<p>Janet came to me early last year. She is a business consultant and frequently travels all across the country for work. Ever since a heavy round of medication for a powerful bacterial infection, she has been suffering from problems in energy, clear-headedness, moods and weight. She picked up every round of flu and cold as it swept through the city and seemed to be consistently battling one "minor" health problem or another. In addition to managing several projects nationwide, she was also preparing for her fall wedding, and was finding it difficult to manage everything on her plate with her failing health. She had goals to resume running marathons and this passion was falling to the wayside as a consequence of her energy levels, low immunity and nagging injuries. Janet is in her mid 30's.</p>
<p>Looking at both her lifestyle demands and her current nutrition, we were able to get Janet back to mental clarity, high energy, better digestion and a workable, injury-free training schedule in just three months' time. She began eating breakfast, cut back on caffeine, found which foods worked for and against her body and consequently was able to enjoy her wedding and work without feeling exhausted and drained for her honeymoon.</p>
<p>Janet is not one woman, but a compilation of many clients I have seen over the years. Many individuals who come my way experience life with less vitality and energy than is necessary. A commonly surprising by-product of our work together is greater clarity of mind and energy to have a more satisfying and enriching professional life. Many people do not realize how ill they have been until they experience wellness beyond their expectations!</p>
<p>Below are the common mistakes entrepreneurs and professional businesspeople at the table that have dramatic effects on the ability to do what they love - their work, their hobbies, or their athleticism:</p>
<p>1) <strong>Breakfast -</strong> If you don't eat it, start. If you do eat it, evaluate it. Starting the day with coffee and a baked good is quick and easy, but sets you up for a sluggish afternoon. Better breakfast options: green tea, fresh fruit, lean protein, and whole grains. Breakfast at home <em>can</em> be as quick and easy as a trip to the local coffee shop or drive-thru.</p>
<p>2) <strong>Inconsistent meals</strong> - busy people often fall prey to one of two things - consistent snacking without a meal, or long periods of subsisting on nothing but coffee or air. Habitual snackers often battle weight because they never feel satisfied, those who try and fast of caffeine and air suffer from mood swings, energy troubles, weight gain and difficulty focusing on important tasks or relationships.</p>
<p>3) <strong>Caffeine</strong> - This is a tough one. Caffeine DOES improve clarity of mind for a period of time, and allows us to get more done because it puts us in a state of artificial fight-or-flight. Habitual users end up suffering from blood sugar instability, chronic fatigue, anxiety and mood swings as it depletes resources in the body and substitutes for more nourishing, sustainable sources of true energy. To wean yourself from caffeine, begin by drinking 16-20 oz. of water for every cup you have. If you have espresso, drink this amount before and after your beverage. Progress to removing caffeine one cup or shot at a time, ultimately reserving it only for emergencies.</p>
<p>4) <strong>Food Intolerances</strong> - most people have sensitivity to one food or many. The field of food intolerances is just budding; so many intolerances remain undiagnosed and evade recognition by health professionals. Frequent brain fogs, energy dips, weight troubles, chronic digestive problems (heartburn, GI distress, bloating, stomach issues) and even mood disorders can be rooted in food intolerances. Consulting with a nutrition professional can help you determine if this is true for you. You can also keep a food log, and note your responses to daily meals for a week - tracking energy and mood at 30 minutes and 2 hours post-consumption.</p>
<p>This article only addresses nutrition; countless choices in our lifestyle can also negatively impact our energy levels. Part II will address other choices we make that can have profound effects on our ability to pursue our life's work.</p>
<p> </p>
2008-12-26T21:10:07Z
2008-12-27T07:52:16Z
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creating-energy-for-your-work-fueling-entrepreneurialism-is-an-inside-job
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2008-12-27T07:47:44Z
2008-12-27T07:47:44Z
Having the stamina and vitality to do our work is absolutely essential to success. Our food choices offer the quickest and easiest solution to many of our energy problems.
Creating Energy for Your Work: fueling entrepreneurialism is an inside job
0
2009-02-24T09:48:05Z