Boosting Energy Naturally with Linwoods Flaxseed – If you’re like me, the winter months can feel like an energy drain. Shorter days, the lack of light, a change in sleep habits, colder weather, and the temptation of comfort foods can leave you feeling sluggish. So, when I came across Linwoods’ article featuring nutritionist Jane McClenaghan’s advice on increasing energy naturally with flaxseed, I was intrigued. Could something as simple as a dietary tweak make a noticeable difference?
I must admit, I have the dregs of healthy ingredients in the kitchen cupboard but reminding myself to incorporate them in my everyday foods is something I seriously need to work on.
Jane makes a compelling case for flaxseed’s role in maintaining steady energy levels. Since our bodies rely on food for fuel, it makes sense that high-fibre options provide a slow and sustainable energy release. I decided to put this to the test by incorporating Linwoods Milled Flaxseed into my morning routine—sprinkling it over porridge or blending it into smoothies. Within a week, I noticed fewer mid-morning crashes and a more consistent energy flow throughout the day.
One of my biggest takeaways from the article was the emphasis on protein balance. I’ve often relied on carbs for quick energy, but Jane’s advice to add protein (like Greek yogurt with flaxseed or beans and lentils in meals) was an easy switch that truly made a difference. I found that adding a spoonful of tahini to my salads not only enhanced the flavour but also kept me fuller for longer—an unexpected but welcome bonus.
The Role of Micronutrients
I’ll admit, I hadn’t given much thought to micronutrients like CoQ10 or magnesium before reading this article. Learning that flaxseed blends could provide essential nutrients for energy production was eye-opening. The Linwoods blend with almonds, Brazil nuts, and Co-Enzyme Q10 have now become a staple in my kitchen, particularly on days when I needed an extra boost.
Cutting Energy Drains
Jane doesn’t just tell you what to add to your diet—she also highlights what might be holding you back. Reducing sugar, alcohol, and refined carbs was a challenge, but once I started filling my plate with better alternatives, my cravings for less nutritious options naturally diminished. This approach felt refreshingly positive rather than restrictive.
Beyond diet, Jane reminds us of the simple but often overlooked factors that impact energy: hydration and movement. I took her advice seriously, upping my herbal tea intake and making an effort to get outside daily—even if just for a brisk walk. The result? A noticeable lift in my mood and energy levels, proving that small lifestyle changes can make a real impact.
To help us on the road to health we have a delicious seed bar- nut free and no bake recipe from Linwoods.
Serving Size 8-10 bars. Prep Time 10 minutes. Total Time 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 60g jumbo oats
- 30g puffed quinoa (or puffed brown rice)
- 35g pumpkin seeds
- 35g sunflower seeds
- 25g Linwoods Milled Flaxseed
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp Linwoods Whole Chia
- ¼ tsp salt
- 90g pitted medjool dates, chopped
- 40g coconut oil, melted
- 80g honey (or brown rice syrup for a vegan option)
- 120g tahini (or sunflower seed butter)
- 100g 70% dark chocolate, melted for topping
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, puffed quinoa, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, milled flaxseed, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add Dates: Stir the chopped dates through the dry ingredients. This helps prevent the dates from clumping together, ensuring an even distribution.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Pour the melted coconut oil, tahini, and honey (or brown rice syrup) into the bowl. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly combined.
- Transfer to Tin: Line a loaf tin with parchment paper and press the mixture firmly into the tin. Place the tin in the freezer for 2 hours to set.
- Add Chocolate Topping: After 2 hours, remove the mixture from the freezer and drizzle with melted dark chocolate. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
- Slice and Store: Once set, slice the bars into portions. Store in the fridge in a sealed container for up to two weeks or freeze for up to one month for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
With over 20 years of expertise in nutrition and wellness, Jane is Northern Irelands most recognised Nutritionist. What I love about her approach is that it’s realistic and sustainable. She doesn’t advocate for drastic changes but rather small, manageable shifts that collectively make a big difference.
Poppy Watt