Today many of us live incredibly busy lives. We often find ourselves feeling tired and drained. Some of our fatigue may be lifestyle-related, which isn’t altogether a bad thing because you can counterbalance this by taking steps to increase your energy levels. Tucker chiropractors recommend that one such way to boost your energy levels naturally is by eating for energy. It has been proven that good dietary habits can impact your energy levels and how you feel on a daily basis.
Timing is Everything
Eating the right food is very important but timing plays a big role in giving you that much-needed energy boost. Nothing is worse than skipping meals because your body needs to be fueled regularly, just like your car. If you don’t fill your body with nutritious food, your body will begin to break down your muscle tissue to generate energy. One study found that people who eat on an irregular eating pattern that involved regularly skipping meals were more likely to experience fatigue. Strive to maintain your body’s energy tank by eating smaller meals and more frequently – strive to get something in your body every few hours.
What You Fuel Your Body With Matters
Any food that contains calories will give you energy but eating too much of some foods can quickly make you feel sluggish and tired, such as foods high in fat (especially unhealthy, saturated fats) that stimulate the production of serotonin, a brain chemical that has a tendency to make you feel tired and sluggish.
Carbohydrates are the preferred fuel form for the body because they can rapidly be converted to glucose for energy. The ticket is to not over eat carbs though because too many of those can also make you feel fatigued. Low fat protein can be eaten alongside carbs to slow down how quickly your body absorbs them.
9 Energy-Boosting Foods
The best foods to boost your energy levels naturally with are high-octane foods, which are rich in antioxidants, carbohydrates, fiber, minerals, vitamins, protein and other substances that are great for your health. Below are some of the best energy inducing foods that will benefit your body greatly.
Spinach. Spinach is loaded with iron, which can play a major role in combatting fatigue. Nearly 10 percent of women are deficient in this nutrient. Spinach is great for a lunchtime salad or adding to smoothies. Other great plant sources of energy iron include lentils, beans and sesame seeds.
Quinoa. This grain is gluten free and it is filled with magnesium, folate, manganese and phosphorous. It is also a better alternative to refined carbohydrates that deplete your energy. Serve quinoa as a side or a base for a main dish. It is also good on top of salad!
Eggs. B vitamins are found in abundance in egg yolks, which are known to boost energy. Eggs also have a high protein content, which helps to keep you pushing forward. Eat them hard boiled for a quick snack or throw them on your spinach salad.
Fatty Fish. Salmon and tuna are both fatty fish that are sources of good fats as well as B vitamins and protein. Vitamin b12 works with folic acid to increase promotion of red blood cells within the body as well as give iron a boost so it works better. When the body has optimal levels of red blood cells and iron, fatigue has been proven to be reduced and energy levels increased.
Pumpkin Seeds. Pumpkin seeds are another protein-packed food. They also contain magnesium and manganese, which are both known to boost energy. Eat them alone for a snack or make your own trail mix. You can also toss them on salads.
Brown Rice. Also full of manganese, which processes carbs and protein, brown rice can help to produce higher energy levels. The uses for brown rice are abundant.
Bananas. Bananas are a great source of potassium, carbohydrates and vitamin B6, each of which can also increase your energy levels.
Hummus. Made with chickpeas, sesame paste, lemon and oil, hummus is an excellent source of energy. The chickpeas are full of fiber and complex carbs that can provide steady energy for the body. Eat hummus as a dip for veggies or use as a salad spread!
Strawberries. Strawberries are a fantastic energy-boosting fruit, offering carbs, sugar and fiber that can increase energy levels thanks to the antioxidants found in these delicious red berries. Eat strawberries in your salads, smoothies or parfaits.