10 Energy Boosting Foods
Do you feel listless and tired all day? Do you want to boost your energy levels each morning so that you can jump out of bed and go to work feeling all perked up? Lack of energy is one of the most common complaints that people have as it affects all of us some time or the other. Low energy levels contribute to low productivity and this naturally has its own widespread effects. If you feel that you need more energy, then you obviously have to eat the things that can give you energy throughout the day.
It’s a common misconception that sugar gives energy, but researchers have proved this wrong. Sugary foods can give you an instant high, but there is the tendency to crash soon as well, which only makes it worse- and we all know that sugary foods are extremely high in calories and can contribute to plenty of weight gain if you’re not careful.
Here’s a list of some foods that you might want to try if you want to push up your energy levels so you can accomplish more without getting tired:
- Marine Phytoplankton – This amazing green algae is full of Omega 3 fatty acids which are excellent source of energy as well. These improve your cardiovascular health and also boost your energy levels significantly. We found that best source of marine phytoplankton is Ocean’s Alive
- Cacao – As surprising as it sounds, cacao (chocolate, preferably raw) can also provide a quick burst of energy because it has two stimulants, caffeine and theobromine. Both these stimulants help in providing energy to the body. Of course, despite this good news, chocolate should be taken only in moderation as an excess of the same could have its own set of drawbacks.
- Oatmeal – Switch to oatmeal for breakfast as it fuels your body for the day’s activities. Oatmeal has a combination of soluble and insoluble fibers and it pumps up your body with energy. It’s also highly recommended because it doesn’t contain sugar, which often leads people to great highs and subsequent crashes thereafter.
- Berries – Berries such as blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are not only tasty, but are also known for the antioxidants and vitamin C they contain. Berries help in fighting aging and prevent various diseases from occurring. Berries also boost your energy, especially during breakfast when you eat them with cereal.
- Bananas – Bananas are high in potassium and also have vitamin B6 and vitamin C and they have the right balance of these nutrients which help you fight fatigue. Bananas are also rich in carbohydrates, so avoid them if you are on a low carb diet because that could totally go haywire if you eat too many.
- Lentils – Lentils are high fiber foods that contain plenty of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and iron. They help in maintaining sugar levels in the blood and prevent them from rising highly after meals without affecting the energy levels. Red beans, lima beans, and kidney beans are excellent sources of protein too, and this is especially important if you’re going to keep red meat away from your diet.
- Lean chicken – Lean chicken contains tyrosine, an amino acid that helps you remain bright and alert. It also provides sufficient energy to sustain you through your activities. Opt for lean chicken in your salads and sandwiches and watch how your energy levels change.
- Yogurt – Yogurt has vitamin B which helps in converting other nutrients to energy in your body. However, excessive yogurt consumption could lead to weight gain because of its fat content.
- Seeds – The next time you feel low and are about to reach out for a Snickers bar, stop and reach out for some seeds instead. Sunflower and pumpkin seeds are excellent snacks for those times when you want to munch on something but also need an energy lift. Watch out for those that are excessively salted and opt for health bars that contain these seeds as they up your nutrition quotient several times over.
- Water – You need to drink sufficient water to make sure that your body’s energy needs are met completely. Without water, your body cannot digest food or transport nutrients. Water also helps in regulating your body temperature. When there isn’t enough water in your body, you get tired soon because your cells aren’t getting enough energy. If drinking plain old water sounds boring to you, you could also try sports drinks, herbal teas, and unsweetened fruit juices.
We constantly need energy throughout the day for different activities. However, because of our lifestyles, we tend to eat the wrong types of foods that do nothing to help us meet our energy requirements. Switch to the above mentioned foods and notice the change in your energy levels immediately.
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References
http://lifehacker.com/#!201081/top-ten-energy+giving-foods
http://www.ehow.com/facts_4967299_list-energygiving-foods.html
