Getting an Energy Boost from Food Is Easier Than You Think
We all want to get healthier and look after our bodies better, but that’s often easier said than done. Everyone starts their new fitness regime with high expectations, but it’s all too easy to slip back into old habits.
One great way to get around this is to put a more positive spin on your diet. Instead of just thinking about foods you shouldn’t be eating, focus on thinking about foods you should be eating more of. Eating the right foods can boost your energy and keep you going for longer.
It’s also essential to think about when you’re eating, as well as what you’re eating. Never, ever skip meals. Bodies need sustenance to keep going, and missing meals will only cause you to start losing muscle mass – never a good result if you want to be healthier! That said, overeating is also a bad idea as it stimulates the body to produce insulin and can cause you to deposit fat.
If you’re new to keeping fit and eating right, New Alpha nutrition has tons of great information about eating for energy.
Eating the right foods
Eating a balanced diet of protein, fats, and carbohydrates (yes, we do need carbs) will give you energy and help you get a good workout. Carbohydrates are particularly good as a quick pre-exercise snack, as they are the most easily converted to energy (in the form of glucose). Adding protein will slow down the rate at which your body metabolizes the carbs and provide a more extended energy boost.
It’s good to avoid too much fat ahead of exercise, though. Fat stimulates the brain to produce serotonin, which can make you feel tired. A good, balanced snack will give you tons of energy and get you through your workout.
Eating smaller, more regular meals keeps the body ticking over and helps to build and maintain lean muscle which, in turn, helps the body to maintain fat-burning lean muscle mass. Keep a healthy snack or two on your person at all times, so you don’t get hungry. This can lead to overeating, or grabbing something for convenience that might not be the best choice.
What are the best foods?
The best energy-boosting meals are balanced with carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Other substances such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber don’t provide energy by themselves, but can help the body to convert nutrition into energy more efficiently.
There are lots of foods that will give your body energy and help you maintain your motivation to keep fit. These include:
- Spinach and dark leafy vegetables
- Soy
- Tomatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Peppers
- Citrus fruit
- Salmon
- Nuts
- Beans
- Strawberries
- Cantaloupe
- Whole grains
- Oatmeal
- Blueberries
If you commit to eating smaller, healthier meals more often, you’ll start to feel better and more energized almost right away. Boosting your body also gives your mind a boost. Feeling more awake and being able to go about your day without feeling tired can help you feel more optimistic about life. You’ll be able to stay motivated to keep being fit, too!
