The Energy Paradox summary

Most people don't like to be uncomfortable, but that’s exactly what the author prescribes. He believes that a little discomfort is needed to boost your energy. Specifically, giving yourself the discomfort of hunger. 

The author also recommends changing when you eat. Rather than spacing three meals throughout a 24-hour day, shorten the window to an eight- to ten-hour timeframe. So instead of eating breakfast at 8:00 a.m., lunch at 1:00 p.m., and dinner at 8:00 p.m., start your first meal at around 1:00 p.m., your second meal at 4:00 p.m., and your last by 9:00 p.m. 

The author’s Energy Paradox Program is a six-week process designed to rebalance your gut, reduce inflammation, and get the most out of the microbiome, or good bacteria, that live in your gut. And since food is at the center of your gut health, let’s start with what you should be eating, and why. 

First, focus on foods that contain prebiotic fiber. 

Now that we know what foods are healthy, let’s go over what’s not on the menu. As a rule of thumb, and as discussed before, avoid highly processed foods. Also, stay away from fast-food restaurants. No matter how you try to justify it, both of these options will only drain your microbiome.

Another enemy of your gut health is plant proteins called lectins, which are difficult to digest. These are found in breads, pasta, white potatoes, grains, and tomatoes. High-lectin foods are energy-drainers, causing your body to absorb fewer nutrients, your inflammation levels to rise, and your good gut bacteria to die off. 

It’s important not only to know what foods to eat for a healthy gut, but also how to choose what meals to make. 

Kickstart the program with mono meals, which consist entirely of one macronutrient – carbs, fats, or proteins. A first meal of millet flakes or unsweetened almond milk makes a great carbohydrate mono meal. A protein mono meal could be four scrambled egg whites. A good fat mono meal might be some cut-up avocados.

Modern life is full of convenience, but that convenience isn't necessarily good for you. You might think you’re conserving energy by driving instead of walking, or lying in the shade instead of sweating it out in the sun. But in reality, you’re draining your energy supplies either way. 

Of course, it won’t come as a surprise to learn that regular exercise boosts your energy levels. But exercise doesn't have to be an extensive workout at the gym. In fact, any physical activity helps your body work more efficiently. So, don’t worry about that expensive gym membership when you can simply look for ways to add exercise into your daily activities!

In this final blink, we’ll take a look at the everyday energy disruptors that are wreaking havoc on your health. 

One of the most potent energy disruptors is antibiotics – both the type you take as medicine and the ones given to the farm animals you eat.