The right diet especially high energy diet can help to fuel our body and boost energy levelss from flagging throughout the day. We get energy from food. The major components of food are carbohydrates, proteins and fats. In our body, carbohydrates converted to glucose as the most important source of energy. After eating of carbohydrates, our blood sugar will arise and triggers our pancreas to release insulin. Insulin is a hormone that assist glucose to enter into the cells of our body. Once inside our body, glucose will then supplies the energy to fuel our body. protein and fats can also converted to energy but is less efficient than carbohydrates as they take longer time to digest and metabolize.
Many people have the wrong impression when come to carbohydrates. Carbohydrates when consume moderately will actually provide you with a optimal level of energy to fuel up your body. There are basically few steps to boost your energy level
Seven steps to boost energy levels
Do not skip your breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. High energy food can replenish your body’s energy supply after a night’s fast and it provides you with the energy needed to stay physically and mentally alert. Studies have shown that kids with breakfast concentrate better and more behave and more creative, this applies to adults as well.
Choose complex carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates are carbohydrates that digested gradually and serve as a steady fuel supply for both body and brain. Complex carbohydrate can further divided int o starchy carbohydrates and fibrous carbohydrates. Starchy carbohydrates are sweet potatoes, whole grains, oatmeal and brown rice. Meanwhile the fibrous carbohydrates include mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, cauliflower, onions, mushrooms and peppers. Fibrous carbohydrates also can be found in most of the dark green leafy vegetables.
Avoid simple sugars
Simple sugars can give you a immediate rise in energy but this is generally followed by a ‘sudden crash’ that make you more tired than you were before. So, it is advisable to avoid sweets and candies.
Get enough of iron rich foods
Iron is important for producing hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the main component of the red blood cells. Hemoglobin is important because hemoglobin carries oxygen to the cells of our body where it is used to produce energy and perform essential metabolic functions. If our iron storage is low, red blood cells cannot supply enough oxygen to the cells. This will further causes fatigue, low energy and difficult in concentrating. The best food sources for iron supply will be red meats, organ meats, green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds and also blackstrap molasses.
Water is important
Everyone knows our body need about 6-8 glasses of water per day. You need more if you exercise. Water is important because it helps to regulate our body temperature, transport nutrients into our body and carries waste away from our body. Fatigue is one symptom of mild dehydration. Fluids can come not only drinking water, also can be in the form of juices, milk, soups and watery fruits such as watermelon, oranges and etc.
Minimized caffeine intake
We need good quality sleep to keep us refresh. Caffeine is a stimulant that can compete with adenosine, adenosine is a chemical to induce sleep. The more we have caffeine in our drink, the less adenosine is available to make us drowsy, and this further deteriorate your sleeping quality.
Eat small amounts of food throughout the day
Eating small amounts of food / snacks keep your blood sugar steady and more consistent.Afternoon fatigue is usually caused by low blood sugar. Smaller meals also help to stave out the feelings of hunger. Snack can be the same as small meals but make sure we choose a healthy choice such as yogurt with fruits, sandwich, soups and salads.
In conclusion, the right food is important not only for healthy living, it can help us keep afresh and boost our energy levels throughout the day.