Energy, energy, energy! I find myself saying, “Man, I need some more energy.” If you’re a parent…no, scratch that, if you’re an adult—I’m pretty sure you feel me and say the same thing to yourself often.
Let’s face it, we need energy to keep our bodies functioning properly. Energy is important for many reasons, including overall quality of life, productivity, decision-making, regulating our bodies’ natural functions, healing and repairing our body’s cells and tissues, and even building muscle. Energy is needed to carry out life processes. If you’re reading this and thinking, “hmm my energy is low”. Let’s explore why you’re experiencing low energy levels.
Low energy levels include:
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- Lifestyle: Dehydration, poor diet, lack of exercise, lack of sleep
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menopause, puberty
- Mental health: Depression, grief, anxiety
- Physical health/illness: Flu, anemia, heart and lung conditions
We hear so often how certain foods have natural remedies due to their vitamins and minerals (essential for the human body to function and develop normally), healthy proteins (a large category of molecules that support cell structure, immune function, movement, chemical reactions, and hormone synthesis), and carbohydrates (essential nutrients). Let’s jump right into the foods and drinks that lower your energy, and foods that will be sure to give you an energy boost.
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Foods that lower your energy levels:
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- Processed foods
- Refined grains
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- High-sugar foods
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10 foods that will keep you feeling energized ALL DAY:
- Oatmeal is a great source of fiber, vitamin B and essential nutrients. All of these factors help your body metabolize/process energy.
- Nuts like almonds, macadamia, walnuts and pistachios are a great source of fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. They are high in calories and energy-dense. Nuts keep your mind up, awake and attentive.
- Yogurt provides a good source of nutrients, including protein, calcium, vitamin D, healthy fats, potassium, and simple carbohydrates. These factors alone help boost and regulate energy balance.
- Sweet potatoes provide long-lasting energy and fight fatigue. Sweet potatoes contain complex carbohydrates, which are digested more slowly keeping you feeling energized all day.
- Cabbage is rich in nutrients and vitamins (B6, C and folate) that help with energy metabolism (the process by which cells produce energy from nutrients to grow, maintain themselves, and reproduce).
- Collard greens are a nutrient-dense, low-calorie vegetable. Collard greens are packed with vitamins (A, B vitamins, C, E, and K) that convert food into ample energy.
- Eggs make for a good source of energy because they are packed with protein (which provides sustained energy), B vitamins (which are needed for the body to produce energy) and healthy fats.
- Bananas are a natural source of vitamins (C and B6), fiber, potassium and carbohydrates that will provide you with a boost of natural energy.
- Avocados are one of my favorite energy-boosting foods. They are super tasty but also are a great source of energy because they contain protein, carbohydrates, B vitamins, and healthy fats. You can do so much with an avocado like make a dip, use it as a spread for toast, or simply just cut and scoop.
- Berries like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, goji berries, strawberries, and acai berries not only contain good carbohydrates that give you energy, but they keep your energy levels balanced as well. Berries contain other useful nutrients, like vitamin C, fiber, iron, antioxidants, vitamin B and micronutrients.
The next time you need some energy, I hope that you’ll remember a few of these foods, they’ll be sure to keep you feeling energized, ALL DAY.
