Eating healthy leads to feeling healthy.
Whether you are trying to just make it through a day at the office or you're preparing to run a marathon, you can use all the energy you can get. While avoiding junk food and soda is a good place to start, it's important to make sure you consume a diet full of high-energy foods that are packed with the nutrition you need to perform at your optimum level and feel your best.
Seeds and Nuts
Sunflower seeds, peanuts, pumpkin seeds and pistachios are full of nutritional benefits perfect for maintaining your energy levels while on the go. Much of that has to do with their oil content. They are loaded with protein and "good" fats and contain many nutrients, including B vitamins, potassium and calcium.
Raw Fruits and Vegetables
Carbohydrates are the most readily available source of energy for our bodies, and raw fruits and vegetables are packed with them. Eating them raw is best since it cuts back on empty fat calories used to cook them and preserves the vitamins and minerals they contain. Apples, carrots, broccoli and oranges are great sources of energy, especially considering how few calories they contain.
Grains
Adding some cereal grains to your diet while cutting out processed versions of these foods can work wonders for your energy level. For sandwiches, be sure to avoid white bread and choose 100 percent whole-grain wheat instead. When given the choice, opt for brown rice instead of white rice. Processed grains are stripped of their nutritional value, leaving you with the calories but not the boost. Quinoa and couscous are other healthy and delicious options that you can add into your rotation.
Legumes
Legumes such as black beans, lentils, chickpeas and snow peas are great sources of iron, potassium and calcium. More importantly, they are high in protein content, which helps regulate metabolism (and which is directly related to energy levels). When you are feeling lethargic it can often be attributed to a slowed metabolism. Toss some legumes on top of your salad or serve them as a side dish to help maintain your metabolic levels.
Seafood
Salmon, shrimp and halibut are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are helpful for increasing circulation and helping the heart pump blood efficiently throughout the body. These are all smarter choices than heavy meats, such as beef and pork.
Tags: energy levels, great sources, packed with, potassium calcium, they contain, your energy