How to Fuel Your Body for Home Improvement Projects

You’re excited to jump into a big home improvement project, only to find your energy lacking in comparison to your enthusiasm. Perhaps you push yourself to keep going, reasoning that you just didn’t get enough sleep the night before. When the problem persists day after day, you find yourself falling behind schedule and losing that spark of excitement. 

This scenario plays out around the country as homeowners tackle big home improvement projects and realize their bodies aren’t up to the task. You may add researching the best nutritionists and dietitians to your to-do list, but we have some tips that will help you right now. Let the hammer rest for a few minutes while brushing up on energy-boosting nutrition tips. 

Why is Nutrition Important When Tackling Home Improvement Projects? 

Home improvement projects require a lot of physical activity. Depending on the nature of the project, you may find yourself swinging a hammer for hours, bending over repeatedly, or climbing into confined spaces while holding your arms over your head. Even just standing on your feet all day can leave you feeling sore and achy if you don’t exercise regularly. 

If you want to start eating healthy but haven’t taken it seriously, your next big home improvement project may make you regret that choice. Without proper nutrition, you may feel sluggish or run out of energy much faster than you would with a nutrient-rich diet. You may also struggle to build lean muscle and maintain a healthy body weight, both of which can impact your health and ability to comfortably complete home renovation projects. 

Tips for Fueling Your Body for Hard Work Around the House 

It’s time to talk about how you can fuel your body to increase energy while tackling those home improvement projects. Whether you’re completing small tasks like replacing a faucet or major renovations like adding tile to your bathroom floor, you need energy and strength to get it done without unnecessary delays. 

The following tips can get you started, but don’t overlook the value of working with a nutritionist to improve your health while boosting energy levels. 

Eat a Variety of Foods Daily 

Your body needs nutrients from a variety of foods to keep energy levels high and muscles strong. You don’t have to make substantial changes to your diet right away. The first step is to start choosing foods with the most nutritional value possible. You want to eat from a variety of food groups every day, ensuring a mix of vitamins, minerals, and other valuable nutrients. 

Here are some nutritious foods that you should try to consume daily: 

• Carbohydrates – Reach for whole-grain carbs when you need to pump up your energy to sustain the hard work of a home improvement project. Oatmeal, beans with whole-grain rice, fresh fruit salad, veggies dipped in a low-fat dip, green smoothies, or a sandwich on wheat bread will give your body a healthy start. Healthy snacks with a healthy carb source can also help you overcome an energy crash mid-day. 
• Protein – It takes your body longer to break protein down than carbohydrates, so think of this as your fuel for the long haul. Lean meats, poultry, fish, and even tofu will provide valuable amino acids that help your body build muscle and recover from a day of hard work. 
• Healthy Fats – Fat is the most efficient form of energy in your diet. Your body is more likely to store fat calories if you consume more than needed for immediate energy, so don’t go overboard. Stick with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats consumed with protein and quality carbs. 

Step Away from Heavily Processed Foods 

Have you ever been told to shop around the outer perimeter of the grocery store? Most grocery stores put pre-packaged foods on shelves down the center of the store, with fresh produce, baked goods, and meats surrounding the aisles. 

While shopping the outer perimeter won’t guarantee a healthy diet, it will force you to select more fresh, wholesome foods in place of pre-packaged foods that are heavily processed. 

Convenience foods that are pre-packaged come with a lot of unhealthy preservatives and other chemicals. If you have the option of choosing between heavily processed food and fresh food, always go with fresh food. It will provide more vitamins and minerals that are readily available and easy for your body to break down as energy. 

Make Healthy the Convenient Choice

One of the reasons you may reach for unhealthy food on a busy day is the convenience factor. You’re in the middle of an intense home improvement project, and you don’t have time to stop and cook a healthy meal. You can keep yourself on the energy-boosting track by making healthy snacks the fast and easy choice. 

Here are some ideas to help you out: 

• Cut fresh celery sticks and carrots and place them in a cup of water. You can put the cup in the refrigerator the night before, ensuring a quick and easy snack on a heavy workday. Put some healthy dip in the fridge to make it more delicious. 
• Make a fresh fruit salad with all your favorite fruits. It will stay good in the fridge for at least a day or two. Don’t forget the whipped topping. 
• Double up the portions on your healthy dinner and put leftovers in the fridge. You can even freeze single-serve portions and put them in the freezer to make your own healthy microwave snacks and lunches. 
• Get a fruit basket and fill it with oranges, apples, kiwi, pears, bananas, and other fresh fruits. It’s an easy snack that you can grab and go if needed. 
• Make snack packs with apple slices, fruit cups in water, whole-grain crackers, and other finger foods that you enjoy. Grab a pack and go when you need a quick energy boost. 

Reach Out to a Nutritionist

If you follow those nutrition tips and still struggle with energy, muscle building, or weight management, working with a nutrition expert can help. You’ll receive a personalized nutrition plan that allows you to reach your health and fitness goals safely and efficiently. The trick is to select your nutritionist or dietitian with care.

 You should feel comfortable discussing your personal life with your nutrition expert, allowing them to guide you towards healthy eating choices and a diet that fits your personality and lifestyle. 

Final Thoughts 

If you know you aren’t in prime condition and your diet isn’t ideal, you don’t have to put off that big home improvement project. Cut yourself some slack and allow for frequent breaks, but also allow the project to get your body in motion. 

The exercise you receive during home renovation projects can build momentum, allowing you to start exercising regularly with less mental resistance. Add a healthy diet, and you’re on the way to a beautiful home and revitalized health.