Maintain Your Summer Energy

Don't let fall's shorter days and chillier temperatures slow you down! Use the following tips to help you keep your bright summer disposition (and body) all year long: Choose 'sunny' foods: Grains & legumes make you feel good all over - in your belly and in your head. The carbohydrates in them soothe your cravings, yet they're also high in fiber and protein, so they fuel your body for hours. Brown rice and beans, lentils and quinoa are a few of my favorite all-star energy foods. (go to shape.com/davidkirsch for the satisfying recipe for Quinoa Salad) Jump Start your Body: When you're feeling as though you'd rather reorganize your photo albums than work out, just start moving. Do anything. Take a walk, do some arm swings, stretch, jump, march in place. After a few minutes I guarantee you'll have more energy because your blood is flowing faster and delivering more oxygen to your brain and muscles. Now you're ready to tackle your workout. It's a good trick to use whenever you need an instant pick me up. Wake up Your Breathing: Use yoga breathing techniques to get energized before a big event. Try it before a workout or even at your desk: Sit or stand with your eyes closed, and slowly breathe in and out through your nose. Feel the breath 'scraping' the back of your throat (the sensation is similar to when you say ahhh, but with your mouth closed.) Be sure to make each inhalation and exhalation the same length to create a calming yet still uplifting rhythm. **This information was taken from Shape Magazine**