3 of 7

Write now Article Tools

How To Get The Most Energy From Common Foods

Life is big, it's wonderful and its beautiful. Each day brings new possibilities, new promises, new hopes and dreams. If you are anything like me you want to grab each day and live it to the fullest. In order to do that you need to be alert and energized all throughout the day.

Unfortunately, many of us drag ourselves through the day, our energy slowly dwindling long before the day is done. We drop into bed at night exhausted, determined that tomorrow will be different. But tomorrow comes, and the cycle goes on.

It doesn't have to be that way. A few simple changes in the way you eat can make a tremendous difference in your energy level. And when your energy level is up, your mood tends to follow.

To maximize your energy and keep it consistent day in and day out you'll need to do a few things:

1. Keep your blood sugar stable. Avoid simple carbohydrates (things like white pasta and bread, sugary desserts and soda pop. I know that can of soda gives you a lift, but then it is always followed by a crash. That is your blood sugar, and having it swing all over the place like that is not only energy sapping, it's terrible for your overall health.

2. Avoid overeating to avoid feeling overly full and sluggish. Eating too much, even too much of healthy food, can leave you feeling lethargic instead of energized. Give yourself a chance to feel satisfied with less. You may surprise yourself.

3. Give your body the right combination of complex carbohydrates, lean protein and mono-unsaturated fat. Eat some of each at each meal, and feel your energy level take off.

A well planned trip to the grocery store will help you do all of these things with very little effort. So, if you're ready, let's go shopping! First stop: the produce section.

Eating lots of fruits and vegetables is key to maintaining all day energy. They are wonderful sources of complex carbohydrates, they have natural sweetness that not only helps keep your blood sugar stable but also satisfies that sweet tooth, and they are loaded with vitamins and minerals that are necessary to allow your body to process energy, keeping your energy level up.

Your body needs potassium to convert sugar into energy. You need a minimum of 2000 mg per day, so pick up some bananas, strawberries, cantaloupes, lima beans and sweet potatoes. Your body uses magnesium to help it absorb that potassium, so add some kiwi, blackberries, peas, corn and spinach to your cart.

Vitamin C helps your body produce

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Ways to get the most from the foods you eat?
We want to hear your view. Write now!