Do you want to know how to have more energy without caffeine?

Let’s start with a little science lesson…to improve our energy, we have to improve our cells. We have trillions of cells in our body. These cells have parts inside them called mitochondria – which is the powerhouse of the cell. It is where cellular energy production occurs. Because we are made up of cells, the status of these cells determine how we feel day to day. So to improve our energy, we have to improve our cells. These 5 tips will help you have more energy without caffeine. 

1. Get moving – Think back to our ancestors. They had to get moving upon waking to finish their journey, hunt for food, find water, etc. It is natural to move. Movement will increase our cellular energy production (aka more energy). Bonus** Try to go for at least 10-15 minute walk before you start your day!

2. Sunlight & grounding – The power of sunlight and connecting with the Earth is SO under-rated. Sunlight is literally essential to life. The more you can get, the more we can activate our mitochondria (aka energy) and produce vitamin D, which is crucial for immune, bone, and brain health. If you can get 15 minutes around sunrise and again around noon that is huge step in the right direction for more energy. Bonus** Expose yourself to the vibrations of the earth while getting sunlight. Being barefoot or in socks while connected to the earth is very calming and healing. By calming the body, we can reactivate the mitochondria (aka more energy).

3. Hydration – Hydrate your body. We need water for energy cellular production (aka more energy). Try to drink 8-10 oz of water upon waking and at least 70 oz throughout the day!! Bonus** Start your day with a warm glass of lemon to activate your liver and dump a toxin load to increases energy levels.

4. Eat protein at every meal – Eat protein at each meal to stimulate Orexin (aka energy). Orexin is produced in the hypothalamus and play a role in regulating wakefulness. We need protein for several processes throughout the body so eating it throughout the day can ensure we are sufficient. Bonus** Take 3 deep breaths before a meal to calm your nervous system before eating. 

5. Cold therapy – Being exposed to cold temperatures for a short amount of time will rejuvenate the mitochondria (aka energy). You’ll notice right away that you have more energy from the exposure. Bonus ** End your shower with cold water for the last 30-60 seconds.

A few things to consider when incorporating caffeine…

– Have food before your caffeine. If a whole breakfast isn’t an option, go for a pre-coffee snack. Some examples include a protein waffle + grass-fed butter or fruit + some nut butter.

– Add healthy fats & protein to your caffeine such as coffee with coconut cream and collagen powder.

– Cut off 8-10 hours before bed to promote better sleep quality.

– Try to keep intake at 250mg of caffeine or less.

I challenge you this week to implement a few of these tips to see how you feel. Do you feel the need to reach for that afternoon pick me up? Do you feel more calm throughout the day? Do you sleep better at night? 

By: Taylor Reisinger