Feeling exhausted? Julie's Health Club has a list of five potential energy "drains" in your day, and how to modify your habits to create a boost where a energy slump had been. An example:

DRAIN: Your breakfast. A bowl of sugary cereal, a doughnut or a bagel might give you a quick burst of energy, but without some protein, you'll be in slow motion before lunch. Carbohydrates—especially refined carbs—are broken down very quickly so blood sugar soars and the brain shuts down production of orexin, a neuropeptide responsible for feeling art, said Tucson personal nutrition coach and author Jack Challem.

BOOST: Eat protein, good fats and some carbohydrates to control blood sugar and avoid getting a burst of glucose. Try scrambled eggs on whole wheat toast, oatmeal with yogurt and a handful of seeds or an omelet with cheese, tomato and mushrooms. Smoothies with fruit, whey powder and almond milk are also a good option, said Lipman, the author of Spent (Simon and Schuster, $25), a comprehensive guide to ending exhaustion. Instead of using bananas in smoothies, try avocados, he suggests. [Link]

Check out her piece for four more great tips for boosting your energy levels naturally. Spent looks like a find, too - can any readers vouch for it?