Entrepreneurial Energy – How to Generate More!
Big Business Busts
As a business owner and entrepreneur, I know firsthand what it takes to get a business up and running and the energy it takes to keep that business moving in the forward direction. Most of us here in Calgary were feeling the downturn of our local economy well before the beginning of 2020 and then shortly there after we shocked into a new reality with the onslaught of COVID-19. Stress is one of the partners in many of our businesses as we need to pivot, roll with the punches and use creativity. This unfortunately means that many of us business owners prioritize ourselves last and don’t focus on our personal health which can lead to burnout and health issues down the road!
What if I told you that with a little focus on yourself and your health through nutrition your business could thrive even more? That when you are well fed, your energy will perk up and focus will sharpen so your business will grow and gain ground too? What if I told you your creativity, concentration and attention to detail will exponentially skyrocket and this will enhance your business interactions and attention to detail setting you apart from your competitors?
Would you change your nutrition then? Would you put a little more effort and thought into the food you fuel your body with?
The food that you eat directly affects your energy levels, your mood, your ability to concentrate and your creativity. These are all important qualities that we, as business owners, rely on daily. There are specific nutrients that are important to keep us sharp and imaginative.
Even before we get to food though, are you drinking enough water? I know, I know, this isn’t sexy, this isn’t groundbreaking, this isn’t even new so tell me this, why isn’t everyone drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water a day? The human body is composed of 75-80% water, it is essential that we hydrate. Water is cheap, it is fast and available. There is really no reason that we can’t work a few glasses of filtered water into our workday. Water will cleanse, help you control your body temperature, help regulate kidney function and will help with cell integrity. Dehydration drains energy and leads to feeling drowsy and drained. Remember that caffeine and alcohol will dehydrate you so if you consume either one of these you will have to replenish with a little extra H2O!
While we are talking energy, the most important nutrient that I recommend for stressed business owners is not just a single vitamin but a complex – a B-vitamin complex. Yes, that’s right, ALL of them! They work synergistically in the body to produce ATP (our energy source or fuel) and when you don’t have enough, your cellular respiration (the making of energy) will slow down! These vitamins help with the conversion of the food we eat, carbohydrates, fats and proteins, to energy. Vitamin B12 is important to note as it is mostly found in animal foods so if you are vegetarian and especially if you are vegan you should consider supplementing this B-vitamin. The other B-vitamins can be found in whole foods like red meat, fish, eggs, dark leafy greens, nuts and seeds as well as the ever-popular avocado!!
If your energy is low it’s important to know that iron deficiency is one of the most common deficiencies with almost 10% of North American women deficient in this important mineral. Iron helps transport oxygen through the blood. It helps metabolize protein and plays a role in production of hemoglobin and red blood cells. Watch out if you are taking high levels of calcium as this can prevent the uptake of iron from foods. Vitamin C on the other hand can help with the absorption. Some whole foods you can find iron in, include grass fed and finished meat products, spinach, broccoli, beans and lentils as well as pumpkin seeds.
Another favorite mineral of mine for the stressed professional is magnesium. Surprisingly less known, magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in the human body. We need magnesium to regulate over 300 biochemical reactions including energy production. If you are eating lots of green leafy vegetables, you are likely doing okay in this department. However, if you know you are living a high stress lifestyle, like most business professionals are, you definitely want to consider adding more! Some signs that your magnesium is low include intestinal stagnation, changes in your blood pressure, trouble sleeping, feeling anxious last but not least, you guessed it, a lack of energy! Magnesium can also be found in fish, almonds and whole grains. If you deal with muscle cramping, or trouble sleeping you can also get some magnesium by having an Epsom Salt bath. I recommend doing this before bed as magnesium is the “anti-stress” mineral and will help you relax and unwind for a good night’s sleep.
Finally, let’s discuss potassium. It is important because it is an electrolyte that regulates your blood pressure, muscle activity, and water retention. Without it you will feel weak which will prevent you from being able to be active. It also helps your cells produce energy, so a deficiency can leave you feeling tired and fatigued. As business owners we don’t have time for much unscheduled down time. We need to keep our levels of potassium in check. We can do this by eating bananas, avocados, lentils, sweet potatoes and spinach.
Want to get even healthier? Do you want help figuring out how to feel more energy to get more done in your business? Want to stop feeling the energy lows and chronic energy drain? Curious about how nutrition consulting and health coaching can help you take your health and business to the next level? Let’s talk! Schedule an initial complimentary consultation today—or pass this offer on to someone you care about! Visit www.noshoesnutrition.com and sign up for a FREE consultation. We work with people from all over the world individually or in groups so don’t let anything hold you back!
Written by: Megan Barefoot