DAVID KIRSCH IN A NEW YORK MINUTE

Is your goal more energy?” Well, you’ve come to the right place.

When I hear your enthusiasm to begin the path to wellness, I can feel your excitement- it’s contagious! I honor your commitment and strive to lead my example. I “energize my day” by following 5 simple daily tips, and so can you!

1. Eat 5 times a day (every 3 hours): Be sure to eat healthy foods throughout the day for maximum energy. A diet rich in protein, fiber, B vitamins, iron and plenty of water, will help keep you hydrated, satisfied, and energized. Boost your metabolism with small, frequent meals and burn fat all day long!

2. Say NO to artificial sugars and energy drinks! Stay away from high-glycemic, artificially flavored foods and energy drinks — they'll give you an initial energy boost, but you're likely to come crashing down just as quickly.  More on this in tomorrow’s post “Changing What You Drink”!

3. Get your blood flowing and heart pumping!  A common excuse: I don’t have enough energy to exercise. Yet the opposite is actually true: exercise creates energy! A University of Georgia analysis of 70 studies on exercise and fatigue showed that regular workouts increase energy levels. Even if it’s just 10 minutes of activity, you’ll kick-start your energy and your day!

4. Believe in yourself! I believe in the power of positive thinking. Taking a break to give yourself a pep talk can work magic. Stop and think about all that you have accomplished and remind yourself of your ability to get things done.

5. Replenish your energy level with sleep … at least 6 hours of it. Sleep is a key ingredient to a healthy metabolism and essential for replenishing your energy level. Sleep deprivation can lead to reduced levels of the hormone leptin, the “appetite-control” hormone, and lead to weight gain.