Supplement Saturdays: Dr. Oz's 15 Effective Energy Boosters

Supplement Saturdays: Dr. Oz's 15 Effective Energy Boosters

 

 

 

** image courtesy of Dr. Oz

This week I have decided not to feature a product, but to share with you several things to help boost your energy. Sometimes I feel as though I am too tired to go for a run. If this happens, trust what your body is telling you and maybe skip that day. Other times I just know I need a little push and a boost in energy usually helps. I found an article from Doctor Oz's website titled "15 Effective Energy Boosters".  In his article he tells you what the problem might be and gives you reasoning on why that particular item works. Here they are:



1) Oat Straw Extract:

The problem: The clock shows it's past your bedtime, but your mind won't stop racing. If your worries or to-do lists keep you up, or if you don't wake up feeling refreshed, it's hard not to give into the lure of energy drinks the next day. The problem with most energy drinks is the combination of caffeine and sugar are guaranteed to make you crash.

Why it works: Oat straw extract is an all-natural energy booster with no sugar or caffeine, which means no midday crash. Researchers have found oat straw may expand the arteries in your brain so more blood pumps through it, revving brain function.


2) Rhodiola:

The problem: It’s only 11 a.m. and you already want to take a nap under your desk.

Why it works: Rhodiola, one of nature’s best energy builders, helps multiply your energy molecules, giving you a boost throughout the day.

How to use it: Start with 100 mg every day to keep your energy up. If you’re still in a slump, try 200 mg a day. The supplement is available in most health-food stores.



3) Dr. Oz's No Bake Energy Bars:

The problem: After lunch, you’re exhausted, can’t focus on work and need a pick-me-up.

Why it works: These easy-to-make bars are a power combo of protein, fiber and antioxidants. Bonus: They have none of the caffeine or sugar of a diet soda or other energy beverage.

How to use it: Make a week’s worth of portable bars in just 15 minutes! Try one after lunch to fight off the midday slump. Click here for the full recipe!


  
4) Orange Lens Glasses:

The problem: You have a hard time sleeping at night and an even harder time tearing yourself away from the computer.

Why it works: If you reach for your smartphone or sleep with the TV on, the blue light these devices emit may be suppressing your body’s ability to secrete melatonin, a sleep hormone. Glasses with orange lenses block the melatonin-robbing light coming from your devices so you can sleep better at night and feel more energized in the morning!

How to use it: Wear them two hours before bedtime while you are on the computer or watching TV. You can find orange- or amber-lens glasses online for under $15!



5) Kiwi:

The problem: You feel tired and burned out all day.

Why it works: Not only does it have twice the potassium of a banana and twice the vitamin C of an orange, a kiwi also has 2.5 grams of fiber, which keeps you full and prevents energy lows when you’re hungry. The simple sugars will quickly give you a rush of energy, and the fiber will keep you satiated.

How to use it: Try for two kiwi a day, which adds up to only 100 calories and all the energy you’ll need to get through those long meetings. The simplest thing to do is to slice one in half and scoop it out with a spoon, but you can add it to any meal.


6) Tryosine:

The problem: You wake up in the morning feeling unrefreshed.

Why it works: This amino acid is found in eggs, cottage cheese and smoked salmon. It may help some people feel more alert and may help with physical and mental energy.

How to use it: Add some smoked salmon to your morning toast with a side of eggs and cottage cheese.



7) Hydrating Foods:

The problem: You felt full of energy in the morning, but find yourself slowing down in the afternoon.

Why it works: Sometimes your energy can dip from dehydration. Fortunately, drinking glasses of water isn’t the only way to get your hydration. Water-filled foods like cucumber, celery, radishes, tomatoes and peppers can help give you a dose of much needed hydration.

How to use it: Add these delicious veggies to your lunch salad.



8) Coconut Chips:

The problem: You get through the early afternoon but find your energy levels falling in those final hours of the workday.

Why it works: Coconut is packed with healthy fats and oils that are good for your brain.

How to use it: Add it as an afternoon snack.



9) Iced Pineapple Tea:

The problem: You just got your large skim caramel macchiato with an extra shot of espresso with whipped cream to get you through the afternoon. An hour later, your energy is crashing.

Why it works: Tea carries the perfect amount of caffeine, and pineapple juice adds just the right amount of sweetness.

How to use it: Replace your sugar-laden afternoon iced coffee with this sweetened tea by adding pineapple juice to your favorite tea.



10) Breathe Deeply:

The problem: Your day has been stressful. You’re about to go into another meeting, but you’re feeling low on energy.

Why it works: Stress makes breathing more rapid, which can decrease the oxygen supply to the brain.

How to use it: Whenever you feel a dip in your energy, put the tip of your tongue behind your upper teeth. Inhale through your nose for four counts. Hold the breath for seven counts, then exhale for eight counts.



11) Hot Water With Lemon:

The problem: Dehydration can make you feel sluggish and lethargic before you even have a chance to start your day.

Why it works: Staying hydrated is key to keeping your energy levels high.

How to use it: Having a cup of warm lemon water in the morning infuses your body with needed liquid after hours without water. Adding lemon boosts the benefits by infusing the drink with vitamins and flavor.



12) Green Tea:


The problem: You need a caffeine kick, but you’re trying to cut back on your coffee drinking.

Why it works: Green tea has that perfect mix of caffeine, nutrients, flavor and hydration.

How to use it: This nutrient-packed drink will help get you going in the morning and support your body in the stresses of the day ahead.



13) Yerba Mate:

The problem: You’re looking for a replacement for your morning cup of joe.

Why it works: This traditional South American tea ranks higher on the caffeine list than most of the teas currently consumed in the U.S. It comes in just under coffee’s levels and above most sodas. While most coffee lovers won’t feel the kick of a warm green tea, yerba mate will pack enough of a caffeine punch that it could replace coffee. The tea is also high in nutrients.

How to use it: Have one cup every day or every other day to get the benefit of its energy.




14) Protein & Fiber Breakfast:

The problem: Your breakfast isn’t filling and you’re hungry again by mid-morning.

Why it works: Protein and fiber are two key components to setting yourself up for success throughout the day. Fiber slows the digestion of your food, allowing your body to slowly extract sugars and nutrients over the course of the morning rather than being flooded all at once. Combined with fiber, protein helps to make your meal more satisfying. You feel full sooner and longer, which means you’ll eat less while maintaining high energy levels throughout the morning.

How to use it: Try a side of an egg with your oatmeal or add some blueberries to your morning bowl of yogurt.



15) Cocoa:

The problem: You’re looking for more variety in your energizing morning drink routine.

Why it works: The cacao bean is packed with nutrients and vitamins and packs its own low-level caffeine punch.

How to use it: The key to reaping the health benefits of cocoa is to find a pure cocoa powder without any added sugars or flavors. Make your own morning or afternoon hot chocolate with almond milk, honey and a touch of vanilla essence. If you’re going for a sliver of chocolate, make sure it’s as dark as possible with less sugar.





** To read the full article, please visit Dr. Oz's website.



Tune in next Saturday for more supplement information on Supplement Saturdays!

Also, check in tomorrow for my fifth installment of Song List Sundays!