If you imagine your body as a car, then food would be the fuel. To get optimal performance out of either a car or out of your body, you need to make sure that you are providing the highest quality fuel you can.

The amount of stamina you have for workouts or to get you through a long workday is affected by the foods you eat. Some foods are good for a quick burst, while others provide constant energy. Nutrients like complex carbs, proteins, fibre and vitamin C is crucial to stay active and feeling energetic all day long.

So here’s the list of foods that boost your stamina, naturally:

8 Vegetarian Foods That Increase Your Stamina

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are hypoallergenic and the preferred source of post-workout carbohydrates for many athletes and bodybuilder who want to keep their energy stores up and body fat down. Starchy carbs like sweet potatoes eaten after a workout, act as a catalyst for protein to enter muscle tissue and begin the repair/rebuild process. Steam or bake a small or medium sweet potato to eat after your next workout.

Banana

Banana has a combination of fiber and natural fruit sugars. Having a banana gives you instant energy and increases your stamina in a long run. For best results, eat them 20 minutes before you need a lot of energy.

Coffee

A cup of coffee before exercise will have a noticeable effect on stamina because of its caffeine content. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, which explains why so many people worldwide start their day with a cup of coffee.

Beet Juice

This is one drink, which is loaded with energy and can help boost your stamina level tremendously. If you exercise after consuming beet juice, you will be able to exercise for longer durations because it is loaded with vitamins A, C and lots of mineral.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is an energy packed food that provides constant energy for hours. Oatmeal is an unprocessed, complex carbohydrate that your body digests slowly. Slow digestion keeps blood sugar at optimal levels and helps avoid the crash that typically comes with faster burning carbs. A bowl of oatmeal in the morning will keep you going strong through your day.

Walnuts

Are you a non-fish eater? Walnuts are another way of getting heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Grab a handful of walnuts before heading outdoors.

Coconut Water

Coconut water is considered as the best natural energy drink. Consume coconut water before and during workout because you get beneficial minerals in the less volume of liquid.

Whey Protein

Whey contains all the nine amino acids necessary for human dietary needs. They are generally “grab and go”, an easy and convenient source of high-quality protein. Proper protein timing is essential for maximizing muscle gains. Whey provides you with the ability to have a fast digesting protein meal whenever you need it.

If you are an eggetarian, eat a three boiled eggs within a 30-minute after your workout to see uptake in your stamina. Eggs, especially if both yolk and white are consumed, can be an excellent whole-food choice to provide micronutrients and protein.