Finding energy in the winter months can be a hard feat
As the cold weather continues to blight Britain, it’s more vital than ever to ensure you’re keeping your energy levels topped up. This shouldn’t mean you’re forking out hundreds of pounds on expensive spa breaks and therapy sessions. So we’re giving you some top tips from the finest health and wellbeing experts in the country to ensure you’re making the most out of your body all year round.
A lack of energy is often a sign that you are deficient in certain nutrients, including vitamins B12, B6, folic acid and iron. Sun Chlorella contains all of these, helping to keep the body functioning effectively and boost oxygen levels in the blood. Nutritionist Nadia Brydon explains: “Taking Sun Chlorella daily can rapidly help increase energy levels. Sun Chlorella ‘A’ acts as an ‘intestinal broom’, cleansing the bowel by clinging on to toxins like mercury, lead or pesticides in your intestines and then eliminating them as waste.”Sun Chlorella is priced £21.95 for 300 tablets (a 20-30 day supply) available from www.SunChlorella.co.uk.
Holland & Barrett’s nutritionist Kate Butler explains “B vitamins contribute to energy metabolism and support the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, so it really is important to make sure you get your daily dose.” BetterYou’s, brand new B12oost is the first daily vitamin B12 oral spray, which also contains chromium and green tea extract. Kate recommends BetterYou, B12oost – £11.95 for 160 sprays
Maximising exercise - “What, when and how much you eat before exercise can affect your performance, strength and endurance. Researchers have found that performance during moderate to high intensity exercise, lasting 35-40 minutes was improved after consuming a moderately high carbohydrate and low fat meal 3 hours before exercise. Many experts recommend a low GI meal to support sustained energy release and post exercise recovery.” All products are available at Holland & Barrett stores nationwide. To discover your local store, or to shop online, visit www.hollandandbarrett.com
Kate explains: “Balancing blood sugar levels is key to supporting sustained energy. Eating frequently and combining protein with complex carbohydrate slows down the breakdown of carbohydrates. So essentially, the food that you have eaten spends more time in your stomach, leaving you feeling fuller for longer, less likely to reach for sugary snacks and reduces the likelihood of energy spikes and slumps. The mineral chromium has been shown to contribute to the maintenance of blood glucose levels.”
Justin Way, Personal Trainer from Pure Gym (www.puregym.com) explains: “There are a million ways you can boost your energy levels in your own home without spending a penny on expensive equipment. Here are my top tips for 5 minute energy boosters:”
- When hoovering standing on your left leg whilst pushing and pulling the hoover around with your right arm. Hop to move around the room and alternate legs every 2 mins. This would work the core massively whilst bringing great tone to the legs and bum. It would also improve the persons efficiency at moving, this is a great functional workout.
- When washing up or preparing food for dinner, perform mini jumps, like a bounce where you just leave the floor. This would be a good leg and calf toner whilst bringing a little cardio to the day, burning a few more calories. Obviously don't jump around if chopping carrots!!!
- Hanging out the washing then, do so constantly standing on your tip toes. Again a good leg worker bringing tone to the legs especially the lower leg.
- General tidying, picking something up off the floor, then perform 3 squats before bending to pick it up.
- When going upstairs go at 2 steps at a time and at pace, never just walk up slowly. Alternatively, go up and down the stairs twice before continuing with your task.
- Walking to the shops, your dog, etc interval train.....walk really fast for 1 min or 1 lamppost then slower for 1 min or 1 lamppost.
If you have a busy, active life, energy sapping stress can stop you in your tracks. Wassen’s Coenzyme Q10 is a completely natural vitamin supplement that has been designed to provide the nutrients needed for more efficient energy production on a cellular level, essential for people who love sport and fitness and who lead a busy or hectic lifestyle.
Commenting on the vital role of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in production of energy, Nutrition expert Kristoph Thompson from Brighton University said: “CoQ10 is a naturally occurring substance found in every cell in the body. It has many roles; acting as an anti-oxidant, regulating reactions, helping to create energy, and assisting in the absorption of other nutrients.”
A study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine1 showed that feelings of vigour and energy increased over a two month period of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation. Priced at around £5.85 for 30 capsules, Wassen CoQ10 is available from Waitrose, independent pharmacies and health food stores. For more information visit www.wassen.com
Topping up your 5 a day is another vital way to ensure you’re getting enough energy. Containing over 80% fruit and entirely made from natural ingredients with the new Manuka Honey Bar – ‘Energy’ contains five super foods: Manuka Honey UMF®5+, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and cinnamon. Each bar includes no less that 10% UMF® Manuka Honey 5+ (about one teaspoon). This special honey contains a unique phyto-chemical - an additional ‘active’ agent with antibacterial qualities effective against stomach complaints and used as a natural pre-biotic. Anecdotally it has also been shown to help combat sore throats, improve immunity and aid absorption of nutrients.
NEW Comvita ‘Energy’ Manuka bar (£1.79, www.comvita.co.uk/ Holland and Barrett)
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