Energy Reboot
I remember so clearly the overwhelming exhaustion after having my second child, Luke. The thought of taking my older son, Jake, to swimming lessons or even walking upstairs felt like climbing a mountain. I was so tired that getting my iron levels tested seemed like an impossible task—and I wasn’t thinking clearly enough to consider there might be another cause.
I assumed it was normal. After all, I’d had Luke at 39. I was an “old mom,” right?
Wrong.
What I want you to know is this: that kind of low energy is NOT normal.
It’s a signal from your body that something needs attention. Ignoring it or chalking it up to age is a mistake—and one I don’t want you to make.
Energy struggles are one of the top reasons people come to see me, along with struggles with perimenopause.
So, let’s dive into what could be at play and how you can start to feel better.
Here’s what I think you should know when it comes to energy.
First, Nourish Your Adrenal Glands
Once other causes like low iron or ferritin are ruled out, it’s time to look at your adrenal glands. You may not know this, but you have two tiny walnut-shaped glands on top of your kidneys. These adrenal glands play a crucial role in producing cortisol, your body’s main stress hormone, and managing your energy and hormones.
The problem? Most of us don’t nourish our adrenals properly. Over time, especially if you’re juggling the typical North American “do-it-all” lifestyle, these glands can become overworked and weak. And when that happens, energy levels plummet.
Common signs your adrenals need support include:
Salt cravings
Waking up tired (needing caffeine or sugar to function)
Mid-afternoon crashes (around 3:00 pm, when coffee feels like a lifeline)
A second wind in the evening (suddenly wide awake after 6:00 pm)
If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not stuck here. By giving your adrenal glands the support they need, you can reclaim the vibrant energy you had at 12 years old. Remember that?
Let’s explore how you can start feeling like yourself again. But here’s the thing: to truly understand what’s happening with your energy, it helps to get clear on what’s going on under the surface. That’s where functional labs like the Dutch Test and Hair Tissue Mineral Lab come in. These tests provide powerful insights into your cortisol levels and mineral balance—the key players in your energy and overall health.
As an FDN, I can run these tests for you from the comfort of your home! Together, we can uncover the root causes of your low energy and create a plan to get you back to feeling like yourself again. We do this in my Rediscover Your Hormone Harmony Program.
If you’d prefer to try and figure it out yourself…keep reading.
But know this: simply adding a supplement is not the answer. To truly restore your energy, you’ll need to take a holistic approach—one that addresses your thoughts, sleep, diet, lifestyle, and even hidden stressors like an infection or blood glucose dysregulation. Root causes are rarely singular, so it’s important to look at the bigger picture.
1. Use Energy Supportive Herbs:
The supplement pictured below feeds your adrenals the nourishment they need to function. I often refer to this as the “Energy Supplement” because of the energy improvement people experience once they start taking it. It Includes targeted levels of Acetyl-L-carnitine, Oligonol, Ashwagandha Root Extract, and Coenzyme Q10 in a proprietary blend.
Now remember, everyone is different and this does not replace medical advice and it is recommended that you work with your doctor or favourite healthcare provider one on one.
If you were to work with me, we may explore other quality supplements for a short term boost, or single herbs like Ashwagandha which is excellent for adrenal health. This is one of the ingredients in Mito2Max. (CAN) or Mito2Max (US). Or we may simply start with foundation supplements like the Lifelong Vitality Kit. Ashwagandha is considered an adaptogen that normalizes physiological functions that have been disturbed by stressors. It corrects imbalances in the immune system while also decreasing inflammation. Everyone is different so we’d have to explore your personal situation.
Adrenal Roller or Quick Drop Method.
These 4 oils are excellent supporters of the adrenal glands and have been used for years in many cultures to support ‘stressed’ bodies.
You can do either of the following, based on how you like to use your oils:
Quick Drop Method:
- Apply 2 drops of each oil with some Fractionated Coconut Oil on to the bottoms of your feet and/or over the adrenal glands 2x/day. Keeping the beside your bed will be a good triggor to create this habit. Consistency is key!
Roller:
- Add 10 drops of each oil in to a 10ml roller bottle and top it off with Fractionated Coconut Oil. Apply/roll 5 swipes to the bottoms of the feet and/or over the adrenal glands 2x/day. I like to keep this beside my bed and have made it part of my routine.
Another option is to use peppermint essential oil. You can simply drop some into your hand, inhale, and then rub on the back of your neck.
A mentioned earlier, I recommend using the Lifelong Vitality Supplements first and that’s often just enough for the energy boost people need. But Mito2Max is worth trying if you aren’t seeing results. The image to the right shows what vitamins and minerals the Lifelong Vitality Kit provides.
And did you know that I offer a bottle of Mito2Max FREE when you try the LLV for 2 months?
Who doesn’t love a little motivation when it comes to creating healthy habits?!
Email me here if you’d like to take advantage of this deal.
3. Use Protein and Fat for Fuel (Not Sugar or Caffeine)
Starting your day with grains or carbohydrate-heavy foods sets you up for a rollercoaster of energy and mood swings.
Here’s why:
When you eat carbs, your blood sugar rises, prompting your pancreas to release insulin to move that sugar into your cells. Once the sugar levels drop, your body signals you to eat—usually more carbs! This cycle repeats all day long, leaving you feeling fatigued, irritable, and craving snacks.
Even your sleep can be affected. If you find yourself waking up around 3:00 a.m., it could be because your blood sugar has dropped too low, disrupting your rest. And yes—this cycle also invites belly fat to stick around.
That’s why my second energy tip is to eat protein and fat for your first meal of the day.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Eggs with a sprinkle of cheese or a slice of avocado
A protein-packed smoothie (go easy on high-glycemic fruits like bananas, grapes, mango, and pineapple; stick to berries instead)
If you prefer a warm breakfast, try oatmeal with added nuts, seeds, protein powder, chia seeds, or hemp seeds to increase the protein content
Keep in mind: oats aren’t for everyone. Pay attention to how your body feels after eating them—some people thrive, while others find their energy crashes quickly.
That’s it. Except well..you guessed it. Drink more water. But you knew I’d say that. :) Add fruit, chlorophyl, sea salt, apple cider vinegar, herbs, citrus oils, peppermint eo, electrolyte powders (but only natural ones) or anything that will make you drink more!
And be sure your water is filtered. I love the Santevia System. I also love Berkey. Make sure you do our Water Drinking Challenge to learn more!
As a reminder: Always work with a trusted healthcare provider when addressing health concerns. But know this—low energy is not an inevitable part of aging.
You can feel better. With the right steps, your energy can improve, and you can regain that vitality you’ve been missing.
Trust me—you’re not stuck feeling this way.