Ashley Koff, co-author of Mom Energy, has some excellent tips for moms of ANY age!
Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond, Ashley knows how to get the nutrition you need to get maximum energy.
There are four key principles for getting your best energy at any decade – and then some specifics by decade (and lifestage). Quantity, Quality, Frequency, and Balance hold the key to optimal energy.
#1) Quantity: When we eat too much at one time, our bodies get overwhelmed and that causes energy inefficiency. The body stores what it can’t use as fat.
#2) Quality: Everyone should be a Qualitarian – which means making the best quality choice possible at any given eating occasion. Why? The better quality the fuel, the better the body runs. When the body gets things it recognizes, it works well. When it gets chemicals, genetically modified food forms, and overly processed ingredients, it works less efficiently and often gets irritated (which can lead to symptoms and disease).
#3) Frequency: Think of your body like a racecar not a street car. It needs just the right amount of fuel to function and then re-fuel…this way you avoid storage (i.e. fat creation), and your system stays light and efficient for optimal energy. Eating about every 3 hours is ideal.
#4) Balance: This refers to nutrient balance ├óΓé¼ΓÇ£ as in consuming some carbs, protein, and healthy fat at each eating occasion – as opposed to eating too much of one or too little of another. The goal here is to get nutrients that provide quick energy (carb) as well as those that provide sustaining energy (protein and fat).
More specifically, she gives tips on exactly what you need to know according to your age:
In your 20s, you should focus on becoming a Qualitarian. Ditch the processed foods and chemicals so that you build the strongest foundation possible.
In your 30s, focus on nutrient Balance so that you get your energy and your weight to a healthy place. If you learn this now, you can avoid issues that can result from poor energy and excess fat later in life.
In your 40s, focus on Frequency making sure that you aren’t eating too much at one time but rather are giving your body boosts of needed energy throughout the day. This will replenish your stores and keep your body working best.
In your 50s, re-focus on Quantity or focus on it for the first time. Too much of any nutrient will get stored. This can lead to an increased risk of disease as well as a physical burden from carrying too much weight, especially as this is the time in life where it’s more likely to aggregate around the belly.
Lots of good info! For more information and tips, go to Ashley Koff’s nutritional plan website!
