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Avoid Holiday Energy Drain Energy zappers are all around us during the holiday season – baking and cooking, decorating, entertaining, shop-ping, etc. – and if you’re not careful, an all-out energy drain could impact one’s health and well-being. The Medical Society of the State of New York advises everyone to enjoy and take care of themselves this holiday season and offers the following recommendations for boosting energy. Increase Magnesium Intake – Eating a balanced diet can help en-sure that your vitamin and mineral needs are met. If you still find yourself over-tired, you might have a slight magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is a mineral that breaks down glucose into energy. The recommended daily intake of magnesium is around 300 milligrams for women and 350 milli-grams for men. If you are not consuming this much, consider taking a magnesium supplement or eating more foods that contain magnesium. Take a Walk – While it may seem as if moving about when you feel exhausted is the quickest route to feeling more exhausted, the opposite is true. Health experts say that in-creasing physical activity – particularly walking – increases energy. Take a Nap – Getting between 20 minutes to an hour of extra sleep can help to recharge the tired body. Do Not Skip Breakfast – Eating a healthy breakfast supplies your body with a jolt of fuel that sets the tone and provides energy for the whole day. Reduce Stress and Deal With Anger – Stress is the result of anxiety and can erode energy levels. Un-expressed anger, likewise, can give a one-two punch to your energy level. Counteract both by doing something that you find relaxing: exercise, listening to music, reading, etc. Drink More Water and Less Al-cohol – Dehydration can leave a person feeling tired and lethargic. Boost your energy by remembering to hydrate with water. Eat More Whole Grains and Less Sugar – The key here is keeping blood sugar balanced so energy is constant. While sugar can initially give you a spike of blood sugar or energy, whole grains provide a slow and steady re-lease of fuel. Have a “Power Snack” – Power snacking is more than just eating between meals. A snack that combines protein, a little fat and some fiber – like peanut butter on a whole-wheat cracker or yogurt with a handful of nuts – can provide just the right combination of energy. This information is provided by the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY).
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