Are You Tired of Feeling Tired?

Americans drink 146 Billion cups of coffee each year (that’s 400 million cups per day), and most of us don’t drink it for the flavor. We drink it for the buzz! But some of us, especially those of us with celiac disease, feel worn out and tired almost all the time, even after a cup of strong coffee (well, worn out and jittery, I suppose!).

There are several reasons why people who have celiac disease and are on the gluten-free diet feel fatigued. Fortunately, there are some quick solutions that can help you feel energetic without wasting much time!

7 Ways to End Fatigue and Have More Energy

Eat complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are foods with three or more sugar molecules linked together, and they are the fuel for our body. One of the best sources for complex carbohydrates is whole grain, like breads and pasta, but obviously this is not a possibility for us. Other great sources of complex carbohydrates are fruits, vegetables, beans, and brown rice or quinoa (white rice is a simple carbohydrate and won’t provide you with the energy you need).
Avoid simple sugars and starches. While complex carbohydrates fuel your body for the long run, simple carbohydrates give you short energy bursts and cause you to crash. These simple sugars are obviously found in deserts like cookies, cake and ice cream, but they also come from white rice, potatoes, and other white starch vegetables. It’s also best to lessen the amount of sugar you put in your food for cooking in general (I know it tastes good—try using a small amount of agave nectar instead!).
Eat more often. One of the healthiest ways to eat is to eat three meals each day just until you’re full, and have two healthy snacks in between. I’ve been trying to eat this way for months, and I love it! I carry fruit, like an apple or peach, and a KIND fruit and nut bar with me everyday for mid-day snacks. These healthy snacks keep me energetic, and my blood sugar doesn’t crash so I don’t crave cookies or Snickers bars like I used to.
Take a multivitamin (with vitamin B and iron). One of the reasons I was so fatigued is because I had a deficiency of iron and vitamin B that was related to my body’s inability to absorb nutrients when I had untreated celiac disease. Once I added a multivitamin with iron and started taking vitamin B supplements, my energy level really improved! Check with your doctor to see if you have any specific nutrient deficiencies that may be causing you to feel tired all the time.
Drink Green Tea or Yerba Maté instead of coffee. I’m not trying to get all “hippy” on you, but green tea and yerba maté are full of healthy antioxidants, in addition to a little natural caffeine. If coffee gives you the jitters like it gives me, try a cup of organic green tea instead. If you need extra pick-me-up, yerba maté has more caffeine than green tea, but it’s a less intense high than caffeine from coffee. Plus, these teas are great for your body!
Exercise a little everyday. Seriously, it doesn’t have to be much. Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or parking in the back of the parking lot at work and walking in. Also, try to stand up and stretch every 30-45 minutes you are sitting at your desk. This little extra will help keep your blood flowing and remind your body that you are an active individual and you need energy!
Avoid alcohol and soda; drink water instead. Drew and I enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, and that’s okay. But we always feel sluggish the next day when we decide to finish the bottle. Instead of having that second glass of wine or a glass of Diet Coke, drink some water. After all, our bodies are made of up 60-70 percent water, and we need that water to fuel our cells.

Did you like these tips? We have a ton more like them in our Free Gluten-Free E-Course. You’ll get 7 lessons that are full of helpful ways to live a hassle-free, worry-free, gluten-free life. Click here to signup now!

Photo credit: delgaudm