Welcome to Issue 144.  If you did not receive a previous issue, you may use the archive link below to view it now.  The mission of "Marvelous Mondays" is to offer an inspirational thought, a practical exercise, some humor, or a simple tip to jump-start your week and to enhance your life, business, outlook or relationships. 

Please feel free to forward "Marvelous Mondays" to others who will enjoy it.

1.     WATER. We have all experienced the restorative powers of water.  There are reports that nearly 80% of seniors admitted to the emergency room are dehydrated and can be promptly released after being hydrated.  Often we may feel sleepy or lethargic in mid-afternoon.  Instead of just enduring the lethargyor taking a caffeinated drink, energize yourself with a glass of water.     

2.     HEALTHY VEGETABLE AND FRUIT JUICES.  Most of us have felt energy after drinking fresh vegetable or fresh fruit mixed naturally and without sugar at a health bar or gym.  We can now make these in our own homes with juice machines or the high-powered Vitamix.  It's fun to explore different vegetables and fruit combinations and watch them burst and change color in this high powered machine.

3.     COCONUT WATER. This is full of potassium and nutrients and has no added sugar or artificial additives.  Stay away from ones that have fruit juices added. 

There are certain foods that will deplete the energy in most of us, even if taken in rather modest quantities.  Typically it's because it spikes our blood sugar and then there is a huge drop.  These foods could be deep-fried, processed, or full of sugar.  There are many "energy bars" that temporarily spike our energy.  When the energy crash happens, we typically succumb to repeating the same food.  Instead, for a natural spike in energy, try eating an apple or carrots.   

This week I invite you to do any of the following:

1.     Grab a glass of water in mid-afternoon instead of going for the caffeinated drink.  If you have an addiction to the caffeinated drink, dilute it with water.

2.     Try some coconut water, especially after a workout.

3.     Healthy Vegetable Juice.  Many of the local gyms or health food stores will make the drink for you. Try one.

4.     Consider investing in a Vitamix [It will pay for itself in a few months]

5.     Observing any foods that energize you and eat more of it.

6.     Observe any depletion of energy after eating certain foods and decide whether the short term gratification was worth it. 

Fasten your seatbelt for next week's issue on energy.  I'll be focusing on a food that most of us routinely eat and will expose its de-energizing properties and potential serious side-effects.  Of course I will also share with you the positive and healthy alternatives.

                   **John is currently accepting a few new coaching clients.**

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