Having The Energy To Workout

Having The Energy To Workout

Guest Article from Denise at Nature's Source

It can be challenging to stay motivated and energized to exercise with busy schedules especially when working out after work.  There are many pre-workout drinks and stimulants on the market that contain high levels of caffeine, artificial sweeteners, colours and flavours. Sure they will give you crazy energy but with that comes a crash and irritable behavior due to the stimulants.  Greens antioxidant powders are a great healthy choice that will create a physical energy and mental focus with no stimulants or caffeine and will give you the boost you need to get through your workout.  Another bonus with using greens powders is that high content of antioxidants will help with repairing the muscles, joints, and tendons and prevent cell damage especially during moderate to vigorous exercise.  Hydrate, Repair, Restore Supporting yourself nutritionally while exercising is essential.  During exercise its very important to hydrate, repair and put back the nutrients used during your workout.  Coconut water is nature’s best hydrator.  It's contains high amounts of minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and sodium that will keep your electrolytes in balance.  Either you choose to drink a glass prior to your workout or sip it during a workout it will keep you hydrated and energized. One of the most difficult things when starting a workout regime is the sore muscles and tightness days after a workout, which can alter your motivation and ability to continue.  This is why it is so important to intake good clean protein sources that are easily absorbed and digested.  This is where protein powders are beneficial.  Consuming a whey or plant based protein drink within 30 minutes after a workout will reach the muscles and repair more rapid then eating meat that takes many hours to digest and separate the amino acids before they are delivered to the muscles and tissues for repair. When exercising many people experience an increase of appetite.  The body's need for antioxidants and nutrient dense foods is greater due to the use of calories for fuel during exercise and repair.  Proteins, vegetables, fruit, essential fatty acids (EFA) and fibre rich foods should be staples in a diet.  Making sure the diet contains high antioxidant fruits like berries, apples and cherries that have anti-inflammatory properties, support the immune system and will prevent free radical damage due to physical activity, stress and toxins.  Green leafy vegetables are a must.  Choosing moisture rich veggies like kale, spinach, cabbage, romaine, broccoli, cauliflower for snacks, smoothies or meals can be eaten in abundance. A great rule to follow with every meal is half your plate should be green leafy vegetables or cruciferous vegetables, a quarter of your plate should be protein and the other quarter is for a grain or starch. (quinoa, wild rice, brown rice, squash, sweet potato).  EFA'S are considered essential for many reasons.  In relation to workouts they are anti inflammatory, lubricating for joints and assists in cardiovascular health.  Oils like hemp, flax, 369 blends, coconut or fish oils can be easily added to food, used in salad dressing or smoothies. Even adding a handful of nuts or seeds to a salad, vegetable dish or snack will also provide EFA'S as well as fibre for satiety and protein for energy. Words of Encouragement Whatever form of exercise you choose it should not feel like a chore but a lifestyle.  Find something that you'll enjoy and look forward too.  Scheduling your workouts in your week can make it easier to commit to.  Some of us may need a little more motivation, so try creating a vision board that has realistic goals of how you'd like to see yourself and write on your bathroom mirror with erasable markers, words of encouragement.  Creating a mantra that resonates with you and saying it to yourself everyday will help maintain a positive attitude towards working out and create a healthier you. Thanks Denise for this great article! Check out www.natures-source.com for great deals on all your health and wellness supplements and natural health products! For a FREE 14 Day Trial , please fill out this form. Sign up for the Kombat Newsletter. There's a form on the right hand side of this page. Like, follow, and subscribe to all of Kombat's social media on  Facebook ,  Twitter,  YouTube, and Instagram.