Energy Crisis? Not Here!

January is an awesome time of year: daylight hours are getting longer; and the postcard-perfect snow cover stirs memories of tobogganing, skating, snowshoeing, and winter revelry. All you need is the “activation energy” winter mornings demand. Truth is, the cliché of breakfast being the most important meal of the day bears snow-tire traction, whether you’re gearing up for a day of fun or simply clearing a path to the car and scraping the windshield.

Along with a well-balanced breakfast of healthy fats and proteins, there are several nutrients worth consideration. For those of us that plow through the morning with a drive-thru coffee, caffeine is a great stimulant, but your body and mind may crave more…

Medium-Chain Triglycerides

Medium-chain triglycerides are terrific nutrients for hectic mornings, with caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acids being the principal components of this versatile oil. MCT oil delivers approximately 100 calories per tablespoon, and goes great with coffee, oatmeal, or yogurt, or even in a morning smoothie. MCTs are easily digested and metabolized, don’t get stored as fat, and are preferred fuel for the brain.

D-Ribose

Here’s another suggestion: d-⁠ribose is a simple five-carbon sugar with a niche market for chronic fatigue syndrome and cardiac patients. It serves as fast fuel for the generation of energy and endurance at the cellular level. A teaspoon or two in your coffee or tea will energize, without spiking blood glucose levels.

Maca Root

Maca root, in powder or convenient capsule form, is another way to energize winter mornings. It contains a mosaic of nutrients great for energy, stamina, and mood. This trio’s beneficial traits are definitely worth tapping into.
 

Ginseng

Looking to harness your newfound morning momentum? There are several botanicals that can help with mental clarity and focus as you chart your road map for another great day. A tandem of products—Siberian ginseng and Panax ginseng—are among the side effect–free botanicals worth exploring.
 

Good morning and good day, whether you’re schussing down powder-drenched slopes or strolling sandy shores… Spring will be here sooner than you can imagine!

 

 Gordon Raza, BSc

 As the technical writer for Flourish, Gord shares his
 unique perspective on natural health products, nutrition,
 and active living.