Healthy Chicks

Happy September, beauties! I love the beginning of a month — the perfect time to re-set and gear clear about your vision. It couldn’t be more true this month, as we also have a New Moon to celebrate. Hip Hip, Hooray!

Something I’ve been really focusing on these past few months is my energy levels. I recently became aware that my thyroid levels are a bit out of whack, not enough to put me on medication but still borderline in the hypothyroid range. The first thing I told my doctor was that I wanted to take care of this naturally, so I did my homework and got to work. I’m already feeling much better, and anticipate my next blood test to see what’s up.

Now while many of you may not have thyroid issues, I’m sure most of you deal with energy slumps especially as we’re in the midst of a seasonal shift. As we move into back-to-school fall mode, I wanted to share with you some natural ways you can boost your energy!

LIMIT YOUR CAFFEINE

I know, I know. This one was tough for me. Heck, I even have a tank that says “But First, Coffee.” When I was working in my high-stress full time job, I often drank 2 -3 cups of coffee a day, often times in the afternoon. Talk about energy dips! Nowadays, I limit myself to a couple cups of coffee each week. And when I do drink it, I aim to make it myself at-home, and strive to truly enjoy it in the morning with or after my breakfast. For me, coffee brings a sense of comfort and I especially enjoy it around family + friends.

BUT FIRST, WATER

What my tee really should say is “But First, Water!” I know we hear this one all of the time, but I can’t stress it enough. Be sure to carry a water bottle with you throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated all day long. Consider drinking a cup of warm water with lemon at the beginning of the day to give yourself an energizing boost, and help cleanse your liver. And if you don’t love the taste of plain water, try sprucing it up with mint, citrus fruit or berries.

LOAD UP ON LEAFY GREENS

Stock up on leafy greens like kale, spinach, collard greens and swiss chard. Sneak greens into veggie-packed green smoothies in the morning, salads at lunch, or a steamed side at dinner. (All you need is a little garlic, lemon and sea salt for a delicious and low-cal side!) I love making nutrient-packed green smoothies with my best friend: the Vitamix.

EAT CLEAN (MOST OF THE TIME)

Clean to me means as close to its natural state as possible, with limited added ingredients. This means choosing whole grain quinoa or rolled oats instead of granola bars or instant breakfast; whole raw fruits rather than fruit flavored beverages; organic meats in place of microwavable frozen dinners or takeout; sprouts and beans versus a canned, sodium-packed veggies. Eating clean makes you feel clean, rejuvenated and alive! Also, attempt to eat in season when you can for ultimate nutritional value!

SHOOT FOR SUPERFOODS

Superfoods are the superheroes of health food, as they provide a whole gamut of health benefits. My favorites for energy include cacao (in powder or whole form), gogi berries (perfect trail mix staple), maca (great in powder form to add into smoothies and shakes) and honey (go for raw, unrefined forms). The best source for superfoods in my opinion is Organic Living Superfoods, a local Walpole-based company that’s doing it right!

LEARN WHICH FOODS WORK FOR YOU

All of our bodies are made different, and what works for your best friend may not work for you! Put your detective cap on, and start noting which foods make you feel energized and refreshed, and which suck your energy, make you feel dull or bloated. Listen to your body, and it will tell you what’s up. If you need help figuring this out, my 14-day Whole Foods Detox coming up this fall would be perfect for you!

DE-STRESS

This one may have been the biggest for me! By running around trying to please everyone and be “the best” at my job, I was neglecting the most important person: myself. My body definitely took a toll, as without realizing it I was burning myself out slowly but surely. I now make sure I put myself first. This means taking a little nap when my body craves one, breathing, meditating and saying NO more often to the things that don’t serve me.

PLAY WITH ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils have become a huge part of my life, and I have a bottle for almost any ailment! When it comes to increasing my energy + “waking up”, my go-tos are peppermint, lemon, grapefruit and citrus bliss. I love diffusing in my home, or mixing with coconut oil to rub on my body! If you’d like to start your own journey with essential oils, feel free to shoot me an email. I’m happy to answer any questions!

MOVE YOUR BODY

There’s a big misconception that you have to be an Olympic-like athlete to work out. That’s so not the case! Find something you love, and do more of that. Lately for me this includes walking, indoor cycling, weights, intervals, and the occasional yoga. And when you can, try to take your workout outside! It’s amazing what some fresh air can do for our energy levels.

Happy energizing! If you’re looking to get back to basics with your health through whole foods + self care and boost your energy levels naturally, I’d love to invite you to join my 14-Day Whole Foods Group Detox coming up this fall. You can get all the details over here.

xoxo,

Rachel