By Shakirah Brown
The food we eat plays a major part in the overall wellness of our minds and bodies. Though food can be very enjoyable, it should not be something we do just for pleasure when we’re bored and hungry. Food is fuel! We eat it to nourish our bodies. It supplies us with power and energy. Food is one of the things our body needs in order for it to stay fully charged and functioning throughout the day.
The same way a car needs gas in order to start up and drive, we need food to start us up and keep us going over the course of a 24-hour day. But if you eat the wrong things, it could have an adverse effect on your body. Instead of fueling you up and giving you energy to “go,” the wrong foods can drain you, mentally and physically, causing you to drag and lose energy.
This is because whatever you put on the inside of you is going to manifest itself on the outside of you, one way or another. This is not to say that you should never enjoy the foods you love. But eating a whole steak dinner for lunch when you still have another half of your workday to get through, or indulging in a whole IHOP breakfast first thing in the morning before work is not going to be the most beneficial for your energy levels as you struggle to accomplish your tasks for the day.
So here are 3 simple foods you can eat to boost your energy and avoid that midday burnout:
1. Fruit
Though many fruits contain a good amount of natural sugars and should be eaten moderately, it is a much better choice than sodas or candy or anything that is full of considerably large amounts of artificial and added sugars. Consider the good old standbys, like bananas, oranges, grapes, plums, peaches, pears, strawberries, mangoes, and pineapple. You can never go wrong with these. They will definitely do the trick. Providing the good mental and physical energy you need.
And if you aren’t crazy about eating a plain old piece of fruit, try a smoothie. Fruit smoothies, veggie-based smoothies, or a combo of both fruit and vegetables, can be a more enjoyable option. Have one for breakfast or in the afternoon. Not only are they tasty, but they will definitely boost your mood and energy level.
2. Water
Water is oxygen. And oxygen is a necessity. Our bodies need it to live. Therefore, you can never have too much oxygen. Especially when you feel sluggish in the middle of the day. Give your body a boost of oxygen by drinking water. It is also very refreshing to the mind and body. Always keep a bottle of water on hand. Whenever you need a quick pick-me-up, take a swig or two and watch how it instantly reinvigorates your mind and body.
3. Nuts
Almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts, peanuts, you name it! Grab any one of these when you feel like snacking on something on the go or as you work. They are filling and will satisfy any hunger pangs or cravings without zapping your energy. Nuts will even boost your brain power and give you more energy after you eat them.
So be more mindful of the food you choose to put inside your body as you go about your day. It will mean the difference between having more power and energy, or struggling to get through because you don’t have any energy at all. Pay more attention to what you are putting into your body. Squeeze in a banana or two here and there. It won’t kill you. In fact, it will give you life and the energy you need to live life more effectively and be more productive.
So, add these foods to your daily diet and watch your energy skyrocket!
