11 Foods to Increase Your Energy
Feeling run down? Here are the best foods to quickly increase your energy.
11 Foods You Can Eat Right Now to Increase Your Energy
Haven’t made any progress yet with your fitness goals? I know what you’re thinking: The year has already started and you only have ten more months before you’ll find yourself starting the whole “New Year, New You” thing again. Starting over is rarely a good thing and it normally sucks when applicable to losing weight. But beyond the Eat Less Move More stuff I’ve preached to you, there are some quick hit things you can take advantage of now to increase your energy levels and ramp up the effectiveness of your workouts and exercise routines. Specifically, let’s look at the foods you eat or need to eat to increase your energy NOW!
The Best Foods to Increase Your Energy
The list of 11 foods below will supply immediate energy sources to spark that flame, increase your energy, and get you moving.
Increase Your Energy Food #1 – Brown Rice
Rich in manganese, the mineral that helps produce energy from protein and carbs, brown rice will help you maintain high energy all day. Served as a side dish with your favorite lean proteins (along with nutrient-packed veggies), this makes for a powerhouse lunch or dinner.
Increase Your Energy Food #2 – Sweet Potato
High in carbohydrates and loaded with beta-carotene (vitamin A) and vitamin C, these will help fight off midday fatigue. Mash or cut them up and you may even be able to charm the kids into joining in on the fun.
Increase Your Energy Food #3 – Honey (my favorite)
Many of you have read my honey article from the past. Well, there is no mistaking the beauty of this sweetie. A spoonful of honey is nature’s equivalent of an energy drink. Low on the glycemic index, this natural sweetener acts as a time-released muscle fuel during exercise and helps replenish muscles post-workout. Add a sweet drizzle to anything from breakfast yogurt to afternoon tea.
Increase Your Energy Food #4 – Bananas
Potassium for days, which helps to decrease muscle cramping and improve cell metabolism. But it is composed of sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) and fiber, which makes it a foolproof energy food. Top them with peanut or almond butter for a well-rounded snack, or slice one into your morning cereal for an extra boost that will keep you going until lunchtime.
Increase Your Energy Food #5 – Apples
Not only will an apple a day keep the doctor away, but it’ll also give you a powerful jolt to increase your energy. High in fiber, apples take longer to digest (metabolism ramper), which will give you a more prolonged lift than many other fruit picks.
Increase Your Energy Food #6 – Spinach
An excellent source of iron, which is a key component of energy production in the body. Eating spinach salad for lunch will most likely decrease your chances of an afternoon energy slump.
Increase Your Energy Food #7 – Beans
Both a protein and a complex carb, they’re a must for both carnivores and vegetarians. I like to call myself a carni-tarian (lover of both meat and veggies). Toss a cup into of a spinach salad or enjoy a bean burrito.
Increase Your Energy Food #8 – Almonds
One of my favorite nuts, I can eat these all day; especially if I want to curve a snack attack. Packed with protein, manganese, copper, and riboflavin, almonds are a handy snack to keep at your desk or in your bag. Copper and manganese play an essential role in keeping the energy flowing throughout the body by neutralizing toxins within cells. Riboflavin aids oxygen-based energy production.
Increase Your Energy Food #9 – Salmon
This fish is fueled with high contents of omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease. But this pink fish also contains protein and vitamin B6, niacin and riboflavin—all of which help convert the food you eat into energy. Top a spinach salad with salmon, or serve it with a side of brown rice and veggies for a power-packed lunch or dinner.
Increase Your Energy Food #10 – Yogurt
High in calcium, magnesium (energy release), and also replenishes glycogen stores. Take as a breakfast supplement or a nice snack.
Increase Your Energy Food #11 – Eggs
I just can’t get enough of eggs. But please proceed with caution if you have high cholesterol. Containing the highest complete form of protein in any food (a whopping 97% of it can be absorbed by your body!), eggs provide 30% of your daily value of protein. All of the essential amino acids that your body uses to rebuild muscle can also be found in eggs. Whether you eat them boiled, scrambled, baked, fried or as an omelet, don’t overlook the power of the incredible egg.
Okay, 11 wholesome and delicious ways to increase your energy! Excuses aside, you’ve got a reason to eat, finally. Get started here, and get motivated in the gym. Don’t worry; I’ve got your back. Keep the focus…
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About the Author
Dr. Braxton A. Cosby, a licensed physical therapist with his Clinical Doctorate from the University of Miami, has over 14 years of professional experience as a presenter, program facilitator, Certified Clinical Instructor, Sports Nutritionist, and Personal Trainer. braxtoncosby.com
