Need more Energy?

Chandi Schwab
Too bad we can't just grab a new battery to recharge our energy on those days we are dragging our feet. For some reason, when we don't have energy we crave sugar and get trapped on a vicious roller coaster. Instead of reaching for a high-caloric soda or candy bar to ward off your lagging energy, try one of the health foods listed below. You'll experience a boost of energy without all of the sugar, additives and the ultimate crash of junk foods. Eating healthy, nutrient dense foods, exercising, and managing your weight are the best ways to ensure enough energy to make it through your day. here are some great energy foods to check out!

Oatmeal
Oatmeal is great for breakfast, but can also be an energizing snack. Packed with protein, oatmeal also contains vitamin E, zinc, iron and selenium. Oats are complex carbohydrates, which provide needed calories for energy use. Oatmeal is also high in soluble fiber. According to the American Heart Association, soluble fiber is thought to lower cholesterol (particularly the bad cholesterol LDL), reducing the risk of heart disease.

To experience all the benefits of oatmeal, stay away from instant. Most instant oatmeal contains a lot of sugar, a great way to experience a lag in energy. For a change, try steel cut oats otherwise known as Scottish oats.

Grapes
Red and other dark skinned grapes are full of anti-oxidants and manganese. Manganese helps your body maintain normal blood sugar levels, which play an important role in marinating your energy level. Grapes are also a good source of thiamine, potassium, vitamins C and B6. As most people do not get enough water every day, grapes also help replenish depleted water levels.

Rich in energy giving nutrients, grapes are also handy and easy to eat. They are great for a quick, on-the-go snack. Try freezing them for a cool summer time treat.

Grape juice provides some of the same benefits as whole fruit, but many commercially packaged brands contain a lot of sugar, so be sure to read the label before consuming.

Almonds
Ounce per ounce, almonds are the most nutrient-rich of all nuts. They are high in vitamin E as well as the mineral magnesium that is crucial for converting sugar into energy. Almonds are a good source of protein, great for sustained energy.

Almonds are usually available year round and are a great food to eat on the go. Try incorporating a few into your salad or yogurt for an even better energy boost. Be sure to check the label before buying as some preparation methods, like dry roasting, often adds a lot of salt.

Squash
Squash is a great source of complex carbohydrates, which are easily converted to energy. Squash is also filled with vitamin B1 and C as well as folic acid and potassium. Winter squash such as butternut, acorn or pumpkin are also rich in vitamin B6. Summer squash---zucchini, yellow crookneck---although higher in water content, is still an excellent source of energy giving vitamins.

Available in a variety of types, squash is versatile food that can be cooked in a variety of ways. You can roast or grill and eat it plain or combine with other ingredients to make a casserole or bread.

Apples
In addition to foods with complex carbs that give you energy lasting for a long time, other natural foods with simple carbohydrates are important to include in your diet. Apples are a natural source of fructose, a sugar that's also found in some vegetables. The fructose in apples can give you a quick burst of energy when you need it and the fiber in the fruit will make you feel more full than if you had chosen a cupcake.

Eggs
Carbs may provide most of the energy for your body, but protein provides endurance and helps your body successfully control the output of the energy you gather. Meat is an excellent source of protein, but too much of it can be harmful for the body. An alternate source is eggs. They may be high in cholesterol, but their health benefits more than make up for that, and if you monitor your cholesterol intake throughout the rest of the day, eating up to two eggs daily provides the body with a source of healthy fat and all essential amino acids.

Water
Though not technically a food, water is often overlooked as a vital part of a healthy diet. Staying hydrated is imperative to gaining and retaining energy, and when the body is lacking water it's more likely to make you feel fatigued. Even if you're not exercising, keep a bottle of water handy and take generous sips throughout the day.

Honey
A spoonful of honey refuels your energy levels, consume this natural substance instead of energy drinks. It has low content of glycemic and actually acts as a time-released muscle fuel during the exercise and helps restore muscles after workouts. Sprinkle this natural sweetener in your bowl of yogurt or simply add it in your tea.

Bananas
Most of its essence comprises of sugars like glucose, fructose, sucrose and fibers, banana serves instant energy. Eat it with a combination of peanuts or almond butter and it will make a good snack. Or during your morning breakfast chop it in your bowl of cereal, this will make you going energetically until your lunchtime.

Oranges
Oranges are high in vitamin C, potassium and folate. Also, eat this citrus fruit so that you can extract pectin and fiber from the orange’s membranes. This is an effective fruit that will fill in rapid flow of energy.

Spinach
It is a superb source for generating energy in the body as it is enriched with high-iron content. Try this: eat spinach salad in your lunch time and after this you will show the door to your sluggish feelings and perform your work swiftly.

Beans
For both carnivores and vegetarians, beans are very essential as it contains proteins and complex carbohydrates. Chuck a cup of spinach salad or savor a bean burrito to render nourishment to your body.

High-protein contents
As everybody is well-acquainted with the fact that how much importance does protein intake play in our lives. So, it would be a wiser option if you replace your regular carbohydrate intake with proteins. This aids your muscle mass for staying constant as your body metabolizes fat cells as a resource of energy.

Yogurt
It is an instant food that can be cooked up quickly for breakfast or can be consumed as a snack. Also, it is available in multi-flavors from which your can pick upon your favorite flavor. It is enriched with magnesium and calcium which are essential and abet in the exertion of energy. Relish your favorite flavor, post your exhausting workouts and refuel yourself with high energy again.

Acai Berry
Taking Acai berry for energy as a supplement will help sustain your body with the vitality it needs throughout the day. Sure you could use a sugar or caffeine based energy boost, if you like to crash after a few hours. Acai is all natural and has no caffeine or sugar in it. Instead of having to drink 4 cups of coffee or use an energy drink for sugar a small amount of Acai berry leads to improved energy throughout the day and sustained energy and strength. Why use temporary solutions to get higher energy levels when you can get a permanent solution from Acai energy.