6 Tips to Unlock Energy During the Dog Days of Summer 

I love summer, and there are still a few more weeks of it to soak up. Yet during these dog days of summer, it’s easy to feel like your energy is completely zapped. Here are some tips to turn that lethargy around: 

1. More water, less caffeine. Start each morning with a large cup of water. While you can certainly follow it up with your morning coffee, it’s essential to be cautious of how much you drink. Caffeine is very dehydrating. Make sure you’re drinking enough water to balance it out with a minimum of 6 to 8 ounces of cold water a day. Also, limit caffeine in the afternoon and evening, so you can get a good night’s sleep and wake up with natural energy.
   • EXTRA BB TIP: Instead of coffee, switch to iced green tea. Green tea is a much more sustainable energy. I love making sun tea by filling a large glass container with green tea bags and water and let it steep in the sun. It’s super refreshing and great with fresh lemon juice.
2. Exercise early in the morning. Fit your workouts in the morning to start the day strong. Whether you’re working at home or not, it’s easy to feel drained by the end of the day. Even better, it’s cooler in the morning if you decide to bring your at-home workout to your backyard.
3. Stick to your sleep routine. Summer may bring different activities, but it’s important to stick to your sleep schedule and get a good 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Read more on my blog about creating a healthy sleep habit. 
4. Try 16:8 intermittent fasting. While the 16:8 intermittent fasting pattern is what I follow year-round, it’s extra impactful in keeping energy up during the hottest days of summer. It’s simply 16 hours of not eating (coffee, tea, and water allowed), and a window of eight hours that you can eat. In that window, two high-protein, high-fat meals can keep you fueled. 
5. Eat light, good-for-you foods. Keep meals light and simple during the summer. Smoothies and salads are always a great option—they’re nutrient-packed and filled with fiber to help flush out toxins. See my favorite Protein Power Shake or Junk Salad. For extra hydration, you can also choose fruits and veggies with high water content, like cucumbers, celery, and watermelon. Stay cool by avoiding recipes that involve the oven or stove.  
6. Call a friend. Summertime is usually spent hanging out with friends for backyard BBQs. While we can’t do that this year, call a friend instead. Don’t just text or like an Instagram post, call for a real conversation. Especially in times of quarantine, it’s sure to lift your spirits and your friends’ too. 

Enjoy the rest of the summer, and use these tips to enjoy the hottest day of it. 

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