Changing Your Diet to Keep Energy Levels Up
By Stephen R. Farris
It's late in the third quarter, your team is involved in a close game. You helped keep them in it all during the first half, but now you're starting to feel sluggish and you're not sure if you can keep going to help them win.
It happens more than we want it to, and it could be due to the types of foods you are consuming. Adding the right healthy foods to your daily diet can actually help boost your energy levels and/or maintain them so you don't feel sluggish before the end of the big game. Here's a few that you might consider:
Hummus
Hummus is a great food to get a quick energy boost. In fact, you could probably grab some hummus to snack on during the half. Hummus is a product of combining chickpeas, sesame seed paste, oil, and lemon. This combination helps you avoid blood sugar spikes and because it is absorbed slower in your body, it also helps to keep your energy levels at a steady pace.
Lentils
Lentils are high in nutrients, including protein, which -- in itself -- serves as a great energy booster. Not only the protein, lentils are high in carbs and fiber, also allowing the body to absorb them slowly.
Avocados
Classified as a superfood, avocados are a healthy fat source, with B vitamins and fiber. They help in the absorption of nutrients in the body. Avocados are one of the healthy fats you definitely want stored in your body to use as energy later.
Oranges
There's a reason that one designated parent always brought orange slices to your soccer games. That reason was to help you maintain or boost your energy levels for the rest of the match. Oranges are a good source of antioxidants, and contain Vitamin C, which is good for your immune system. You can also squeeze oranges for a delicious healthy drink. Studies show that consuming orange juice before or during workouts, can actually decrease fatigue and boost your performance.
Other healthy foods to consider adding to your energy boosting diet are:
- Strawberries
- Seeds
- Beans
- Green tea
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Leafy green vegetables
- Beets
- Edamame
Just remember, when it comes to keeping your energy levels working on a steady pace, you should consider making a change in the foods you eat.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Atlanta, Ga.