Stress causes not only mental fatigue but underlying physical illness, as well. Increased levels of stress hormones disrupt the delicate balance of metabolic processes in the body.
Stress and its metabolic disruption undoubtedly play major roles in many of today’s modern diseases, particularly depression, chronic fatigue, anxiety, fibromyalgia, obesity, and in the aging process.
Empowher:
How do we counterbalance energy drain?
Dr. Felicia D. Stoler:
By naturally restoring metabolic hormone balance, we can dramatically reduce feelings of stress, cut fatigue and depression by half, boost physical and mental energy, and significantly improve vigor.
Empowher:
What's the top thing for great energy and overall health?
Dr. Felicia D. Stoler:
Get enough sleep consistently, seven to nine hours nightly.
Sleep researchers from the University of Chicago have shown in multiple studies that short sleepers, who get 6.5 hours nightly, have disrupted metabolic balance. Elevated levels of cortisol, insulin and glucose basically put them at risk for diabetes and obesity because of the stress of a few hours of lost sleep.
Sleep is not only essential for energy, it is essential for fast fat loss, too.
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Stoler recommended healthy eating focusing on lunches or dinners that include protein, non-starchy vegetables, and fat for long-lasting, even-keeled energy. Good examples of balanced combinations include a large Greek salad with olives and assorted vegetables with a cooked chicken breast, or a shrimp and Chinese vegetable stir-fry.
In essence Stoler’s prescription to boost your energy and support healthy body and mind requires you to manage your stress, eat a healthy balanced whole food diet, and get enough rest and relaxation.
It sounds like a great plan for fall, or any time of year!
Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Dae's website: www.healthydaes.com
Dr. Dae's book: Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living can be purchased @ www.healthydaes.com
Dr. Dae's Bio:
Dr. Daemon Jones is your diabetes reversal, hormones, metabolism and weight loss expert. Dr. Dae is a naturopathic doctor who treats patients all over the country using Skype and phone visits. Visit her or schedule a free consultation at her website www.HealthyDaes.com/
Sources:
Stoler, Dr. Felicia D. Phone interview. 22 Aug. 2014.
Reviewed September 3, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith