by Jennifer Walker

Created on: February 12, 2009   Last Updated: February 19, 2009

After a long day at the office, it can be hard to drag yourself to the gym to work out. If you do not have enough energy, it is difficult to get the most out of your fitness routine, and you may be tempted to cut it short, telling yourself you will make up for it another day. However, eating certain foods can give you a boost of energy that will carry you through your workout.

High Energy Foods

Rather than picking up a cup of coffee or an energy drink to try to artificially raise your energy, try some of these foods and nutrients that are known to increase energy levels.

*Vitamins B12 is one of the most well-known sources of natural energy. A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to lethargy and listlessness, so bone up to restore your energy. You can take B12 in the form of a supplement or multi-vitamin, but it is also found in many breakfast cereals and dairy products.

*Vitamin D, like Vitamin B12, can cause a loss of energy if the levels in your body are too low. Vitamin D is also essential for staving off osteoporosis, so it is a highly essential vitamin. It can be found in dairy products and fortified orange juice.

*Yerba Mate has received a lot of attention lately. It works as an appetite suppressant and energy booster all in one. Yerba Mate is usually found in drink form, such as Mate tea and other natural energy drinks.

*Acai Berry (ah-sigh-ee) is another product that has surged in popularity in recent years. This berry is a superfood that provides many of the nutrients your body needs and is reported to improve energy levels and mental clarity. Acai berries can be found in a lot of energy and juice/smoothie drinks.

*Bee Pollen has been a long been a well-known natural source of energy, and it also helps reduce allergy symptoms and aids digestion. It can be found in most health food stores and often makes an appearance at smoothie stands.

*Bananas, strawberries and pineapples are all high in natural sugar, which will give you a boost of energy. Bananas are also a good source of dietary fiber, potassium and Vitamins C and B6. Strawberries are great sources of dietary fiber, Vitamin C and folate, but are very low on the glycemic scale. Pineapples are good for Vitamin C, dietary fiber and Vitamin B6 and are also surprisingly low on the glycemic scale.

Having a high energy level is important to getting a good workout, and making sure you have plenty of high-energy foods and nutrients in your daily diet will help you get to the gym and get the most out of your workout.

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