Many things can play a part in what determines our energy level. Illness, stress and other factors weigh in on our body’s ability to process and use energy. Aside from these factors, however, the body’s energy is gauged on the foods we eat. Keeping on a healthy, steady diet can maintain and even increase our energy levels. Foods all affect the body differently. Some foods we eat may cause a burst of energy but then leave us tired. On the other hand, some foods we eat can give us energy for hours.
Basically, Calories=energy. However, calories consumed by eating sugar are “empty” calories and that is why we may get a surge of energy, then be more tired than we were before. We need to consume the fewest amounts of calories that have the highest energy effect on our bodies. Normally, people need about 2,000 calories a day. In those 2,000 calories we must provide all of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients our bodies need. Yes, our bodies need fats, proteins and carbohydrates too. You have heard it before, and it is still true; a healthy, well balanced diet is important to our health. Our body needs a variety of foods to give it the nutrients needed for proper energy. Coffee alone may be tempting in the morning, but without food, our caffeine energy lift won’t last long. The same is true for energy drinks…they are no substitute for healthy eating.
Proper rest and hydration are also important parts of the energy equation. Of course if you are not getting enough sleep, the body will be fatigued and if you constantly starve the body of rest, no amounts of vegetables in the world can make up for it. Drinking water helps flush our systems of toxins and it also keeps us with a feeling of being full. Water provides us with many benefits and it does help with our energy levels. Work on getting proper rest first, before you start relying on diet to cure your fatigue. If you are getting enough rest and drinking enough water, now it’s time to let your food choices help.
Fruits and vegetables are wonderful sources of vitamins and minerals. Increasing the amount you have in your diet is sure to enhance your energy level. We also get much needed nutrients from meats or other proteins such as nuts. Dairy, including yogurt plays a role in energy, but too much dairy can cause the opposite effect. We need whole grains too, so whole wheat breads, grains, cereals and brown rice are excellent choices. Despite efforts, you still may not be getting enough nutrients. That doesn’t mean you should drastically increase your caloric intake. Try taking a multi vitamin and see if that, along with a healthy diet solves the problem. Talk to your doctor for her recommendation before radically changing your diet. Energy is not a simple equation and you may have to work to find the right formula.
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