A cup of strong coffee is the first thing that comes to mind when you need to quickly cheer up. But there are many other foods and drinks that can give you a boost of energy.
In this article, we will talk about the food items that energize you for the whole day. Moreover, we will tell you how you should use them to keep yourself active throughout the day. But firstly let’s look at products that drain you of energy and you should avoid them.
Foods That Drain Energy
There are many foods/drinks that can drain you of energy. However, these items are on the top:
- Pasta And White Bread: Though these products contain grain, it in processed form is of no use. It can only lower energy.
- Alcohol: Fatigue, dizziness, and blurry vision are common signs of alcohol consumption. These signs are similar to fatigue. Therefore, if you want to stay active, give up alcohol. You can also go through the rehabilitation process for getting better. You can either go to a rehab center for this or do it yourself at home.
- Fast Food: These foods contain mostly items in fried form along with unhealthy and sugary sauces. The more you consume such foods, the lower your energy will be throughout the day.
- Carbonated Drinks: These drinks have high sugar content. When you drink them on a regular basis, you will notice fatigue. This is a sign of a drain of energy. Therefore, it is better not to drink them, especially in the morning.
Energy-Boosting Foods
1- Whole Grains
The body converts carbohydrates into energy. Simple sugars get quickly destroyed, give a boost of vivacity for a short time, and contribute to the accumulation of fats. In contrast, whole grains provide a lasting boost of energy. Oatmeal, rye, barley porridge, whole grain bread, barley, and brown rice can help you get energy without getting fat.
In addition, cereals contain many important and beneficial nutrients that contribute to the health of the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, it also accelerates digestion and the beauty of the skin.
2- Protein
Proteins provide the body with sustainable energy, which is consumed more slowly. It is also a source of tyrosine, an amino acid that supports mental alertness. It is present in meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Protein is essential for muscle building and provides long-term satiety.
Yogurt and other milk products speed up metabolism and are rich in vitamins Vitamin B, which stimulate brain function. For a vegetarian diet, tofu and legumes are great, and you can add them to breakfast for a refreshing boost.
3- Fruits
Sweet fruits contain carbohydrates that help your brain wake up and get back to work faster. So, one large apple contains up to 13 g of sugar. And in terms of its effect on the body, it can replace a cup of coffee. Heart surgeon recommends consuming fruits high in vitamin C such as pineapple and grapefruit more often.
By the way, the aroma of citrus fruits invigorates and cheers up, even if you don’t eat them. Another powerful source of energy is bananas. They contain a lot of fiber, which helps to optimally use carbohydrate energy.
4- Nuts
Hazelnuts, almonds, and pistachios are real energy accumulators. Nuts saturate well. They are convenient to take with you for a snack and add to dishes. Hazelnuts lower bad cholesterol and contain biotin, a vitamin that allows the body to produce energy. Almonds contain a lot of protein, magnesium, and vitamin B2.
These ensure the well-coordinated work of internal organs. Pistachios are high in fiber and essential amino acids. Give preference to dried (rather than fried) and unsalted nuts because too much sodium slows down the metabolism and leads to swelling.
5- Spinach
The leafy vegetable is low in calories and high in iron. It is less readily absorbed from plant foods. So you can add a few drops of lemon juice to the spinach salad before eating. In addition, the succulent leaves are high in lutein, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin. These are phytochemicals that have anti-inflammatory properties and help maintain good vision.
6- Chocolate
A piece of dark chocolate is an easy alternative to strong coffee. Cocoa improves concentration and tones. It contains caffeine and theobromine. These substances give a mild vigor effect without a sharp rise in blood pressure and heart rate.
And cocoa also has anandamide, which increases the level of the hormone of happiness endorphin. So it will not only help you wake up but also give you an excellent mood for a cheerful start to the day.
7- Spice
Warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and red pepper boost your metabolism. The blood circulates faster, warms the body, and provides a burst of energy. If there are no problems with the gastrointestinal tract, you can complete your breakfast with tomato juice.
You can also add a pinch of red pepper or other warming spices to breakfast. Keep in mind that most of them irritate the mucous membranes. So be careful.
8- Pure Water
Surprisingly, you do not need any additional ingredients to restore alertness. This is because dehydration often makes you sleepy and tired. To maintain energy at the proper level, it is enough to drink several glasses of clean water a day.
Most people drink coffee instead, getting a short-term boost of vigor with further rapid depression of activity. If you can’t do without a cup of espresso, drink it with a glass of clean water to prevent dehydration.
Conclusion
Regardless of what foods you like, it’s best to break up your meals into several small meals a day. Such a system will allow you to maintain a stable blood sugar level without sudden jumps and drops.
In addition, the habit of eating small portions, you can add the foods mentioned above to our diet. These foods ensure stable digestion and have a positive effect on the well-being of a person.