Day 55 - Diet vs. Exercise Part 2: Increase Energy Levels

 

Despite what some "energy drink" advertisers may try and tell you, there is nothing like exercise to get your blood flowing. Exercise (intensely) does a tremendous job at increasing circulation to all corners of your body. When you are at rest, blood can end up 'pooling' in areas of your body that are not being used as much.

As soon as you get your body moving, your heart rate up, and the blood pumping through your veins, you actually force the pooling blood out of the far nooks and crannies of your body which increases what is known as your 'venous return'. With a greater return of blood back to the heart, the more red blood cells are available to transport oxygen and wake you up.

Not only that, but an intense workout causes a massive flood of "feel-good" hormones throughout your body that not only lift your mood, but also give you a boost of energy. Sure, some foods can give you a quick boost of similar hormones, but they are generally short-lived and can even cause dips in the opposite direction. Sound familiar; "Eat because you're unhappy, unhappy because of what you ate?"

There are plenty of people who feel that their low energy levels can be fixed by certain foods, beverages, or pills. In actuality, however, consistent exercise will help alleviate dips in energy levels over longer periods of time and help maintain higher energy levels.

Having said that, a healthy diet full of nutrient-rich foods also goes a long way to giving you sustained energy levels, but exercise takes you to the next level!
 

Winner: Exercise

Quote of the day:

"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson