Let’s face it – life is very hectic, and there is always so much pressure, be it studies, work, or life in general. From young kids to aging adults, no one is spared from the pressure life puts on us, and the only way to deal with this is to live a productive and healthy life.
As the old saying goes, ‘health is wealth,’ this is true. Our bodies must be strong enough to bear the brunt of the pressure, and for this, we need to nourish our bodies with energy-inducing food to keep them physically and mentally strong. Food is our most significant energy source, and what you put into your body dramatically impacts your lifestyle.
Many people are disheartened by the common misconception that switching to a healthy diet means compromising on good food. This cannot be further from the truth; so long as you plan right and ensure that you’re maintaining balanced blood sugar levels and meals with low glycemic index, you can keep your body energized all day.
A well-balanced meal can keep you fueled for as long as four hours. You just need to steer clear of food with high sugar content, as this can make your blood sugar levels rise fast, causing too much insulin to be released. In short, it leads to a sugar crash. What you need to focus on is steady energy, and here are some foods that are proven to give your body a great energy boost:
Banana
Have you ever wondered why athletes and bodybuilders always seem to have a banana in hand? Well, it’s because bananas are a great energy source, thanks to their chock full of fiber, potassium, and vitamin B-6. Besides, the fiber in bananas slows down the digestion of sugar, so your body can use that energy over a more extended period of time.
Oats
Oats are a standard breakfast option and make for a filling meal. Oats can be eaten in various ways, such as oatmeal porridge, baked into muffins, or even blended into a smoothie. Since they have high protein content in addition to iron, manganese, and vitamin B, health enthusiasts swear by oats. Oats also help boost the production of serotonin, which assists in managing stress levels and improving memory and learning.
Apples
Thankfully, apples are one of those fruits available all year round, so there is no excuse to skimp on this. Apples are rich in fiber and sugars, giving that instant energy boost. Additionally, they contain many antioxidants, and studies show that it assists in slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates, thereby contributing to sustainable energy.
Sweet Potatoes
As a nutritional powerhouse that boosts energy levels, sweet potatoes are an excellent source of magnesium, vitamin C, iron, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. All of these assist in the breakdown of nutrients, so there is better energy production.
Almonds
Packed with healthy nutrients that energize the body, almonds are also rich in carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats that provide a slow release of energy. They’re also rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that increase energy. To top it all off, the vitamin B and manganese in almonds can also fight feelings of fatigue.
Eggs
One of the most popular superfoods out there, eggs, pack a punch in terms of health benefits. First, eggs are loaded with proteins that are a steady energy source. Additionally, the amino acids in eggs stimulate energy production by breaking down fast. And they are also filled with vitamin B, which assists in breaking down food to produce energy.
Dark Chocolate
It may not seem like dark chocolate is the healthiest of foods, but it’s a great source of energy. The most significant benefit is its high concentration of cocoa, which brings a range of benefits. Since cocoa is rich in flavonoids, an antioxidant that enhances energy sustainability, it gives a significant energy boost. Moreover, it also increases the flow of blood and enhances the functionality of muscles. In fact, the sugar and other additives in store-bought dark chocolate are what make it unhealthy, so make sure to pick one with the highest concentration of cocoa!
Spinach
Spinach being a food that boosts energy isn’t very surprising to those of us who grew up watching Popeye gain unimaginable strength after eating it! The high iron content in spinach makes it a great source of instant energy and also promotes the growth of red blood cells, enhancing oxygen delivery to the cells so you feel less fatigued.
Yogurt
Since yogurt contains simple sugars like lactose and galactose, it’s easily broken down to produce immediate energy. It also helps preserve energy for longer. Greek yogurt is the best option, and when topped with honey and some berries, it can be both nutritious and delicious.
Bottom Line
Mentioned above are just a few of the many energy-boosting foods available. However, we selected ones readily available in supermarkets and are probably already stocked on your kitchen shelves. While these foods are indisputably great in fueling the body, they should be consumed in moderation because too much of anything is not good.
