Many of us turn to a cup of coffee or an energy drink to start the day and keep up with our daily duties. But though chugging these drinks may be the norm, they’re actually counterproductive, since coffee stimulates our stress hormones and energy drinks are chock full of sugar.
The truth is, nutrition plays a vital role in sustaining our body’s energy. What we eat can either help us stay energized throughout the day or wear us down from the inside. Read on to discover what you should — and shouldn’t — eat if you want to give yourself a natural energy boost.
The Best
Whole Grains
Carbohydrates have a bad rap in the wellness world. But PopSugar Fitness’ fascinating post on carbohydrates points out that not all of them are unhealthy. Complex carbohydrates are what you should eat for lasting energy, as they have long chains of sugar molecules. These translate to consistent energy levels because they release good sugar to the body at a steady rate. These are best consumed through whole grains, such as oats, brown rice, and quinoa.
Key Herbs
Don’t let their small sizes fool you, as herbs have the ability to combat stress and fatigue. These adaptogens, are plant-based food that help support the body in dealing with physical and emotional stress and can greatly increase your energy levels, as their nutrients both promote and sustain energy. In Parsley Health’s guide to energy-boosting herbs, Dr. Mercey Livingston lists maca, ginseng, and rhodiola as some of the best ones for lasting energy. To reap their benefits, you can add these herbs to soups and salads.
Another option for natural pain relief is kratom. You can check out this kratom user guide to find out about all the health benefits of this herb, including boosting energy levels as well as being a natural sedative.
Berries
If you’re worried about how you’ll assuage the demands of your sweet tooth while getting natural sources of energy, there’s no need to fret, as delicious and nutritious berries can help you do both. Strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, and raspberries are wonderful sources of fiber that distribute sugar to your bloodstream at a steady rate. Plus, these berries are rich in antioxidants that protect your body from environmental stressors.
The Worst
Refined Grains
While whole grains are the carbohydrates you should incorporate into your diet to provide energy, refined ones are what you shouldn’t be eating if you want to remain active. As we’ve previously shared on ‘Boost Your Energy With These Natural Methods’, refined grains cause your blood sugar to go on a rollercoaster, and make you feel tired. Moreover, when refined grains are processed, fiber and other nutrients are removed. Therefore, steer clear of refined grains such as white bread, white rice, and anything made with white flour.
Fried Food
From French fries and donuts, to fried chicken and bacon, fried food are the favorite dishes of many Americans. In fact, TIME magazine reports that 40% of the population eats oil-soaked fast food everyday. Unfortunately, these types of food have negative consequences for your energy and overall health. Fried food is so difficult to digest that your blood flow is redirected, which means your body will need to exert extra energy just to break them down.
Candy
Candy and other sweets can certainly provide you energy — but this comes in the form of a ‘sugar rush,’ or a sudden burst of energy. While it may make you feel hyper very quickly, these sugary snacks drain your energy just as fast. When the body digests high amounts of processed sugar found in candy, your energy levels only end up crashing down after a brief period, which only makes you feel burned out afterwards.
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