This post is sponsored by Kicao Energy Bars
Just like most people nowadays, I live a full and busy life. Which honestly sometimes can be a little too busy. For example? I teach group fitness classes at Gold’s Gym 3 days a week. Three days a week I also teach classes at Yoga Nook, and this year I’m also a part of the yoga teacher training faculty which I am thoroughly enjoying. Then, throughout the week I run my personal training business, training private clients, in-home and online. Add onto all that a husband, a house, a dog, my own workouts/yoga, further education, a blog, friends and family, etc… and things can get kinda crazy around here.
5 keys to staying energized all day
Due to all this craziness I don’t have a ‘set schedule’. Literally every day is different. Yet I manage to keep track of everything thanks to my planner and Google Calendar. Understandably though my days need to run like a fine tuned machine, and keeping myself motivated, and energized is key. So I thought I’d share my top 5 tips for staying energized throughout the day.
Get some Z’s
It goes without saying that sleep deprivation is not good for your energy levels throughout the day. Last year I was working some weird hours. Two days a week I’d finish my work day at 10pm and drive 30 minutes home, go to bed around 11pm, then at 5am I’d have to get up to train clients. You don’t want to know how I felt around 2pm in the afternoon. I think the word ‘Zombie’ is appropriate. If you’ve ever been up all night with a sick kid (or pet) and you know what I’m talking about. Sleep is important yo! Make sure you’re getting in quality 7-9 hours a night.
Food is fuel
When you’re busy it’s tempting to save time by succumbing to fast food, or skipping meals altogether. It sounds crazy but it’s during these times that you need good healthy food, like fresh fruits and vegetables even more. Most Americans struggle to get in all their vitamins and minerals as it is. Throw a crazy schedule into the mix and before you know it you’ve eaten meals in the car twice in one day and are currently starving hungry, sluggish and really wanting a nap. This is the time that you need your food prep and menu planning more than ever. It’s also a great time to invest in pre-washed and cut veggies from the supermarket and a crockpot or electric pressure cooker! Micronutrients are super important and while you could supplement whole food versions are much better for you.
Get Moving
It might seem counterintuitive but activity can increase your energy. Often we find our energy beginning to slump because we’ve been sitting too long. Instead of sinking further into the couch, get up and get moving. If you work from home part-time like I do, this can be super important. Us bloggers tend to sit and write for hours, which can lead to temptation of a mid-afternoon snooze. Instead get up, and do some jumping jacks, or take the dog for a quick 20 minute walk. Not only will this boost your energy, but also your mood and your focus. Plus it’s good for your overall health anyway.
Hydrate
Anyone who sees me in person knows that I carry a water bottle with me everywhere, because I know the effects of dehydration. Just like being hungry can change your mood and energy levels, so can being dehydrated. Common side effects of even mild dehydration include headaches, fatigue, and lack of concentration. In studies women have shown to be more susceptible to the effects of dehydration than men, so ladies DRINK YOUR WATER!
Try An Energy Bar, Like Kicao
Instead of snacking on something that’s just going to give you empty calories instead how about snacking on something that is going to give you calories, energy, nutrients and tastes great too. I have this little zippered compartment at the top of my gym bag that holds important items: phone, keys and snacks. What I consider the essentials for a busy day. The folks at Kicao sponsored this post and sent me some of their Kicao energy bars to try.
Kicao is made with 3-4 all natural ingredients, including energy boosting cacao. Not to be confused with coffee or chocolate, cacao is amazing at boosting energy levels. How? Cacao is high in magnesium which is an essential nutrient for the body. In fact it’s responsible for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body and honestly deserves a blog post all on it’s own. Suffice to say that the benefits of magnesium include boosting energy levels. assisting in better sleep, and improving athletic performance. Along with magnesium cacao is also high in Phenylethylamine which increases energy, alertness and focus (and can also act as an aphrodisiac too by the way, bow chica wow wow).
I’m sure you’ve heard that dark chocolate is good for you right? Good news, it’s true! However, what you want is the natural cacao, as found in Kicao bars, because it comes without all the added sweeteners. No added sugars, no corn syrup, and no artificial sweeteners. With Kicao you get pure cacoa with dried fruit and nuts. That’s it. The bars are available in three flavors: Almond, coconut and peanut; and are available exclusively in the US in Natural Grocers stores.
So how did they taste? As a dark chocolate fan I loved it. The addition of the dried fruit counters the bitterness in the cacao. With the addition of nuts for some texture the are was definitely tasty. Again note the ingredients in this Almond Kicao bar: Cacao, almonds, raisins, natural vanilla. Boom! Talk about eating clean!
The whole bar has 229 calories, 16g fat, 17g carbs, and 5g protein. The high fat and carbs might scare some people but this fat is from REAL FOOD (the almonds) and not oils, so shouldn’t scare anyone. This bar contains 33% of your RDA of magnesium, and 12% of iron. Damn! But, did it boost my energy? Yes! I’ve felt the effects of this bar about 30-45 minutes after eating it. Similar to a caffeine buzz, heightened alertness and increased energy, but without the crazy jitters (I am caffeine sensitive and I don’t drink coffee). So yes the Kicao bars definitely worked for me, and I’d recommend them as an alternative to any energy bar full of added sugars, oils, and artificial ingredients.
Questions:
Have you tried cacao?
Which flavor Kicao bar would you like to try?
What’s your top tip for staying energized?
Benefits of home workout videos
HilLesha
I’ll have an energy bar every now and then, especially since I’m always on-the-go. I have never heard of this brand before, but I’ll keep my eyes peeled.
Yona Williams
I would want to try the Almond flavor of the bar…this is definitely right up my alley in the snack department. I have tried cacao before, and have cooked with the powder before.
Raquel Harbin
I LOVE dark chocolate and coconut together. These look and sound so good!
Di Hickman
coconut was my favorite! seriously hands down!
Rachel Catherine
Those look pretty good. I will have to see if I can find them. I love the idea of feeling energized all day.
Di Hickman
I need more this week! Serious having “one of those crazy weeks”
Sarah
I bet those are really filling. It definitely helps to be fueled up the right way before a workout!
Di Hickman
They are great as a snack, and I have had them pre workout too for a little ‘buzz’ 😉
Reesa Lewandowski
I haven’t seen these anywhere yet. My husband works long hours before he can get a meal in, so these would be perfect for him!
Di Hickman
Definitely give him an energy boost between meals!
Jessica Lawson
This is the first time I have ever heard of these bars. I don’t necessarily like energy bars but I will be willing to try anything.
Di Hickman
I think they are a great option when you’re on the go
Charlotte
These look awesome and a great re-fueling option for me as a runner as I am always looking for ways to keep my energy levels up after a workout
Di Hickman
Oh for sure I understand the post run munchies only too well!
Cara (@StylishGeek)
Those Kikao bars look delicious! The first time I heard about them was in your post! I need to try them, as well as your other tips…specially drinking water!
Di Hickman
They are pretty new I think Cara! At least to the US!
Robin Rue
These bars look so great. I am always looking for something that I can carry with me on the go.
Di Hickman
That’s why I like them Robin!
Jessi
I think i survive on a pot of coffee a day lol. I need to try these though, they would be perfect for when we are out and about.
Di Hickman
The problem with coffee is the more you drink the more you need. It’s a stimulant, essentially works the same as a drug. You need more of it to get the same “hit”
Heather
These look great! I have never seen them before, but I am definitely going to look when I get to the store next. I think drinking water is incredibly important, I feel so sluggish if I don’t have enough water during the day.
Di Hickman
Same here heather! Water is so important!
Jalisa
Im always needing something to
keep me awake and keep
My energy levels up.
Di Hickman
I think we all do!
Rimsha
These are great tips! I feel like I never stay hydrated enough. Also, these energy bars actually look delicious! Wish I could try it out.
Di Hickman
I find weekends my downfall for hydration!
Silvia
I need to get more sleep so I can have more energy throughout the day! It’s always the downfall of me is going to bed early enough so I don’t feel like a zombie in the morning.
Di Hickman
One thing I started doing was going to bed earlier and it helps so much! Try it!
Tereza
These look amazing – I really like the ones that are like a thick paste inside, they taste the best. Hate the ones that taste like protein or muesli bars, meh! I totally need to be drinking more water too, I’m terrible at that x
Di Hickman
Yes I don’t want anything too dry either. These are nice and chewy.
Amanda Love
That’s a lot of things to handle in a day or a week! I think it’s great that you found a good source of energy. It’s definitely reliable and healthy as well.
Di Hickman
Thanks. It’s definitely a crazy year!
katriza
I’m always running out of energy and need a pick me up a few times a day! I think these would be exactly what I need!
Di Hickman
I think we all need that pick me up!
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh
I haven’t even heard of these, but they remind me of a bar that I used to buy years and years ago. All natural, sorta ugly looking, but tasted amazing, always sweetened with dates. So healthy!
Di Hickman
Yes, less ingredients but more flavor!
lisa
Those energy bars look delicious, especially the peanut! Lord knows with two toddlers running around, I can use all the additional energy I can get during the day.
Di Hickman
Yes you do! I preferred the coconut 😉
Krystel | Planning The Magic
hmmm, I’m going to have to try this. Get moving to get energized is so true. I never start a workout being super excited (maybe sometimes when I run), but midway through I’m having a great time.
Di Hickman
I always say on “one of those days” that if I am not motivated to continue after 10 minutes, I can stop. Because at least then I did SOMETHING! Usually I’m into it by then, and keep going!
Terri Steffes
I am always on the look out for a great bar. This one looks like one that I would enjoy, too. Thanks for the review.
Di Hickman
No problem Terri, make sure to look for them in natural grocers!
Amber Nelson
I could use a good energy bar at about 2pm. I am in that weekday slump at about that time and need a little boost!
Di Hickman
Yep, that afternoon slump is the worst!
Theresa
I love having energy bars. They are so simple to take on the go. These look great!
Di Hickman
So tasty!
Ana De- Jesus
I am always dehydrated so I need to have more fluids and I am always lacking in energy so Kicao sounds brilliant! Can’t wait to try it out and hopefully I will master the art of sleeping more as well lol!
Di Hickman
I think we are a world of dehydrated and sleep deprived people!
Karen
Yes to the sleep and hydration- both of which I need to be more mindful of! And never tried these bars but the coconut one looks delish!
Di Hickman
Coconut was amazing! My favorite of the three flavors!
Janel Berchielli
These bars looks interesting. I think I want to try them all! I’m not a huge bar person but it is nice to know when there are healthy options.
Di Hickman
I don’t mind bars for my busy days, otherwise I prefer a real meal