Eating For Energy

Are you experiencing afternoon burnout at work or not feeling like you can give your best efforts at the gym?  Maybe you are not eating the right foods.  See below for a few healthy, low fat and energy boosting foods you can try to get the most out of your day.

One of the easiest and cheapest foods for an instant pick-me-up. A large banana has 16.6 grams of sugar, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The sugar in a banana is different from refined sugars in cookies and candy, however. Your body uses the natural sugar in bananas, fructose, to produce glucose, which fuels your brain and gives you energy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wild salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, which can help you maintain those high energy levels. These polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown to boost your mood, brain health and help prevent heart disease. Omega-3s are crucial to cell membrane structure and will help ward off the mid-day slumps thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Green tea has a little caffeine for energy, but it also contains an amino acid called L-theanine that helps the brain. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine leads to improved brain function and the ability to focus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oranges contain high levels of vitamin C, which can make you less tired two hours after intake.  Vitamin C is widely celebrated for its immune boosting functions.  It is often forgotten that Vitamin C is also required for the synthesis of carnitine. Carnitine is a molecule which is essential for the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria. It is the mitochondria which convert food sources into energy in the body. Therefore, Vitamin C is also indirectly responsible for this process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just one egg contains about 15% of your RDA of vitamin B2, also called riboflavin. It’s just one of eight B vitamins, which all help the body to convert food into fuel, which in turn is used to produce energy.  As it does not cause surges in blood sugar and insulin, the protein in eggs is a steady and sustained source of energy. Eggs are rich in protein and nutrients including thiamin, riboflavin, folate, B12 and B6. These vitamins are essential for energy production