Pillar 3: Energy & Rest
How much energy we have during the day is dependent upon several factors, the most important of which is nutrition. If we don’t have the proper nutrition to fuel our bodies, our energy levels suffer.
Energy balance is achieved when input (i.e. nutritional energy intake) is equal to output (i.e. total energy expenditure). When energy balance is maintained over a prolonged period, an individual is considered to be in a steady state. It’s hard to be in a steady state all the time, though, because our lives are quite busy and oftentimes our schedules are irregular.
The good news is that our bodies are designed to adapt to changes in energy intake by balancing physiological responses (less energy to move) with behavioral ones (forced rest periods). However, consistent lack of energy intake can lead to what some scientists call “biological and behavioural penalties.” That’s just a fancy way to say that if a body doesn’t get enough energy or rest it’ll grow slower, lose lean body mass, gain body fat, and start to protest when asked to perform certain activities or tasks.
Rest is also an important component our overall well being. Sleep has restorative effects on our bodies and minds and plays a vital role in good health and well-being throughout our lives. Getting enough quality sleep at the right times can help protect mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety. During sleep, the body is working to support healthy brain function and maintain physical health. In children and teens, sleep also helps support growth and development.
What you can do: Take the time to supply your body with the nutrients it needs to function in a steady state all the time. (Our Crucial Four products are designed to help!) Choose nutrient dense, NON GMO, minimally processed foods. Aim for 50%-80% raw or uncooked organic local foods (think: High Fat: raw grass fed butter (Don't forget to ask if the cows are of A2 Genetics) Crucial Four centrifuge organic coconut oil, and fermented cod liver oil. The research is in, and high fat diets that consist of clean organic raw fats are the smartest most logical way to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. Moderate Protein: local grass fed/ pastured cultivated animals, Crucial Four's Mega plant proteins and wild caught Fish. Low Carb: organic sweat potato, oat groats, quinoa, buckwheat, wild rice, or home made sourdough bread. Also don't forget your fermented foods, salads, sliced vegetables and fruits, nuts, Crucial FOUR teas and raw juices). Work on getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night, an amount that helps restore mental and physical energy. Set consistent bedtime and wakeup routines to help.
In this blog, we’ll talk about what helps and hinders our efforts to live in a steady state, and how to overcome those obstacles. Tips, tricks herbs and plant-based nutrition that help energize us, and help us rest will also be discussed.
