Energize your life! How to rev up your mind and body: learn tips and tricks for all-day energy.

Funny how, during the summer, you were ready to rock 'all day long. But now that school's started, you wake up dog-tired and drag all morning. Come afternoon, you can barely keep your eyelids propped open in English. By soccer practice, your arms and legs feel as heavy as a soggy sneaker. But you don't have to take sluggish days lying down. Rejuvenating yourself is as easy as these six simple lifestyle switches....

CHOW DOWN REGULARLY

Food is fuel for your body. And, no, that doesn't mean downing Doritos or Devil Dogs; it means nutritious snacks and meals. It's easy to get so busy that you even forget to eat. But when it comes to your packed schedule--especially if it involves activity of any kind (think dancing, skating, soccer), you need the kind of fuel that food has to offer.

To keep your energy level on an even keel throughout the day, chow on something every three or four hours. Nuts, fruits and easy-to-eat veggies, like carrot sticks, are excellent snacks. Stick to well-rounded meals that include proteins, like chicken, fish, meat or beans, along with good fats, like olive oil, and good carbs, such as veggies, fruits, and whole-grain breads and pasta.

EAT GOOD CARBS

Wondering what the heck a carb is? Carbs, short for carbohydrates, is the scientific name for a major ingredient in veggies, fruits, grains and beans. Veggies, grains and beans can also contain protein and fats, but they tend to have a higher amount of carbs than, say, meat, which has more protein.

With all those no-carb, low-carb products out there, you'd think carbs are evil. Not so! In fact, all active people need carbs to fuel their movement. Muscle cells work non-stop and need a steady flow of glucose--also known as digested carbohydrates--pouring in.

If you lack carbs, you can get fatigued, dizzy and moody--your drive falls fiat. Carbohydrate-rich foods keep you revved. All foods give you energy, but carbs do it especially fast.

Exactly what earbs you should eat depends on your energy level. If you're sluggish, pump quick energy into your system by eating simple carbohydrates. These foods break down the fastest, quickly raising blood sugar and energy levels. Fruits and carbohydrate-rich sports drinks, like Gatorade, are excellent for keeping you going.

DRINK UP!

Sleepiness and fatigue can be signs of dehydration, so drink plenty of water throughout the day. Choose water over calorie-filled soft drinks and juices. Save the sweet stuff for an occasional treat.

DE-CAFFEINATE YOURSELF

Drinks like Red Bull, Mountain Dew, cola and coffee are loaded with buzz-giving caffeine. A little can help you be alert, but it's easy to develop a tolerance, requiring more and more to get the same jolt. If you cut back, your body shows signs of caffeine withdrawal, like headaches, crankiness and sleepiness.

Break the caffeine cycle by shifting to water and juice. Already addicted? Cut back slowly. Go from three sodas a day to one, for example. Or go for weaker versions of caffeinated drinks, like tea.

AVOID THE SUGAR ROLLERCOASTER

Too much high-sugar food, like candy, soft drinks, juices and ice cream, can give some people a quick energy burst followed by a blood sugar drop that makes them want to curl up for a nap. Re-train your tastebuds to go for more complex, natural sweets like fruits.

GET YOUR ZZZ'S

Sleep plays a huge role in how energized you feel. Surfing the Web into the wee hours coupled with an early-morning alarm clock is a recipe for lethargy. Hate to break it to you, but getting to bed at a decent hour has an important purpose: Sleep is needed downtime for your body to rejuvenate. So get some shut-eye!

Q&A

Are energy bars good for perking yourself up?

Not necessarily. Those bars are highly processed (you won't find an energy bar growing on a tree). Any processed food tends to have nutrients stripped out, even if others are added in. There are tons of bars out there--all different in fat, carbs; protein or calories. They range from 150 to 250 calories, about the same as two or three bananas--but are only one-third the size! You're better off going for natural foods, like nuts, veggies and fruits. An energy bar is usually better than a candy bar (not always; read the label). When in doubt, go natural.

SUPER ENERGY BOOSTERS!

BREAKFAST Oatmeal; healthful cereals that are high in fiber and whole grains, like Nature's Path Optimum or Kashi; eggs and whole-wheat toast

LUNCH Salad with beans, nuts, veggies and healthful dressing, like olive oil and vinegar; sandwich on whole-grain bread (light on the meat and cheese but heavy on the veggies, like romaine and red peppers; peanut butter and banana on whole-wheat bread

DINNER Grilled or baked chicken or fish with veggie sides