Why You Have No Energy & Feel So Tired!

Hi Motiv8ers!

Coach Ty here.  So, today's post is a topic you have already heard, but it is so important that we have those healthy reminders.  So today's post is about why you need to eat real whole plant foods every day in order to be healthy, lean, and have the energy you are looking for to help you get through your day and workouts.

First, let's start with a quick video.  This video talks about the importance of having a lot of fiber in your diet. Check it out.  The video is 5 minutes long and it is from the Nutrition Facts Team.

Alright Crew Lets move into our topic for today.....

"Why You Have No Energy and Feel So Tired!"

  Motiv8ers lets start with the basics.

How does the body Generate Energy? 

Our primary fuel source to get through our day and our workouts comes from carbohydrates. Carbohydrates break down into sugars.  The body then converts those sugars into glucose.  Glucose is transferred and stored in your muscles and is then used as fuel when you start any type of physical activity. Great sources of Carbohydrates are any type of plant based whole foods such as:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole Grains
• Starches
• Beans and Legumes
• Small portions of nuts and seeds

These foods will give you tons of energy, help you get stronger, and make you feel great!

  But....I know what you're thinking.  So then why do so many people say carbs are bad?!

What Makes a Bad Carbohydrate Bad?

When folks speak of bad carbohydrates, they are mostly speaking of man-made processed carbohydrates like breads, candy, sodas, pasta, box meals, etc.  You get the idea.  Anything that has been taking out of its original form and put into a box. 

So why are these foods bad?  The main reason is the absence of fiber.  Sugar without fiber is bad news!

Fiber prevents sugar from digesting too quickly.  If sugar enters your system without fiber your blood sugar levels will more then likely rise to a dangerous level. Your pancreas will then pump out insulin that will will travel into your blood stream and will remove the sugars balancing out that blood sugar levels.  Great right? Well not really!  The body needs to put those sugars somewhere.  The best place for your body to put those sugars, after this process, is your fat cells.  So, insulin will accelerate the conversion of sugar into fat.  Insulin stores sugar as fat.  FACT!  Then you are left with zero energy in your muscles making you feel tired sluggish and worn out.  But the body still needs that energy to move and function so your cravings for more food increases and you will find yourself over eating.  OH MAN!!  =(

If you want more info on this process watch this video...

Now lets look at some food examples to try and understand this better.

Let's start with whole foods vs. processed foods.

500 Calories of strawberries will give you more energy than 500 Calories of strawberry PopTart

500 Calories of sweet potatoes will give more energy than 500 Calories of pasta

500 Calories of rice and beans will give you more energy than 500 Calories of Hot Pockets.

Let's Get into more Detail.

If you eat 2000 calories from rice and sweet potatoes, your body will store that as glucose giving you 2000 calories of energy making you feel great and energetic. 

Now check this out.  If you eat 2000 calories from pizza, possibly half of those calories will be stored as fat giving you only a 1000 calories of energy. Why?  Because of the absence of fiber.  The blood sugar will rise, your body pumps insulin, and the body stores that sugar as fat.

Now here is the problem.  Your body wants that 2000 calories of energy.  Because it only has 1000 calories your body will start to crave more food.  If you continue eating that processed junk food, the insulin process will continue causing you to over eat, which will cause you to gain weight.  

Gain the bad weight.

So, if you want lots of energy, to feel great, be lean, and start conquering those fitness goals, start trying to incorporate more whole plant based carbohydrates into your diet.  Your body will love you for it.  It might be hard at first but give it a chance for 30 days.  Trust me, you will feel better and be bouncing off the walls in no time.

If you do eat processed foods like bread, cereal, or other meals, and you are wondering what a healthy ratio between fiber and carbohydrates is, then watch this quick video.  It will definitely help you pick the right choice.

Crew, that is all for today.  If this post has helped you please let us know and post below.  Remember, remind yourself every day of why you are doing the actions you are taking!

Crew, Stay EPIC and Don't Forget to Be AWESOME!

Coach Ty Out!