While there are many effective ways to get more energy and build your productivity, Ive found it very important to pay attention to the seasons.

"But wait a minute," you say. "Aren't I supposed to be eating great food all of the time?"

Yes, you are! And after you understand what foods work best for your body, you should then adjust to fit the seasons. Over the past few years, I've found this to be the best way toget healthy, build my productivity, and increase my energy, for five (3 food and then 2 focus) reasons:

1. Melons

Excellent hydration food
An energized breakfast boost
Best eaten on their own for digestion (which also always means energy) purposes
Excellent calcium source
High on the list of anticarcinogenic foods

2. Cucumber

Contains 90% water
Relieves edema
Effective diuretic
Cleanses and purifies the blood
Helps break down protein (again, better digestion!)

3. Alfalfa Sprouts

Lowers cholesterol
Augments the urinary system
Excellent source of chlorophyll
High Food Mineral Source (calcium, iron, potassium more!)
30% protein by dry weight

Stay Focused on the REAL You for Summer

If we grew up in the United States we most likely grew up with associating summer with getting out of school SUMMER VACATION! As adults we tend to want to give ourselves the summer off as well, but we need to renegotiate what that means. Taking a break doesnt need to mean eating EnergyPoor Foods, but instead can be about tuning in and listening to our individual body and what it needs. Here a couple of ways to do that:

1. Look Local -

Dont think of summer as all about looking for local summer activities, but also about what is being grown near you. What is the natural message that is being given to you about what to eat this time of year (we are so spoiled by our grocery stores!) Spend some time searching out Farmers Markets, Co-ops, or just poking around your grocery store and checking out the produce labels as a clue to where the food has come from. Summer is definitely the time of year to stay away from frozen and canned food it really isnt necessary!

2. Take a Break Everyday -

What do you want for yourself and your body for the summer and always? Use some of the extra daylight energy to connect inward not just outward. Think about ways that you can take a daily or weekly vacation for just a few minutes or hours. The more you give yourself some space and time on a regular basis, the less you will need to take a vacation through your food.

To Your Health and Success, Heather