Tired of your 3 p.m. slump? Boost your energy naturally!

The same scenario played out everyday when I worked in an office.  There I would be, 3pm, and ready to take a big fat nap at my desk! 

The coffee had worn off and I was in a food coma from eating too much at lunch.  I can’t tell you how unproductive I was after 3:00!

I wish I knew about natural energy boosters then.  It would have raised my productivity at work and home.

Here are a couple of tips on boosting your mid-afternoon energy:

1.  Drink white tea instead of coffee

2.  Take a guarana supplement in the afternoon.  I recommend between 200-800 mg for a sustained boost of energy.

3.  During lunch, consume water rich foods like vegetables and fruit.  Dehydration= fatigue.  Stay hydrated to feel more alert.

4.  Cook your lunch with coconut oil or palm kernel oil for some extra pep in your step.

5.  Don’t overeat at lunchtime.  A full stomach of food is harder for your body to digest.  Digestion also robs the body of energy.

To your health!

Autumn (check me out at http://www.pacificnorthwesthealth.com)

Want to Lose Weight? Take A Nap!

Ever feel like taking a nap mid-day?  Want to bite someone’s head off after a night of no sleep?

Get some zzzzz’s!

Our bodies are designed to receive at least 6 hours of sleep a night; and getting any less can affect mood, energy, alertness and weight loss results.

When you sleep your body recharges and repairs itself from your muscles to your cells.  During sleep, your body also releases hormones that allow major functions to take place.  Lack of sleep lowers leptin levels and increases cortisol in your body.  When leptin is lowered, your appetite increases.  Furthermore, increased amounts of cortisol in the body stimulate glucose production and hunger.

Lastly, lack of sleep makes it hard for your body to metabolize carbohydrates.  This increases your blood-sugar and insulin levels and in turn tells your body to store extra food as fat.

That’s enough to make me want to go take a cat nap.  What about you?

For more tips on weight loss and health, stay tuned to my blog!

To your health!

Autumn (check me out at pacificnorthwesthealth.com)

Exercise–It’s A Stretch!

Are you bent out of shape about exercising? 

Do you lack the motivation and energy to get off the couch and exercise?

I can’t tell you how many times in my life I have decided not to exercise because the thought of it was tiring and unappealing.  I still wanted the benefits of working out–the tight body, the glowing skin, the energy, the strength….but I didn’t want to do the work.

What was I to do?

Stretch!  You’ve got to start somewhere.  Stretching for even 10 minutes a day can do wonders for your body. 

Stretching:

– relieves stress

– enhances coordination

– prevents injury

– improves flexibility

– burn calories

– increases circulation in the blood

– increases energy levels

– increases range of movement in your joints

– reduces muscle tension

– sheds excess fat

These are only some of the amazing benefits of stretching!  Plus, you can stretch anytime, anywhere and it’s free!  It doesn’t get any better than that.

For more tips on health, exercise, and losing weight, stay tuned to my blog!

To your health!

Autumn (check me out @ pacificnorthwesthealth.com)

Don’t throw out your skinny jeans!– Weight loss is possible!

Are you tired of fad diets?  Are you unhappy with your weight?  Do you wish you still fit in your skinny jeans?

I used to get the same feeling like clockwork every Friday night.  There I would be, staring into my closet in a daze, my bed covered with cute shirts I had tried on that no longer fit.  I would be contemplating if I should still go out, because I simply had, NOTHING to wear.  Maybe I should just stay home, throw on my pajamas and watch old reruns of Sex in The City??

I felt defeated.  I knew the food I had eaten that week and the non-existant exercise had caught up to me.

I almost did stay home, many times.  But I had to go out– it was a necessity.  You see, I was unhappy with my job.  Staying home all weekend, not having any fun, and then going back to work Monday sounded like a death wish.  So I would squeeze into an outfit, put on some clunky cute jewelry and hope I was having a good hair night.

I didn’t have to feel this way and neither do you.

Today,  I have a job I simply love.  I never feel like I’m bulging out of my clothing anymore.  I am happy, healthy and active.

Here are some keys that helped me lose weight and get back to feeling good about myself:

– I ate healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, fish and extra virgin olive oil.  These not only filled me up, but also helped protect me against heart disease, cancer, depression, and Alzheimer’s.  The body uses fat for energy, so why not make sure it’s the good fats?

-I skipped the big meals, and had three small meals with many healthy snacks in between.  This helped me control my portions and made sure I wasn’t overstuffing my stomach with too much food all at one time.  Feeding my body more frequently taught my body that it’s okay not to store food till the next meal, because the next meal would be coming sooner than later.

-I drank more H2O.  Often I thought I was hungry, when I was simply just thirsty.  Drinking more water gave me more energy; so I had less energy slumps.  This is turn meant I ate less sweets.

-I moved more….I spent less time sitting around and more time being active.  I made sure I never sat for more than an hour without getting up to move around for a few minutes.

-I became grateful for everything and anything in my life.  I started a “Gratitude and Motivational” journal and wrote in it frequently.  It helped me focus on what made me happy in life and who I wanted to be.

I hope this will start to help you fight your “battle of the bulge.”  Stay tuned to my future blog posts for more weight loss tips!

To your health!

Autumn (check me out at pacificnorthwesthealth.com)

The Super-Powers of Superfoods

Ever want to have a superpower like Spiderman, Catwoman or Superman?  I do!  Well, this is as close as you can get.  These foods all support your immune system and promote longevity among other health benefits.  Here are a few of my favorite Superfoods on earth–I recommend you give them a try!

1. Goji Berries– Goji berries are one of the most nutrient dense
foods on earth, containing 18 kinds of amino acids and up to 21 trace minerals.
They can be found growing on vines in desert regions from America to Asia. Loaded
with antioxidants and phytochemicals; they are believed to be one of the richest
sources of Vitamin C on the planet. Goji berries are known to curb appetite,
fight inflammation and improve sleep. They are prized for their anti-aging,
mood boosting and immune building effects on the body.

2. Maca– Grown high in the mountains of Peru, maca is a
root plant noted for its energy and stamina increasing properties. Aiding the
nervous and digestion system, it is composed of 55 different phytochemicals and
20 different fatty acids. Maca regulates hormones, reduces stress and has an
anti-depressant effect. This amazing plant also enhances one’s memory and
learning ability.

3. Chia Seeds–  Chia seeds are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin B complex, calcium, potassium and fiber.  They regulate blood sugar levels and help you stay hydrated.  They taste great in smoothies, sandwiches, salads and dressings.

To your health!

Sincerely,

Autumn