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Eating for Energy to Beat the Winter Blahs

The following guest post is from Pam of Be Healthy, Be Happy Wellness: Eating for Energy to Beat the Winter Blahs

Feeling sluggish?  The long stretch of days between Christmas and Spring Break can be tough.  The sky is grey. The days are cold.  How can you get through it without gaining ten pounds and slogging through each day?

Just getting out of bed can feel like a challenge.

The food we eat can have a profound effect on how we feel and what our energy level looks like.  If you are operating on low energy due to the season, the last thing you need is to consume foods that pull you down even more (even though those are probably the foods you’re craving!).

Making small dietary tweaks can help combat some of that “bleh” feeling and increase your overall energy levels.  Most of us start to crave heavier foods in the winter, and while some of that can be positive (soups and stews can certainly be warm and comforting as well as healthy), a lot of that will suck the energy right out of you.  Have ever eaten a heavy meal full of meat, fat, and bread and then felt so awful that you just wanted to go lay down?  Then you know exactly what I mean.

So what can you do?

The best way to fight the winter blues with food is to decrease foods that drain you and increase those that boost your energy.

Decrease:

  • Meat
  • Caffeine (it’s a false energy booster)
  • Milk
  • Processed food
  • Sugar

Editor’s note: I agree with everything on this list except meat. I’m in the middle of a Whole30 challenge right now, which includes a lot more meat than I usually eat, and I feel amazing!

At the same time, increase:

  • Whole foods (fruits, veggies, lean protein)
  • Superfoods (salmon, kale, quinoa, spinach, blueberries)
  • Water
  • Activity (not food, but it WILL help)

Notice I’m not saying you need to eliminate anything. Just switch the percentage – more of the good stuff and keep the foods I’m suggesting you decrease to a minimum.

Here is one of my favorite “energy giving” dinners:  Grilled wild salmon (I use an indoor grill pan on the stovetop), ½ cup cooked quinoa or brown rice per person, a big pile of spinach sautéed in olive oil, and fresh garlic.  Serve on a plate, and drizzle with a bit of low-sodium soy sauce.  Yum!

Let’s make the most of THIS winter season and enjoy it full of energy instead of just waiting for Spring!

Do you experience the winter blahs? What foods do you eat for energy?

Pam Howard is a Certified Holistic Health Coach located in Noblesville, IN. She works with busy moms (and others) to help them create a balanced, healthy, vibrant life. You can find more of Pam’s healthy tips and recipes at Be Healthy, Be Happy Wellness.