If the Christmas holiday has left you spent and listless and you want something “natural”
to boost your energy levels, look in the refrigerator.

In the refrigerator?
Yes, and use up that leftover roast beef and rice.

That’s right, beef, rice, popcorn and a spice can boost your alertness, moods and
energy levels to help feel like you did before Christmas.

a) Eat Zinc-
Or take it in pill form to get your energy and peppiness back.
Zinc is essential for dozens of chemical reaction that produce energy, yet your
immune system drains stores when fighting off viruses, making you deficient.
So, get more zinc from lamb, grass-fed burgers, prime rib, roast beef, lentils,
nuts and seeds. Or head to a drugstore or supermarket and pick up some
zinc in tablet form. Recommended dose 30-Mg. per day.
Talk to your doctor before taking any type of supplement.

b) More Burgers-
Need an instant energy boost, eat more beef, which contains iron, zinc
and amino acids, all of which boost energy levels and help boost your ability to
focus on one task.
Not a red meat eater? Get the same benefits by eating chicken, fish, eggs, (the yolks)
and whey protein powder.

c) Spice Things Up-
Your go-to seasonings may be salt, pepper, turmeric, ginger, onion and garlic
powder, but if you need to be alert and wide awake, then you must add coriander to
your meals. It’s used to enhance the flavor of roasted meats, stews and even cookies
and pies. And thanks to its aroma, you can stimulate energizing brain wave activity.
Add a little to a stir-fried meal and get more focused and energized.

d) Movie Theater Rx-
We have a post or two on popcorn, but if you haven’t read those posts and
need some information, here it is: Power through to-do lists by eating more
complex carbs like brown rice, quinoa and popcorn.
Complex carbs like these digest slowly, giving you a steady supply of fuel
that keeps you going at full-speed for hours.

e) A Tip About Exercise-
Need another reason to move your body for at least 10 to 15 minutes a day?
Well, how about it can help boost energy levels and your focus and if you
have to multitask, short exercise sessions can also help you with that.
Small bursts of movement trigger the production of energizing hormones
that help clear away brain fog and boost your energy levels.

f) A Meal To Cure Holiday TIredness!
Now that you’re aware of the some of the foods you need to help with post-
holiday tiredness, here’s a recipe to help rev up your post Christmas engines.

The Recipe:
Beef and Vegetable Fried Rice!
Ingredients:
1 lb. of ground beef ( use chopped up leftover roast beef or grass-fed
burgers)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tsp. of grated fresh ginger or a 1/2 tsp. of ground ginger
1 red or green bell pepper, cut into 1/2″ pieces
1 package of green peas
1/4 cup of water
3 cups of browned rice, cook the day before and refrigerate
3 Tbs. of soy sauce, (lite or regular)
2 tsp. of dark sesame oil
1/4 cup of thinly sliced scallions
To make:
Heat large non-stick skillet (or Wok) over medium-heat. Add the beef, garlic and ginger;
cook, stirring to avoid burning. Cook for about 7 to 10 mins. breaking beef up into 3/4 ”
pieces. Remove beef from the skillet with a slotted spoon; pour off the drippings.
Heat 2 to 3 Tbs. of water in the same skillet over medium-heat, add the pepper
and peas; cook, stirring until the pepper is tender, about 3 mins. And the last step,
toss in the rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Return the beef, garlic and ginger to
the skillet and heat through, about a min. or two. Stir in scallions and cook for another
minute. This is enough for 4 servings.

Important tip:
Feel free to use the vegetables you like, be they carrots, kale, spinach, asparagus
or Swiss chard.

Sources:
* Neal Barnard, M.D. Author of Power Foods For The Brain
* Maryam Eidi, Ph.D. Researcher
* Australian Research Team
* Taste of Home Magazine, Ultimate Comfort Food
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One last reminder: If you haven’t gotten your Christmas gifts yet and need help
choosing something that’s less than $100.00, click on the buy button at the top of this
blog and download the E-Doc, The Procrastinator’s Guide To Buying Last-Minute
Christmas Gifts for $100 or less.