If you’re like most people, you probably have energy highs and lows throughout the day. For me, my mornings usually start off pretty great, and by the afternoon I’m ready for a 30-minute catnap.
By late afternoon, I can be pretty damn worn out.
Within the last few months, I’ve been experimenting with various foods in an effort to see which ones could provide long-lasting energy throughout the day.
Some foods provide a very brief, but noticeable, effect on energy.
Others don’t seem to do anything.
The following foods you’re about to read about, in my experience, will give you lasting energy to help you get through the day.
Almonds
Almonds are an energy powerhouse snack, primarily because they contain nutrients like magnesium and vitamin B, which help the body convert food into energy.
Almonds contain proteins that are responsible for our energy endurance, as well as coenzyme Q10 (commonly called CoQ10), which is responsible for producing energy at the cellular level.
This combination of ingredients makes them the ideal choice for a quick “supplement” of energy and for improving our endurance.
They also help dramatically with blood sugar control, something that is responsible for the highs and lows in energy level you feel once you’ve eaten a big meal.
Bananas
Athletes around the world have been turning to bananas for decades, for a wide variety of reasons.
One of those reasons is increased energy.
Bananas contain three natural sugars (sucrose, fructose, and glucose) and in combination with fiber, give instant and sustained amount of nutrients.
Bananas are rich in vitamins B6 and B12, as well as magnesium and potassium, acting like a real energy bomb.
Glucose is also rapidly decomposed, which will provide you with a quick boost of energy.
Spinach
I think Popeye was onto something.
Most people don’t like the taste of spinach, but did you know that Spinach is actually widely regarded as one of the best (if not THE best) leafy green vegetable?
There are numerous benefits to eating spinach, including an improved cardiovascular system, increased brain function, and an increase in mental clarity and focus.
According to SupplementCritique.com, it actually has the ability to help boost testosterone levels naturally as well.
The key component of Spinach is folate, which has been shown help maintain a healthy heart, a lowered risk of depression, and…you guessed it, increased energy.
Apples
Apples contain a sufficient amount of fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants that have various benefits.
However, apples also contain fructose (sugar) that is quickly and efficiently processed by our bodies and give us significant amounts of energy.
Because of the high level of fiber contained in apples, it takes a bit longer for it to be digested.
Once it is digested, though, it will provide you with a sustained amount of energy that lasts much longer than it would with other fruits.
I typically aim to eat at least 1 apple per day, but on some days when I’m feeling a bit more sluggish than usual I’ll east as many as 3.
Brown rice
Brown rice contains a high percentage of magnesium, minerals responsible for the production of energy from proteins and carbohydrates.
It’s also a great source of B vitamins, which act as catalysts that drive energy production from food.
Given that rice is rich in carbohydrates, it acts as a fuel that drives the body and provides the necessary energy, and contributes to the normal functioning of the brain.
Brown rice is a source of energy, and also happens to be an excellent anti-oxidant that can help with cholesterol levels, heart health, and even diabetes.
Sweet potato
By chemical composition, sweet potatoes are very similar to ordinary red or white potatoes but contain more proteins.
It contains a high percentage of starch, very little sugar, and NO fat.
It has a high content of minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron), vitamins (A, B, C, E) and dietary fibers necessary for the proper functioning of the digestive organs.
It is recommended for the nutrition of children and athletes because due to all of these vitamins and minerals, it provides energy, minerals, and vitamins.
Conclusion
If you need energy, take a pass on that late afternoon coffee, energy drink, chocolate or similar products.
All they will do is give you a short, temporary boost of energy, followed by a HUGE crash.
If you snack on the foods listed above throughout the day, you’ll find yourself with sustained energy that will help you tackle tasks quickly and efficiently.
