Gaining Energy Through Healthy Eating
By Stephen R. Farris
In today's world it's becoming harder and harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and most of that is due to our busy schedule. We seem to work longer hours, followed by activities outside of work like picking up the kids from school, dealing with traffic, etc. It might be a few hours before we even see the front door of our home or apartment, let alone get enough sleep that we should.
Eating healthy is almost impossible. After a long hectic day we feel so drained that we often give in to just picking up dinner from a restaurant or fast food joint. It's no wonder we wake up the next day with little or no energy.
At some point we have to say enough is enough and come up with a healthier meal budget. We have to figure out a way to get our energy levels up and keep them maintained throughout our busy days. One way to do that is to seek out foods that will give us that energy spike we need.
Here are a few examples that will help and that you could include in your daily meal plans.
Fruits
Fruit is tasty and energy packed.
- Bananas - They're great as a snack and are a natural source of sugar, plus they have fiber, which is good for our diet. They're also a good source for several nutrients our body needs.
- Avocados - A good source of protein, fiber and other nutrients.
- Goji Berries - Goji berries are a small, red berry that are packed with antioxidants and anti-aging properties. Add some to your water to give you a natural energy drink.
- Apples, Oranges and Strawberries - These three fruits are loaded with energy boosting vitamins and nutrients. Like bananas, they're great for a quick energy snack.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish is another source of protein and nutrients that can help provide energy throughout the day. Salmon, tuna, and sardines all contain omega-3 fatty acids. Not only can they help with brain function, but they can help fight off inflammation, which can bring on fatigue.
Other foods you should try to incorporate into your meal plans should be beef liver (Vitamin B12), yogurt (protein, fat, light carbs), and eggs (lots of protein, nutrients and vitamins).
Last, but not least, vegetables! Sweet potatoes, beets, and green leafy veggies are full of vitamins, minerals and fibers that can assist in providing energy and keeping the levels up. There are a few other foods, such as grains, beans and legumes that should be included as well.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lake Mary, Fla.