Many people admit they want more energy. If you've ever dragged yourself out of bed dreading a full day of work, you can relate. The reasons you may have a low energy level or suffer from chronic fatigue are complex and varied, but the energy equation is simple. How much energy you have throughout the day is equal to how much energy your cells make and how much you spend in activity. You make energy most efficiently from eating nutritious foods, burning their energy with an efficient digestive tract, and receiving ample oxygen from your breathing mechanism.
 | You spend energy in countless ways, many of which are unnecessary. If you don't have enough energy for your daily needs, and if you feel depressed or run-down, think about improving your digestion, eating mostly high-quality, organic foods and superfoods, and eliminating nonessential uses of energy. For example, if you worry a lot, have chronically tight muscles, think about situations you can't do much about, or stay up late, you're probably wasting a great deal of energy. |
A high-energy diet is one that includes primarily raw, uncooked foods that are organically grown and as fresh as possible. Such a diet includes fresh fruits and vegetables, unroasted nuts and seeds, and lots of sprouts, made from grains (wheatberries), beans (lentils or mung), seeds (sunflower or alfalfa), and nuts (almonds). Sprouts may be one of our more important foods; after all, they're still growing when you put them in your mouth!
Lots of fresh foods can enhance your energy levels, but remember to balance these live foods with lightly steamed vegetables, cooked grains and legumes, and a little meat, if you're not a vegetarian. (If you are a vegetarian, include a healthy meat substitute in your diet instead.) Vary your diet with the fresh foods of the seasons, your personal needs, and the type of work you do, but always add some live foods, and freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices.
Supplements that support energy include just about every supplement that's involved with metabolism — all the B vitamins, most minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids. Special supplements that support energy are CoQ-10, carnitine, creatine, and octacosanol.
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