Nutrition That Will Increase Energy

As children, we learn that food gives our bodies energy; however, what we seem to forget as we get older is that the quality of the food we consume directly affects the quality of the energy the food provides. When you feed your body food that gives you a quick burst of energy–specifically, foods that are concentrated sources of sugar–you will soon find that this form of energy is fleeting. Simple carbohydrates, such as sugar, break down very quickly, leaving the blood sugar levels low and your energy flagging. A complex carbohydrate, such as grain, will provide you with steady energy that can allow you to complete your to-do list for the day without dozing off at your desk.

Ideally, you should consume a mixture of high carbohydrates, low fat, and moderate protein. You should also be sure to divide your daily calories equally among the three meals you eat every day. A light breakfast coupled with a quick lunch and a heavy evening meal is the worst way to distribute your day’s calories. Also, avoid skipping any meal; some women avoid eating breakfast or lunch in hopes of saving some calories, but they are simply keeping their bodies from maintaining the optimum amount of energy for the tasks of the day as well as setting themselves up for a large meal eaten to compensate for being hungry all day.

Many experts recommend eating five smaller meals each day; a mid-morning and a mid-afternoon snack can provide your body with a much-needed energy boost just as it’s starting to wind down. A careful redistribution of calories can be a great way to maximize your food’s energy-giving potential. Foods rich in vitamin C and in iron are vital for maintaining energy to tackle your day. Foods rich in these nutrients are very helpful, and it’s easy to add them to your diet.

Your mother probably told you that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Your mother is right–starting the day with a balanced breakfast rich in protein and complex carbohydrates is vital for giving you enough energy to tackle your day. Dairy products such as milk or yogurt are protein-rich, too, so don’t feel like you have to splurge your day’s calories on traditional breakfast meats such as bacon or sausage. Oatmeal is full of soluble fiber, which slows down the absorption of carbohydrates, ensuring that your blood sugar levels remain constant. Avoid the sweet breakfasts, such as pancakes with syrup. Simple carbohydrates give you a spike of energy, but cause you to crash soon after.