They say you are what you eat. This old colloquial expression is true in many ways. Food gives people the vitamins and nutrients they need to live healthily. If you feel you lack energy recently, it may all boil down to precisely what you are eating. Below are eight foods that can help increase your energy naturally.
Peanuts
One food you may not realize is a healthy energy food is the peanut. Peanuts contain phosphorous and magnesium. These are two of the nutrients that are used by the body to create energy. Peanuts are also a good source of niacin, a form of vitamin B. Niacin helps to convert foods into energy in the body. As such, peanuts can be an excellent addition to any meal. Go for unsalted peanuts for even more health benefits.
Clams
Of the different protein choices, one of the best ones for increasing your energy levels is clams. Clams are an excellent source of iron. Iron is essential in allowing a person to be energetic since iron helps oxygen move from place to place inside your body through your bloodstream. Iron deficiency is a severe health problem for many people that can lead to much lower energy levels. Forty-four percent of patients with iron deficiencies suffer from chronic fatigue.
Pears
The fruit is also a vital part of a balanced diet. Certain fruits are also excellent energy foods. This is true when it comes to pears. The benefits of pears have been known since the days of the Roman Empire. The pear is a good source of fiber and natural sugar and can help give you the energy boost you need during the day. Some doctors suggest that pears can be eaten to help control blood sugar. The fruit is also a great source of antioxidants, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin K.
Beef Jerky
Popular snack food that can give you the energy you need during the day is beef jerky. Beef jerky is an excellent source of protein. Protein is necessary for healthy muscles. You won’t have much strength or energy without proper muscle mass. It’s also rich in other things you need for energy, such as iron and zinc. Beef jerky is a healthy snack food in general due to being low in carbohydrates. Consider snacking on 100% grass-fed beef jerky for the strongest health benefit.
Eggs
You have probably seen TV shows and cartoons where characters drink raw eggs from a glass as part of a fitness routine. The relationship between eggs and energy is science-based. They are one of the best protein sources you can eat and contain amino acids and different B vitamins such as vitamin B12. Consider having a hardboiled egg as an energy-boosting snack.
Yogurt
A good dairy choice for energy food is yogurt. Yogurt is high in magnesium. Magnesium is used by the body to release energy. It also includes other essential vitamins you need, like calcium and vitamin B. If you don’t like yogurt, plain as a snack, mix in fruit and nuts. You could even eat it as a smoothie. It also acts as a healthy replacement for sour cream in many dishes.
Brown Rice
Another healthy choice is brown rice. It is a good source of magnesium, which helps to boost your energy by increasing your metabolism. It’s also a good source of complex carbohydrates that can also increase your energy during the day. Brown rice pairs well with many other foods and can make salads, soups, and many other dishes.
Spinach
Lastly, spinach is an energy-boosting “superfood.” Spinach is a rich source of iron. Iron increases the oxygen in your bloodstream and your energy levels as a result. It also contains something known as tyrosine that is known to increase alertness during the day. In many ways, spinach is a brain food that increases your mental energy in addition to your physical strength. Add a spinach salad to your diet so you can reap these benefits.
What we eat can have a significant impact on our bodies. If you are continually feeling fatigued during the day, your diet could be one big reason why. Consider adding the eight foods above to your diet. They can help you feel more energized and will help ensure you receive more of the vitamins and nutrients you need to be healthy.
