When you’re tired do you turn to COFFEE?

Do you struggle to get out of bed in the morning?

Do you find yourself falling asleep after lunch?

Do you find it difficult to concentrate?

Do you even REALIZE how much ENERGY your body requires to WORK PROPERLY?!!

When I went back to work after having a severe depressive episode, I realized how much I had been underfeeding my body.

I found myself slurring my words, nearly falling asleep, getting headaches, my vision blacking out and being absolutely EXHAUSTED ALL THE TIME.

I started eating more and noticed my energy levels getting better and these symptoms COMPLETELY reducing.

Now because I underfed myself for a good 10 years,

my blood sugar levels tend to run VERY LOW and I require constant refueling on a regular basis which my body then burns off quickly.

To keep my energy levels up, I have to put food in my mouth ALOT.

That is one of the irretrievable damages I have done to my body.

#winning

Now if that ISN’T a warning to anyone courting the idea of engaging with diet culture or eating disorders, then I DON’T KNOW WHAT IS.

I will never go into details of what I ate when I had orthorexia or anorexia because I don’t want to encourage any young person/ mentally unwell person to engage in WARPED EATING.

But the amount of calories I thought I could (BARELY) survive on is SHOCKING.

So many of us turn to COFFEE or ENERGY DRINKS or SUGARY PICK ME UPS when our energy levels are running low.

When maybe, we need to be asking ourselves the questions….

‘Why are my energy levels low?’

I started my new job yesterday.

I packed my bag full of a proper hearty lunch, fruit, nuts, energy balls and dark chocolate.

I didn’t think I’d need all of it – but actually I BLOODY WELL DID!

My body required the energy to focus, learn and engage fully in my new job.

And tonight, I’m making sure I have an early night so I’m peppy for the next day.

I’m listening to my body and taking action on the things it NEEDS.

How much ENERGY do you need?

The answer isn’t quick fixes – it’s LONG TERM NUTRITION.

Coffee and sugar in the short term scientifically peak then dramatically drop.

After a few hours if not less, the stimulant wears off and your energy and performance levels decline rapidly.

The best way to combat this is to pair your morning cup of coffee with a slow release carbohydrate like oats, wheat biscuits, wholemeal toast, rye bread, sweet potato etc….

That way the caffeine is supported by the slow release carbohydrate sustaining the energy increase of longer without a dramatic CRASH.

Drinking coffee or stimulants on their own, with no food to support it, will only lead to crashes and a NEED FOR MORE COFFEEEEE.

Maybe the next time you are tired before you reach for your fourth cup of coffee, ask yourself,

‘Why am I tired? What does my body actually NEED right now?’

Maybe it’s…

• A better night’s sleep
• Hydration
• A snack. A proper snack. LIKE AN ACTUAL PROPER PIECE OF FOOD.
• To have a stretch.
• To have a brain break – do something silly, stare out the window, go for a quick walk.

Also set your day up with a HEARTY BREAKFAST.

No, but seriously, putting fuel in your body to set you up for the day is important.

If I haven’t harped on about it enough.

So I’ve created these Mocha Peanut Butter Overnight Oats, that you can make the night before, pop in your fridge and give yourself a little bit more sleep in the morning.

HUZZAH!

Pairing coffee with the oats gives you that sweet, sweet, slow energy release.

You’ll be fire working ALL DAY LONG.

Combining cacao powder which is rich in magnesium and iron, you’re truly fueling your body for the day.

Peanut butter’s good fats and protein are adding to the fuel for your body’s energy needs.

And banana – HELLO ENERGY FRUIT.

ENERGY A-GO-GO!

(Can you tell I need to eat these oats now so my brain actually works?)

Mocha Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Serving: One (double as you go if serving for more)

What you’ll need:

• 40g of oats
• 1 tbsp of chia seeds.
• (Optional) 1 tbsp of Chocolate Protein Powder
• 2 tbsp of cacao powder
• Pinch of Salt
• 3 tbsp of Chocolate Coconut Yoghurt/ Plain Coconut Yoghurt
• 3 tbsp of brewed coffee
• 1 tbsp of peanut butter
• Sliced banana and blueberries to top.

How to make it:

• Put oats, chia seeds, cacao and a pinch of salt into a bowl.
• Stir in coconut yoghurt, coffee and plant based milk.
• Pop into the fridge overnight.
• In the morning, top with peanut butter, bananas and blueberries.
• Sit down with your breakfast bowl and take some time to enJOY mindfully, fueling your body to start your day.

Start recognizing the energy your body needs each day.

Don’t ignore it.

Listen to your body and reap the rewards,

Much love,

Joy xx