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With the sea of health foods, energy drinks and energy bars, finding real energy from your food can seem like a challenge, but following a few simple steps will give you more energy then you may have thought was possible from eating a green salad.

When you go to the grocery store, make sure you have a list ahead of time. This will save you time and money and will also keep you from buying impulse snack foods. One very simple rule is to not buy iceberg lettuce when you are in the vegetable aisle. It does nothing for your body and is really only water. Pick up a bag of romaine or a garden mix instead. Fresh vegetables are a very key element to having more energy. They retain their nutrients when uncooked and they feel much lighter when you eat them.

Try to avoid to much breads and pastas unless they are whole grain, and don't be fooled by packaging. Make sure that it says 100% whole grain before you buy. Also when buying rice, look for brown rice as opposed to starchy white rice.

For dairy, try to avoid eating too much ice cream. It is something that we all enjoy but it is full of unhealthy fats. Yogurt is a great substitute and the enzymes in yogurt are good for your body. Soy milk is a great source of protein in the morning, so try this instead of regular milk a few times a week.

As far as meat goes, reduce your consumption of red meats such as pork and beef. These meats are very fatty and you always feel very tired after eating them. You don't need to cut them out completely, but just reduce how much of them you eat a month. Head for the poultry and fish section instead for proteins. Chicken and fish are much leaner and are lighter. You gain a stable source of energy by eating them as well. If you are feeling a little adventurous, tofu is a fantastic source of nutrients, and can be seasoned in many different ways. It is filling, but not in a lethargic way. Tofu also contains other essential nutrients such as calcium and magnesium. Another bonus is that tofu has no cholesterol

A very important part of your energy for the day is breakfast. Whether you eat sugary cereal or a large egg scramble, this will set the tone of your day until lunch. Eat a bowl of cereal, but not a sugary one. There are many cereals that use whole grains now and these are very good for an energy supply. Eggs are another good choice because they are easy to prepare and aren't too heavy for breakfast. If you don't have time in the mornings though, try packing a yogurt and some fruit the night before.

One of the most surprising things about energy packed foods is the fact that a high calorie count doesn't always give you sustainable energy, even though a calorie is a direct measurement of energy. Most of our calorie intake isn't used so it is turned into body fat instead of an energy supply. Also the facts of how accessible these foods are nowadays. You can find local organic farmers all over the place, and many grocery stores have health food sections now.

Being energetic all day long can be very important to your job and even you quality of life. Be aware as to what you are eating and what you're not and you will feel a constant flow of energy throughout your day.

Learn more about this author, Shakeil Greeley.
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