Finding Better Energy, Naturally

The big question: To caffeine or not to caffeine. Fortunately, better energy can come from a variety of places.

We'll take a look at some of the best alternative natural energy sources to help you whether you're looking for a new morning ritual, an afternoon pick-me-up or an all-natural way to fuel your workout. 

If you're looking for a natural energy boost and focus, you don't have to look any further than your refrigerator or pantry. There are plenty of healthy and delicious foods, vitamins, adaptogens and nootropics that can give you the boost you need to make it through the day. 

While coffee and energy drinks are increasingly common in today's lifestyle, consuming high doses of caffeine on a regular basis isn't always the best idea. 

High amounts of caffeine is known to cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. It can also lead to problems such as anxiety and insomnia. And by now we all know how bad high levels of sugar are for your weight, your heart and blood pressure amongst many other things. So while many energy drinks rely on mega doses of caffeine and sugar to give you energy, there are better solutions from ingredients found in foods, vitamins, minerals and other natural sources.

Finding the Balance

But don't get us wrong - caffeine isn't all bad, especially if you use it in the right amounts. We’ve all been through those morning jitters after chugging too much coffee on an empty stomach and the subsequent crash. ortunately that’s not your only option anymore - there are great alternatives that can be used to replace coffee and traditional energy drinks in order to get more benefits from your morning or afternoon ritual, support adrenal fatigue and can give you a natural, clean boost of energy throughout the day. Here are some of our favorites:

Green Tea - less caffeine and many more benefits. 

Consuming tea such as green tea provides a lower dose of caffeine, around 25mg per 8 oz cup. But in addition, green tea is also high in antioxidants and is linked in studies to many health benefits.

L-Theanine: making caffeine work better and longer

For those looking for an improved effect and focus from caffeine, the suggestion is to combine caffeine with L-Theanine as the two work synergistically to even out the stimulation effects of caffeine and provide a more stable, longer lasting boost and focus.

Vitamin B12 and B Blends: leading the vitamin charge for energy and brain support

B Vitamins are some of the best vitamins for energy as they can help with fatigue, brain fog and general lack of focus by supporting neurofunction. They’re essential for energy production in the body and can help to combat fatigue. Vitamin B12 is especially important for people who don't eat meat or poultry, as it's mainly found in animal products. We use Methylcobalamin (B12) in Motivate which is bioidentical form of naturally occurring B12 and the most bioavailable form of vitamin B12. 

Panax Ginseng: Hundreds of years of use across the world

From the mountains of East Asia, Panax Ginseng has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine for many health benefits. One of the most popular is its ability to act as a stimulant. Many people who take ginseng notice enhanced energy and mental clarity without feeling jittery or anxious much like caffeine can cause in high doses.

Lion’s Mane: Adapotgenic and nootropic support for mental focus and clarity

Lion's mane mushrooms are another amazing adaptogen and nootropic used for focus and energy. These mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, although they are only now beginning to gain popularity in the West. They are thought to improve cognitive function and reduce anxiety levels and is also currently being studied for its support of NGF production (Nerve Growth Factor) which keeps neurons healthy and promotes their survival in the brain.

Minerals to balance the body and mind

Magnesium, iron and potassium are minerals essential for optimal function of the body and can help to improve energy levels, especially when combined with each other. Magnesium is known for its calming effects and is known to reduce anxiety, increase focus and improve sleep quality. It also helps to relieve stress on the heart by lowering blood pressure levels which can be particularly helpful for those with high blood pressure.

Making the switch to better, clean Energy

So if you feel like traditional energy drinks and coffee just aren’t doing it for you anymore or you want to just switch it up, the good news is that there are a ton of great natural sources of energy and focus that can be used instead. By using natural ingredients we not only get the benefits listed above but can also avoid any potential side effects from overuse of stimulants like caffeine. So next time you need an extra boost try one of these suggestions or just pick up a Motivate instead!