"Bee" Energized

By Madeline Balletta
Founder, Bee-Alive, Inc.

CBN.com – It's no surprise that people are talking about an energy crisis in America today, with the rising cost of oil, ongoing tensions in the Middle East, and the memory of last summer's massive power outage in the eastern US. But that's not the energy we're concerned about. What about your own personal energy? Do you feel like you have enough energy to get through your days and do everything you need to do? Or are you approaching a "crisis" level with your energy?

The truth is, many of us face a "Personal Energy Crisis" everyday -- dragging through life feeling tired and drained -- and just barely getting through. Anyone can be prone to a lack of energy, regardless of age, race, gender or occupation. In today's world, we all live a more fast-paced lifestyle. Just keeping up with everyday life can wear us all down. The good news is, you can fight this crisis with some simple steps to increase your personal energy and live a more rewarding life.

Get adequate rest. It might sound simple, but proper rest is absolutely essential to living a more energized life. You might think you'll get more done with those extra hours when you cut back on sleep. But the truth is, when you get less sleep, you usually end up more lethargic, with less energy for life. Sleep restores the body and mind and helps us maintain our mental and physical health. "Studies have shown that people who get seven to eight hours of sleep each night enjoy better health and live longer than people who get less sleep." (Mid-Columbia Medical Center, Oregon) Our bodies need proper rest to rejuvenate… and to keep us energetic when we're awake.

Eat a balanced diet… and healthy snacks. Your diet has a profound influence on how your brain and body respond… thus affecting your personal energy level. When you eat well, you function well. It's that simple. Go back to the basics. Make sure your meals are balanced from the basic food groups: grains (bread, cereal, rice, pasta), vegetables, fruits, meat/poultry/fish, dairy and sugars/fats. Consult with a nutritionist if necessary. A good rule of thumb for a balanced diet is low fat, low refined carbohydrates combined with healthy carbs and moderate protein. And just a word about snacking: be careful! Most people reach for something sugary when they want a snack or an energy boost. It's no wonder that Americans consume over 150 pounds of sweeteners per person -- or 53 teaspoons per day! That much sugar can cause a variety of health concerns, including an upset in our balance of blood sugar -- making us feel less energetic in the long run. Sugary snacks give you a false, short-lived feeling of energy. When you want to snack, grab something wholesome, like fruit or granola.

Exercise regularly. A little exercise goes a long way for a healthier, more energized lifestyle. It's generally recommended that we engage in some from of aerobic activity for at least 20 minutes, three times per week. If you're not exercising, find an activity that works best for you… and get started!

Take quality dietary supplements. In addition to eating a balanced diet, many doctors are recommending that we add supplements to our diets for overall health and nutrition and a more energized life. The food we eat today is often filled with artificial additives, including preservatives, colorants and flavorings. Food products are refined to preserve shelf life, which can result in loss of many natural nutrients. For optimal nutrition and energy, we should supplement our diets with high-quality multi-vitamins, minerals and natural food products. And for increased energy, we need to stay away from stimulants like ephedra, guarana and coffee. These stimulants can cause a spike and crash syndrome-putting our bodies on a roller coaster ride. This false energy is not a healthy choice. We need to maintain an even-keeled energy level throughout the day through supplements that are not stimulants. Many people use a natural substance from the beehive called Royal Jelly for added energy, stamina and vitality.* It's the healthy choice!

Complete a task. It might sound funny… but you'll be impressed with how energized you feel when you simply get something done! Those nagging tasks on our "to-do" lists can be overwhelming. Focus on completing one thing at a time and you'll be rewarded with a great, energized feeling.

Have fun! You've heard it said, "Laughter is the best medicine!" In the daily grind of life, how often do we fail to make time for some good old-fashioned fun? When you do something fun, you'll find that you feel energized and exhilarated, all at the same time!

If you're energy level is not what it used to be, incorporate these simple steps to help you live a more energized life and supplement your diet with Royal Jelly!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. As with any natural product, individual results will vary.

For more information about Bee-Alive or Royal Jelly, please visit www.beealive.com.

If you purchase Bee-Alive Royal Jelly products, part of the proceeds support CBN ministries.