We are a nation that is chronically tired. About 1/3 of us do not get enough sleep! (1) Every time I see those 4-Hour Energy commercials I think to myself, "Wow, we really do have an energy crisis - an individual one!"
Well, there is a reason for that.
As someone who spent two years drinking energy drinks AFTER having a complete health overhaul and becoming a vegan, I know the energy level we're all supposed to have is nowhere near where it should be. I was working full-time, going to school, and volunteering at church, in addition to trying to write and work on my dreams.
So why are we all so tired? A lot of it is that we do not get enough sleep, but much of it has to do with the toxic load on the body.
From processed foods, to sugar, to artificial sweeteners and prescription medication, to environmental toxins and foods devoid of their original vitamin and enzyme content, our bodies are in desperate need of REAL nutrition, and of getting rid of the toxins we carry with us.
How do we get toxins? Here are several ways:
- Acidic foods
- Pollution, smog, pollen, pesticides
- Personal hygiene products, chemical cleaners
- Alcohol, cigarettes, second-hand smoke
- Chemicals found in food - additives, preservatives, artificial colors and sweeteners
When I was 19, I went on an all out juice fast. I didn't know how long this fast would be, but it ended up being 40 days! When the fast was done, I felt great. I almost didn't want to eat whole food anymore. But, I slowly integrated a vegan diet. I had never felt better. The energy levels I experienced were extremely high, and I hardly needed 7 hours of sleep. My recovery time in my workout was next to nothing, and I could run without being heavily winded. I had effectively and significantly reduced the toxic load on my body.
So, what are some simple ways we can feel more energized and relieve our bodies of the toxic loads we carry? Here are 10 ideas:
- Drink lots of water. We are also chronically dehydrated - and this is part of the problem! Water helps filter our systems and remove toxins.
- Eat more whole foods. Avoid foods with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
- Try to get enough sleep. If you have a job or schedule that is very demanding, try to at least take 1 day of rest and take a nap during that day.
- Try a colon, liver, kidney and/or gall bladder cleanse. I recommend The Ultimate Reset for a 21-day comprehensive, safe, gentle cleanse, but Milk Thistle, foot baths, charcoal, and apple cider vinegar/olive oil cleanses will help as well.
- Drink lemon water in the morning. This is a great inexpensive way to rid your colon of excess toxins. Take 1 whole lemon and squeeze into 1 8 oz. glass of water, pulp and all! (Minus seeds)
- Exercise. Even a 20-minute walk will revive you if you're feeling fatigued. Try this the next time 4pm hits and you feel like a zombie!
- Eat more vegan foods. Unfortunately, with all the hormones that are being fed to our animals, eating more vegan is the way to go!
- Eat more raw foods. Every time we cook a fruit or vegetable we further break down it's vitamin and enzyme content.
- Take your vitamins! A "raw" vitamin in capsule form is best.
- Simplify your schedule. I know this may be difficult, but decide what things are in line with your purpose and which ones are not. This may mean taking out a piece of paper and writing things down in terms of priority. We need to be aware with how much we can handle without hitting our emotional, mental, or physical ceiling.
Although not all of these ideas are feasible for some, incorporating even 1 or 2 will help you in your energy levels.
1. http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1777837/many_americans_do_not_get_enough_sleep/
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