Tired all the time? How to boost your energy around the clock

TIRED ALL THE TIME? HOW TO BOOST YOUR ENERGY AROUND THE CLOCK

If you fall foul of the mid morning energy drain or afternoon slump, go from running on empty to energy aplenty with top tips from acupuncturist and massage therapist Angela Wallis.

Angela says: “Energy levels naturally wane throughout the day but most people don’t realise that what we eat makes a massive difference to how alert we feel.

“There are lots of ways to naturally boost your energy throughout the day without having to make regular visits to the local coffee shop.”

7am – 9am

Angela adds: “Eating oats for breakfast is a great way to provide your body with slow-release carbohydrates, which provide natural energy throughout the day. So skip the sugary cereals and chocolate croissants to give you the best start to your morning. For an added energy boost try taking ginseng with a glass of orange juice. This natural tan coloured root has been used for thousands of years to help support energy levels and cognitive function.”

9am - 11am

Angela continues: “Fibre-rich apricots naturally provide vitamins A and C as well as natural fruit sugars which can help to support your energy levels. Swap your usual midday biscuit for a few dried apricots and almonds which are also a great source of sustained energy. You will notice the difference in your concentration and tiredness levels.”

11am - 1pm

Angela adds: “Choosing the right lunch is really important to ensure your energy levels don’t go downhill in the afternoon. Quinoa is a source of protein, complex carbohydrates and fibre to help provide your body with a slow stream of energy throughout the afternoon. Add spinach and you will have iron, B vitamins (which are particularly good for reducing tiredness and fatigue), and vitamin C.”

1pm – 3pm

“Guarana is another natural energy booster which can provide a quick, emergency fix if you’re flagging in the afternoon. Lots of soft drinks now contain guarana which is extracted from the seeds of a plant grown in the Amazon rainforest. Each husk is thought to contain approximately twice the amount of caffeine as in coffee beans!”

3pm – 5pm

Angela continues: “Walnuts are a source of iron, zinc and potassium, and are a fabulous energy source for people on the go. Keep a packet in your pocket to munch on the way home or on route to a gym session. Water is also essential for rehydrating your body and ensuring it functions to its greatest potential. If you want to keep your concentration intact, drink a minimum of 6 glasses of water daily.”

5pm - 7pm

Angela adds: “Brown rice is a great source of complex carbohydrates, which provide slow-release energy. Include brown rice alongside lean protein such as chicken or fish in your evening meal to avoid dozing off in front of the TV.”

7pm – 9pm

Angela continues: “A little bit of what you fancy does you good. A few squares of high quality dark chocolate can boost both energy levels and mood. Don’t go overboard though as chocolate contains caffeine and the stimulant theobromine.

9pm – 11pm

Angela concludes: “You should be winding down at this time of the day, however if you’re after a late night snack, try a low-fat plain yogurt. Many dairy products contain magnesium which on the plus side may help to support sound, restful sleep by contributing to the normal function of the nervous system.”

With 2.3 million acupuncture treatments carried out each year, acupuncture is one of the most popular complementary therapies practised in the UK today. Angela Wallis is based at Woodside Acupuncture Clinic, 12 College Road, Eastbourne and offers free 15 minute consultations so you can find out whether it’s the right treatment for you. Visit www.woodsideacupuncture.co.uk or call 01323 638606