03 Apr Nutritionists’ 5 Tips to Boost Energy, naturally

Nutritionists report that one of the top health complaints they get is people feeling tired, run down, lacking energy, and feeling drained and ‘foggy’. Nutritional Therapists Erin McCann Galvin & Susan Alexander offer up some handy tips to keep energy levels up, naturally. PLUS there’s a fab energy balls recipe below which is sugar free & gluten free.

1. DIET- Increase nutrients that are essential for cognitive function suggests Erin- ‘B vitamins are essential for improving concentration and memory and essential fatty acids are crucial for the health of brain cells and for their function- include oily fish in your diet, along with coconut oil, avocado, nuts and seeds. Zinc is needed for synthesis of neurotransmitters, the messengers to and from the brain. Zinc can be found in eggs, pumpkin seeds, oats, and rye.

2. SUPPLEMENTS: Susan recommends Bee Energised energy and focus– ‘it combines organic bee pollen (known to be the richest source of vitamins, minerals & amino acids found in nature in a single food), organic spirulina, ginseng and organic matcha green tea ( it’s rich in l-theanine which along with the caffeine in the matcha, improves attention, but without the jitters due to l-theanine’s relaxing effect). Bee energised also contains Vitamin B6 and B12 which are known for their energy yielding properties, and B12 is also essential for cognitive function. And with high amounts of Vitamin C too (the active ingredient in rosehips which it also contains) the adrenals are also nourished.’

3. Take breaks which include exercise and movement suggests Erin- exercise improves blood flow to the brain. Also, by allowing for breaks during busy or stressful times, you will improve your concentration. Making time to rest will also reduce fatigue while improving memory and concentration & will boost your ability to tackle holiday demands!

4. Reinforce the immune system to help avoid illness.& a feeling of being run down. Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates which may provide an immediate boost in energy says Erin, but will eventually result in fatigue and reduced concentration. Refined sugars & junk can also compromise the immune system. Swap out snacks of biscuits and crisps with things like oatcakes, nut butters, hummus, seeds and fruit. Try Bee Prepared immune formulas which combine bee propolis, elderberry & several other nutrients which have been shown in studies to help bolster the immune system. Taking a probiotic like Optibac will help as well.

5. Avoid coffee. Coffee will provide added energy and concentration but it will eventually leave you fatigued and lacking focus. Green or matcha tea is a much better choice according to Erin as it has a more subtle stimulating effect with the added benefit of antioxidants and other nutrients. Find organic matcha in bee energised supplements.

Tips from Erin McCann Galvin NT, ND, Dip CNM & Susan Alexander BA (Hons), ND, dipNT, RYT, mBANT, mCNHC

RECIPE: Sugar free protein energy balls.

Method:

1. In a food processor ,blitz together the nuts and all but 1/2 tbsp of the desiccated coconut until it forms a crumbly texture. Add in the rest of the ingredients (apart from the remaining coconut) and continue to mix until it forms a sticky dough.
2. Roll the dough into balls,,then roll into the remaining coconut. Place the energy bombs into the freezer to set, then store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to eat.