Foods to Eat for Energy

It is generally believed that you are what you eat.   Making the right food choices may mean the difference between being nourished and being just full and sustained.

We eat foods because our body needs foods to be able to function well.   We are usually advised and encouraged to have a balanced and healthy diet for our general health and well- being.   Although we need variety of foods to get all the nutrients we need, health experts advise us to eat most from the energy giving foods since it is from them that we get energy.  Energy is the fuel that sustains our bodied to be able to function well. 

Generally, health experts recommend plenty of complex carbohydrates (as oppose to simple or empty calories like sugar), protein and fat for optimal energy since this foods maintain a high energy level for the body. 

However, since too much fat in the diet can do more harm than good to our health, experts said that we should compensate for the lack of it by eating more carbohydrates, fiber and protein. 

Complex carbohydrates include starches that sustain the body longer than simple carbohydrates (sugars).  This food group includes potatoes, pasta, bread, rice, lentils, cereals, fruits, and vegetables. 

Examples of single sugars from foods include fructose (found in fruits) and galactose (found in milk products). Double sugars include lactose (found in dairy), maltose (found in certain vegetables and in beer), and sucrose (table sugar). Honey is also a double sugar, but unlike table sugar, contains a small amount of vitamins and minerals.

Protein is body’s main supplier of B vitamins, iron and zinc and amino acids.  It helps in cell building and tissue repair.  The foods in this group include meats, fish, lentils, nuts, eggs, and shellfish, dairy products such as cheese or yogurt and beans.

Fiber absorbs water, helping both keeping away hunger pangs and to keep the colon healthy by allowing bowel movements to be regular, softer and easier to pass. Fiber has an important role in protecting us from certain diseases, such as heart disease, high blood cholesterol, some cancers and bowel conditions. It also can keep us leaner.  Foods that are good source of protein include whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, fruits and vegetables. 

So there, next time you get that hunger pang and feels like you are in need of sudden energy boost, try one of these food groups and satisfy yourself.