June 17, 2015

6 Ways to Boost Your Energy

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #V8EnergyBoost #CollectiveBias 
In my household, we have been dealing with sleep deprivation for about 8 months now (AKA baby is now 8 months old). For awhile, we would complain to each other and to family and friends about it. In the last few weeks especially, Troy and I have talked about not complaining but instead dealing with the sleep deprivation in the best way we can. This has helped us to feel a lot more positive instead of being a downer. 

 Since naps are not always an option (and I am awful at taking naps anyways), we have focused on other ways to boost our energy. These different tips help us to get through our days and enjoy life while being productive at the same time.
6 Ways to Boost Your Energy
1. Exercise first thing in the morning
About 6 out of 7 days per week, I exercise first thing when I wakeup. I feed Adalyn and then take her in the stroller or in the baby carrier along with Jaxen, our dachshund. We usually walk between 2-3 miles each day (sometimes more, sometimes less). Every so often, I run or lift weights, but walking is my main form of exercise. For me, it really helps to get moving first thing and gives me energy for the rest of the day. I feel my best when I get my blood pumping.
2. Skip refined carbohydrates
It is easy to eat a bunch of junk food but when I eat better, I have more energy. Skip added sugars and refined carbohydrates which will spike your blood sugar and then give you a crash later on. Instead, eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains which will give you energy for longer without crashing.

3. Get up and move
Just like exercising first thing in the morning, getting up and moving through the day will increase your energy. Let's say that you have been sitting for a couple of hours at work at your desk and feel tired. Getting up and walking around for just 5 minutes can help give you a boost of energy to power through the rest of your day. If you have the ability, doing some quick cardio like jumping jacks, squats or situps can provide energy as well since you are getting your heartrate up.
4. Drink more water
Yes, water is pretty much the recommendation for everything. Did you know that dehydration can make you feel more tired than you actually are? Drink water through the day to feel your best, especially after a workout. I keep my favorite water bottle with me at all times to ensure that I always have water to drink when I need it.

Energy Bites Snack- high in protein and fiber
5. Have a nutritious snack
When you get hungry during the day, instead of turning to something sugary which can leave you feeling more tired, have something with protein, carbs, healthy fats and fiber.


6. Have caffeine
Duh, right? Everyone knows that one way to increase your energy is to have caffeine. Focus on having 1-2 cups of caffeinated beverages per day. I have a 16 oz cup of 1/2 caffeinated coffee per day around 10-11 AM which helps me with that late-morning slump. Do not drink too much caffeine though because it can cause a crash later on just like refined carbohydrates and can actually make you feel more tired.
I love tea for caffeine as well. If I am extra tired in the afternoon (around 3 or 4 PM), I will have a cup of tea. A tasty option that I recently tried is the V8 V-Fusion + Energy drink from Walmart. It contains caffeine from green tea- I love green tea and the benefits from the antioxidants.

It is great to drink on the way home from work when I am tired and gives me the boost of energy that I need to complete my day. I chose the peach mango flavor but also want to try the diet strawberry lemonade which sounds delicious! The drink was great tasting, is 50 calories and has 80 mg of caffeine (similar to an 8 oz cup of coffee), is 50% juice and is full of fruits and vegetables.

See, as a mom, when I get home from work, the day does not end of course. My baby girl is ready to be fed, play, take a bath, etc. and I need to have energy for all of that. Doing what I can to increase my energy during the day helps me feel my best and be the best mom that I can be.

Giveaway
V8 V-Fusion + Energy has an awesome giveaway going on right now for $2,500 worth of Walmart gift cards!

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