Foods That Give You Energy

Food plays an integral role in providing and maintaining the energy needed to feel primed for the daily grind. The right choices leave us feeling enlivened and alert, whereas a poor diet causes sluggishness and fatigue. When it comes to foods that give you energy, here are some essential options for maintaining your daily spark.

Beetroot

Beetroot juice is a great natural pick-me-up. Often a staple in athletes’ diets, the vibrant red root vegetable carries an abundance of naturally occurring nitrates that generate energy and fight the onset of fatigue. How does the magic happen? Our bodies convert nitrates to nitric oxide, ensuring a more efficient flow of blood and oxygen to the muscles that helps us power through a strenuous workout or a long day at work. Beets often star in health-boosting juices and smoothies, yet this functional food can also be incorporated into various recipes.

Almonds

B vitamins play a major role in converting food into energy, and almonds carry them in spades. A low B vitamin count leads to more than just fatigue, it can also negatively impact concentration and cause irritability. A superb snack option that delivers high amounts of energy through small servings, almonds are also packed with magnesium, a mineral that muscles rely on to function efficiently. If experiencing fatigue even after moderate physical activity, a shortage of magnesium could be to blame. Almonds contain a high calorie count, so one 20-30 ounce daily serving is plenty.

Bananas

Another B vitamin powerhouse and healthy snack option, bananas are a must-have on any list detailing foods that give you energy. The body extracts their natural sugar and converts it to glucose, delivering the surge of energy that make bananas a popular choice for those looking for a quick energy boost. Potassium, a multi-functional nutrient that supports numerous bodily functions, is likewise ever present in bananas, as is fiber. Bananas can be seamlessly incorporated into your diet; they’re an ideal breakfast companion, blend well with other fruits in smoothies and shakes, and can add a healthy twist to numerous desserts.

Quinoa

Quinoa may be tiny in stature, yet it packs a mean nutritional and energy-boosting punch. Unlike many other plant-based foods that give you energy quinoa carries all nine essential amino acids, justifying its superfood status. Its energy value stems from various nutrients, chief among them iron and Riboflavin (B2), which combine to drive energy metabolism in our bodies. Each tiny seed somehow manages to also fit in plenty of magnesium, B-vitamins, calcium and immune-boosting antioxidants.

Oatmeal        

Carbs are crucial to increasing energy, yet sourcing them from the right foods is key. Skip sugar-saturated, processed and refined carb sources, and instead opt for whole grains such as oatmeal. A filling meal thanks to its high fiber content, oatmeal is absorbed slowly across our bodies, which leads to longer-lasting energy. Toss in a few healthy additions such as blueberries and bananas to your morning bowl and you’ll be set to power through the day.