Energy-boosting foods -
Simple or high GI carbs tend to spike and then crash your energy levels. Complex or low GI carbs ensure a steady energy supply throughout the day. Caffeine is the most widely consumed stimulant in the world. Caffeine-containing foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, caffeinated sodas, energy drinks, matcha, chocolate, guarana, and yerba mate may also help reduce symptoms of fatigue and improve alertness and vigilance 7.
Adenosine is a compound with sleep-promoting effects, while dopamine and noradrenaline are two chemical substances that stimulate your heart and central nervous system, thus increasing alertness and focus 8 , 9. Nevertheless, be mindful about the type of caffeinated products you choose.
Some of them, such as energy drinks and caffeinated sodas, tend to be high in added sugars, which may increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease Plus, while caffeine intake is generally recognized as safe, some people may experience side effects upon caffeine consumption, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
Symptoms may include anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, irregular heart rate, and tremors 6. Caffeine-containing foods and beverages may also help reduce fatigue and improve alertness.
However, while caffeine is generally recognized as safe, some people may experience mild to severe side effects. Research shows that meeting physical activity recommendations is associated with improved energy and reduced fatigue, even when leading an otherwise sedentary lifestyle 11 , Current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults get — minutes 2.
Hydrating properly during the day could give you an energy boost and help fight feelings of fatigue. Not drinking enough water may lead to dehydration. Mild to moderate dehydration may result in difficulty concentrating, headaches, irritability, lethargy, and sleepiness 15 , According to the Institute of Medicine, men need about However, your needs may change depending upon the climate and your physical activity levels One easy way to stay on top of your hydration status is by monitoring your urine color.
A clear or pale color is a good indicator of optimal hydration Sleep health deserves the same level of attention as exercise and diet when it comes to energy levels and general health Your body needs sleep for energy restoration and conservation.
Thus, sleep deprivation caused by inadequate sleep leads to decreased alertness, performance, and an overall deterioration in health 18 , Adequate sleep will not only improve your energy levels but also potentially your overall health and quality of life.
Staying on top of your physical activity levels, hydration, and sleep will also help reduce tiredness and keep you feeling energized during the day. While all foods provide energy, eating a wholesome diet rich in complex carbs may be the best way to avoid energy crashes throughout the day.
In addition, be sure to accompany a well-balanced diet with enough exercise, hydration, and ample sleep to improve your energy levels and reduce fatigue.
Bananas may be the best quick snack for sustained energy. While bananas are a good natural source of sugar, they are also rich in fibers that help slow the digestion of that sugar. Bananas contain helpful nutrients that make the body feel full of energy.
A study in the journal PLoS One notes that eating a banana before a long bicycle ride helps performance and endurance just as much as a carbohydrate drink. While most people are not cycling each day, bananas may still provide energy.
As a study in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition notes, they contain nutrients, protein, and fiber that may help sustain energy levels throughout the day.
They also contain good fats that may increase energy levels, and make fat-soluble nutrients more available in the body. Goji berries are small, reddish berries containing many nutrients and important anti-aging and antioxidant properties, as a review in Drug Design, Development and Therapy notes.
The specific antioxidants have many possible benefits, including giving the body more energy. Dried goji berries make a great addition to a trail mix, and many people add a few to a water bottle to drink throughout the day.
Apples may be another simple snack to give the body lasting energy. Along with fiber and nutrients, a study in the journal Horticulture Research notes that apples are high in antioxidants called flavonoids, which may help fight against oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. As a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry notes, strawberries are a good source of minerals, vitamin C, and folates.
They also contain phenols, which are essential antioxidants that may help the body create energy at the cellular level. People can add strawberries to many dishes, and a handful may also be an easy snack to add to a diet. Most people enjoy oranges for their taste, which comes from the antioxidant vitamin C.
Vitamin C may help reduce oxidative stress in the body and prevent fatigue. A study in the journal Antioxidants notes that young adult male students who have higher levels of vitamin C may also have better mood and may be less likely to experience confusion, anger, or depression.
Berries, including blueberries , raspberries, and blackberries, may be a good energy boosting food when the body is craving something sweet. Dark berries tend to be higher in natural antioxidants than lighter-colored ones, which may reduce inflammation and fatigue in the body.
They also tend to have less sugar than sweeter fruits, while still satisfying a craving for a sweet taste. Fish, in general, is an excellent and light source of protein and B vitamins that may give the body sustained energy throughout the day.
Fatty cold-water fish, such as salmon, sardines, and tuna, tend to be higher in omega-3 fatty acids. As a study in the journal Nutrients notes, omega-3 fatty acids may improve brain function and reduce inflammation in the body, which may be a cause of fatigue in some people.
Beef liver may be one of the best meat sources for vitamin B, which keeps the body feeling full of energy. While many cuts of meat contain vitamin B, the difference is that beef liver has a large amount.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture USDA , a 3-ounce cut of beef flank steak contains about 1. The same cut of beef liver contains 60 mcg of vitamin B, according to the USDA. Yogurt may also be a source of energy.
As the USDA show, natural yogurt is rich in protein, fats, and simple carbohydrates, which provide energy to the body. Yogurt is also very easy to eat on the go, which makes it a great alternative to vending machine food. Eggs provide the body with plenty of protein and nutrients for sustainable energy.
As the USDA note, one large hard-boiled egg contains about 6 grams g of protein and 5 g of fat , as well as vitamins and minerals to help keep the body energized and feeling full for longer than other snacks.
Yams and sweet potatoes are beneficial sources of carbohydrates, which provide energy. This may make them a good option for sustained energy throughout the day.
As a study in the journal Food Science and Biotechnology notes, beets may provide the body with a great source of antioxidants and nutrients that help improve blood flow and energy.
People can consume beets as dried beetroot chips, cooked beets or as a bottle of beetroot juice. Dark, leafy greens such as kale , spinach, and collard greens are nutrient dense and contain filling proteins, as well as nutrients and antioxidants. Greens may be difficult to digest raw for some people, so breaking them down by cooking them with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice may help.
Dark chocolate may be an easy way to increase energy. Rich, dark chocolate usually has much less sugar than milk chocolate. Less sugar means less immediate energy, but more cocoa content means more of the benefits of cocoa, including helpful antioxidants such as flavonoids.
A study in the journal Archives of the Turkish Society of Cardiology notes that dark chocolate may benefit the cardiovascular system by helping more blood pump around the body. This blood carries fresh oxygen, which may also make a person feel more awake and alert.
A bowl of whole-grain oatmeal may be a great way to provide the body with energy. Oats are rich in fiber, and they may enable the body to feel fuller for longer than other breakfast choices. We often add extra sweetener to our coffee, but the sweetness of oranges is a great alternative to help curb the impending sugar crash you may experience after your morning frappuccino.
Noshing on greens will balance your energy levels by providing vitamins and nutrients that you need to feel healthy and alert.
Kale, spinach, collards and other dark, leafy greens are great energy-boosting foods that are packed with nutrients that help sustain you throughout the day. The mere aroma of peppermint has been proven to increase alertness according to a study on PubMed , which makes it a great alternative to coffee.
If cutting out caffeine is leaving you listless, try making some hot peppermint tea or muddling fresh peppermint leaves into water or your summer lemonade.
Eating a handful of walnuts, almonds, cashews or pistachios will also perk you up. Nuts are some of the best foods for energy. Dark chocolate can give you a small caffeinated boost and provide the added benefit of superfood antioxidants — as long as your chocolate is at least 70 percent cacao.
Oatmeal is usually at the top of any healthy breakfast list, and for good reason — whole-grain oats contain the fiber and complex carbs your body needs to stay full and feel fueled.
Because it stabilizes blood sugar levels, oatmeal is one of the best foods for energy over a long period of time. Plus, a study in The Journal of Nutrition found that incorporating oats into your diet has been shown to reduce risk of certain chronic diseases.
Bananas are a great energy-boosting food that just so happen to come in an easily portable, single-serve portion. Rich in B vitamins, fiber and potassium, bananas not only keep you full and energized, but act as an ideal pre-workout snack as potassium is good for muscle function.
Berries satisfy nagging sugar cravings without having you reaching for a candy bar. Packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, berries nourish your body inside and out while keeping you alert and energized until your next meal.
Greek yogurt is full of protein, healthy fats and good bacteria that keep your gut biome in check.
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