energy giving foods

Feeling sluggish and sleepy after a long night? Are your eyes becoming heavy-lidded in your morning meeting? Instead of turning to coffee or candy for a quick pick-me-up (and subsequent energy crash), why not try adjusting your diet? By eating a balanced diet with energy-giving foods every day, you can level out your energy levels and smooth those hills and valleys.

But eating the right foods is just one part of the picture. To maintain a steady level of energy, it’s also important to eat frequently to keep your body constantly fueled. Becoming overly hungry is a sure way to sap your energy and make you feel zombie-like for hours. On the other hand, overeating is just as detrimental to your get-up-and-go. Keeping a steady blood sugar level throughout the day is the key to keeping your eyes open all the way to bedtime.

Another important balance is that between the different types of fuel. Carbohydrates, protein, and fats all provide energy, but at different levels and rates.

Carbohydrates: Yes, despite all of that anti-carb mania, your body does need carbohydrates to function. Carbs are the first source of fuel your body will use because they provide quick, easily-processed energy. Whole-grain breads, oatmeal, barley, and whole-wheat pasta are great for fast energy.

Protein: To make the energy from carbohydrate-rich foods last longer, eat them with a source of protein. The protein breaks down more slowly in your body, so by the time the energy from the carbs wears off the energy from the protein will kick in. Nuts, legumes, beans, and fish are excellent sources of protein.

Additionally, foods that provide antioxidants can help you feel fresh and healthy throughout the day. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is a great way to improve your overall health and keep you going through whatever your day throws at you. Add a few of these foods every day to shore up those energy levels.

blueberries antioxidants

1. Blueberries. One of the most antioxidant-rich fruits out there, blueberries can be added to your morning cereal or oatmeal for an added boost. Or eat them raw as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up snack with some whole-fat yogurt or a handful of almonds.

sweet potato

2. Sweet potatoes. These amazing tubers are often overlooked as a staple of a healthy diet. Evidence suggests that sweet potatoes can help to balance and stabilize blood sugar levels. They are rich in fiber, beta carotene, potassium, and Vitamin C, making them an ideal choice all year - not just on Thanksgiving.

spinach antioxidants energy

3. Spinach. Spinach has often been called a “superfood.” It may help lower the risk of heart attacks and prevent many types of cancer. Spinach also helps to stabilize blood sugar in diabetics, lowers blood pressure, and provides a healthy dose of dietary fiber.

mangoes energy

4. Mangoes. Although many people are confused about how to prepare this tropical delight, mangoes are well worth the work it takes to get through their tough skin. They are rich in cancer-fighting compounds, low in carbohydrates, and excellent for aiding digestion. Eating mangoes can even help to clear up skin problems. Mango skin may irritate some people, so it’s best to cut the skin off prior to eating.

kidney beans energy fiber

5. Beans. Beans are good for more than just your heart! They are high in protein and can significantly lower your risk of heart disease by removing cholesterol from your body. Recent studies suggest that beans can fight off cancer and help diabetics regulate their blood sugar.

grilled salmon energy

6. Salmon. Even if you don’t normally enjoy fish, you may make an exception for salmon. It can be prepared in almost any way and is sturdy enough to grill like a steak. It’s low in calories, high in protein, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids which aid brain function. Eating fatty fish such as salmon (don’t worry - they’re good fats) may even help to stave off age-related dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and depression.