Guest Speaker Michelle Gillespie - Oct. 14, 2014

Posted by Al Anile 
 

Michelle Gillespie, NTP was the guest speaker for our Rotary weekly meeting of October 14, 2014.

 
 
Michelle subject was nutrition, and here is what she said:
 
"How do you make it through your morning or past the afternoon slump?  Numerous cups of coffee?  Energy drinks?  Sugary snacks?  These strategies all work temporarily, but at what cost?  Sure, you get quick burst of energy from a caffeine or sugar high but before you know it, you’ve crashed and find yourself reaching again for another quick fix, creating a vicious cycle.  The cycle leads to more and more dependence on caffeine and sugar, and traveling down that road leads to weight gain, poor sleep, a nervous system in constant overdrive, and eventual adrenal burnout.
 
Luckily, there are better alternatives.  If you do find yourself in need of a quick fix, try green tea instead of multiple cups of coffee.  While it does still contain caffeine, it also contains l-thiamine which improves focus and mood, and creates a longer lasting calm energy.  Fresh, unpasteurized green juice is another fantastic option.   Along with the energy boost, you’re getting a concentrated source of essential nutrients.  And if you love your coffee – make it bulletproof!  Blend high-quality grass fed butter (yes, I said butter) and some MCT oil in your coffee and you shouldn’t need more than one cup to get you going and give you sustained energy and focus.  This recipe by Dave Asprey also is great for weight loss.
 
Although these short-cuts are helpful, the best solution is to properly nourish yourself so you don’t need short cuts in the first place.  One of the most important things you can do is start out your day with a solid breakfast that feels good to you and doesn’t leave you hungry an hour later.  Don’t skip meals and eat a solid snack if you feel the need.  I find that most people don’t eat enough and their energy suffers.  Don’t be afraid to eat more, cutting calories in an attempt to lose weight results in poor energy and slows down the metabolism, leading to weight gain!  Raw foods are less likely than cooked foods to make one sleepy after eating them, so a big salad with an appropriate amount of protein can be an excellent choice for lunch.  Hydration is key for energy as well, so if you’re feeling sleepy mid day, try drinking water with lemon and taking a short walk to wake up.
 
For optimal energy production from food, it is vital to learn to eat in harmony with your metabolism.  I believe there is not one right way of eating that works for everyone, and one-size-fits-all diets don’t work.  Some people need a diet with plenty of animal protein and fat to feel and look their best and produce energy most efficiently in the body.  Others need a more plant based diet to be at their healthiest, and still others do best with a more balanced approach.  My specialty is that of a ‘diet matchmaker,’ helping people figure out which way of eating works the best for them.  I encourage people to tune into their own body to learn for themselves what works and what doesn’t.
 
I hope I have given you some useful strategies to nourish yourself in a way that is satisfying and leaves you feeling energized!"
 
Michelle Gillespie, NTP