You are stuck in line or a waiting room, time is starting to drag, a soda and candy bar should hold you over until you get a meal. Right?  Wrong!  It may have worked when you were 15, but those days are long gone.  The hormones are not what’s raging, and that inner tube around you middle is part of your energy problem. 

Controversy continues among health experts, not to mention the sugar industry, about how much sugar you can consume before it is bad for you.  Two facts agreed upon is, on top of the spoonfuls of sugar we add to cereal, fruit, coffee, and so on, even more is added by manufactures and chefs to processed foods to make them taste better.  And two, all of these sugars are physiologically identical, carrying about 15 calories per level teaspoon, mainly differing in flavor.  This adds up to a whopping 70 teaspoons consumed by the average American each day, about 100 to 150 lbs. per year.  One regular 12oz can of soda has nearly 10 teaspoons of sugar.

What the Sugar Association does not mention is that this amount of sugar can wreak havoc, both your energy level and your overall health.  Sugar contributes to many of our symptoms of not feeling well, being overly tired, sleep problems, depression, forgetfulness, etc.  It increases dental plaque, which promotes cavities and gum disease, and it depresses the immune system.  The typical diet with doses of sugar throughout the day makes us more susceptible to colds, viruses, bacterial and fungal infections, and even cancer.  Sugar contributes to obesity in several ways, including its addictive nature, tricking us into wanting more.

So what’s wrong with caffeine?  After all, without the creamers and sweeteners that most of us use, coffee is low-cal and offers as good a buzz without any calories at all.  If you have ever had the jangles from too much or the drags from not enough, you are well aware that caffeine presents its own problems. 

Recent reports indicate that coffee is a mild effective antidepressant, but to much of it is not a good thing, it can cause those feeling we call stress.  It is a stimulant that affects many parts of the body.  It influences the heart and central nervous system and well as the hormone glands, reproductive and respiratory systems.  Caffeine is also known to cause headaches, by getting too much or too little, just try withdrawing from it.  It causes feelings of anxiety, panic attacks, sleep disorders, nervousness, muscle twitching, lack of balance, poor memory , and tremors.  Stomach acid secretions increase with use, contributing to heartburn, digestive upset, and can aggravate ulcers.  It also affects the heart, including rate, rhythm, blood vessel diameter, cholesterol, and blood pressure.  Some people have heart palpitations as a result of caffeine.  These problems are not from one or two cups, but somewhat larger amounts.

So how do you increase your energy level when you are dragging?  Eat some protein, a piece of fresh fruit, meditation 15 to 20 minutes, and drink a tall glass of water.  If you are in good condition, that should put you back on track.  The longer answer is to get more exercise and more rest, at least 8 hours a night.  Three small healthy meals and a couple of healthy snacks throughout the day are advised. 

In 2 or 3 weeks, after withdrawals, you will feel better and won’t go back to your old habits.  You never know how good you can feel until you eliminate the junk.