Looking For A Boost Of Energy?

For foods to give you that needed boost of energy, you need to eat the right ones at the right time. The last thing you want to do is skip the opportunity to supply that needed fuel to your body. If you don’t provide it, your body will break down muscle tissue and use it for energy. “Never let your tank get on empty,” says Dan Benardot, PHD, RD, FACSM, a nutrition and researcher. “It is very important to maintain a normal blood sugar level, and the best way to accomplish this is to eat every so often with right foods. This will help you maintain muscle tissue- which burns more calories than fat tissue- while putting the much needed zip in your step.” Over eating can be just as bad as starvation, Benardot warns.

Carbohydrates, proteins, and certain fats in foods provide calories to fuel and energize your body. The way I like to put it, it gets your engine geared up for take off. Carbohydrates are the BODY’S PREFERRED FORM OF FUEL because they quickly can be converted to glucose for energy. Eating a light amount of carbohydrates right before exercise or physical activity is a good idea for a quick energy boost.

For a longer lasting energy, eat protein along with carbohydrates to slow down the rate at which your body absorbs them. But be careful about the fat content in protein meats. “Any food with calories will give you energy; however foods high in fat stimulate production of serotonin, (a brain chemical) that tends to make you sluggish and tired,” according to Benardot.

So for a quick boost of energy and long lasting energy, mix meals that contain small amounts of healthy fats, along with protein and complex carbohydrates. This lays the foundation for all around energy your body needs, regardless if you’re involved in athletics, exercise, or just carrying out your daily activities.

Foods that gives you a boost of energy

* Oatmeal - - Eating oatmeal can do wonders to your body including give you a boost of energy. It’s high in fiber, low in fat, and low in calories. In addition, consuming oatmeal helps prevent heart disease by lowering your bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing your good cholesterol (HDL). Oatmeal’s also great because you can customize and be as creative as you want, like top it off with fruit, nuts, or berries for some added flavor and nutrients.

* Yogurt - Throughout the year’s, yogurt has been sky-rocketing in popularity. This calcium-rich food keeps your bones staying super strong and helps fight off any infections by increasing your immune system. Another added benefit is the live bacteria in yogurt. These good bacteria help to keep your intestinal tract functioning at its optimal level. Now you don’t need to go out and buy the yogurt with high fat or extra fat content. You’ll get the same benefits with the low-fat or non-fat versions. Just like oatmeal you can also add fruits, nuts, berries, or high fiber cereals to give your yogurt an extra kick in nutritional value and flavor. Before bedtime, you can eat a yogurt with a teaspoon of honey.

* Spinach - Have you ever watched Popeye? If you have, then you know what happens when he gets his spinach fix. He wasn’t lying when he says his little rhyme about eating spinach. His muscles pop out and he gets this great big burst of energy and ends up beating the crap out of the guy. My point is that spinach holds many nutrients that will give you that extra boost of energy. Spinach is a vegetable that’s packed with vitamins, minerals and super healing powers. On top of that it’s a great source for antioxidants , and folic acid that will help protect you from many diseases. Research has also shown that spinach may lower your risk of strokes, colon cancer, cataracts, heart disease, osteoporosis, hip fractures, memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, depression, and even birth defects.

* Canned Salmon, Tuna, or Sardines - A big thing hitting the media now-a-days is heart health. Salmon, tuna, and sardines are three fishes that are loaded with essential, heart-healing, inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids. Getting these fish into your daily eating plan is pretty easy. This boost of energy foods can be added to a fresh tossed salad; add them into a sandwich or as a snack.

* Cereals - They eliminate sugar slowly, so you'll have a constant energy level. At the same time, they’re a good source of vitamin B, which makes the spleen work better. Specialists recommend that breakfast include a bowl of low-fat milk with cereals.

* Corn - It's full of nutrients that give you energy and maintain a constant level of glucose. This way you'll concentrate better. In the morning you may try boiled corn with some honey

* Green vegetables - Broccoli, asparagus, and spinach have vitamin B, magnesium, and iron. Eat them at lunch or dinner instead of fries.

* Peaches - They have large amounts of water and a laxative effect. Peaches also help eliminate the toxins. The diet with peaches where you eat 2 oz. of peach per day is also recommended for two or three days when you want to clean your system.

* Sunflower seeds - They are rich in magnesium, iron, copper, vitamin B, proteins, and zinc.

* Grapes - Because of their large amount of magnesium, grapes are involved in the first stage of transforming glucose into energy.

If you are physically active, an athlete, gym rat, or involved in sports, these foods along with more foods will give you a boost of energy.


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**This site is designed for education and information purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice, professional services, or treatment of illness or disease. If you feel that you have a health problem, you should seek the advice of your Physician or health care Practitioner before pursuing an alternative health method.**