How often do we wake-up in our beds sluggishly hoping to indulge in another few moments in our beds but push our body because of the important meeting or deadline we have. Being active is not just limited to the mind but has also got a lot with the way our bodies function. Our body is like a machine, if we want it to function at optimum levels, then we must make sure that we fulfill its needs carefully. This does not mean we should cut out all the foods and drinks that make us happy but always remember that moderation is the key. There are foods that may give us momentary pleasure but then they sap our energies in the long run, while there are some that can actually do both, good to eat as well as energetic and helpful for increasing our energy levels.
We do not need any fancy food diets or specialized programs to increase our day-to-day energy levels. It is about making some smart choices that may begin by including some of the best energy providing natural foods in our daily diet.
1. Apples
Remember the saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor away? Not only is apple a tasty fruit, it is also a good satisfying way to fill up on fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Antioxidants basically help prevent oxidation in the body which prevents cell and tissue damage in adults. Whatâs more, apples can also help in a weight loss program by adding fiber to the diet, therefore making you less hungry. Apples have also been known to be the best natural source of quercetin, which is a plant-based phytochemical linked to greater athletic endurance in research.
2. Oatmeal
There is no better way to start your day by including a bowl of Oatmeal in your breakfast. Breakfast becomes the most important meal as it basically means breaking the overnight fast of the body. Oats are a superb supply of many nutrients together with zinc, vitamin E, selenium, iron, copper, magnesium and manganese. Oats are also a superb source of protein.
3. Citrus fruits
The advantage of including citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit in ones diet are manifold. Not only do most citrus fruits contain a variety of sugars like glucose and fructose, these fruits are the best sources of vitamin C, dietary fiber and various minerals, and plant-derived micronutrients. Vitamin C is not only helps in fighting cough and cold but is also a very important nutrient for maintaining the immune system of the body especially in winters and changing climatic conditions. Natural foods rich in vitamin C are easily digested and broken down by the body as compared to artificial medicines and pills.
4. Nuts
World Health Organization’s researchers are now convinced that consumption of good fats contained in nuts can increase your energy levels to a great extent. Almonds, peanuts and soy nuts are perfect for this example but since most nuts are quite high on calories the best approach is to reap the health benefits of eating nuts in moderation so that you do not add any excessive calories to your daily intake.
5. Broccoli
Broccoli is also knows as the world’s most healthiest food and it has its reasons as well. Eating steamed broccoli cannot only help in lowering body’s cholesterol levels which are so important for a healthy heart but also broccoli has a strong, positive impact on our body’s detoxification system that helps out in flushing the toxic out of our bodies. The high amount of vitamin C in broccoli aids iron inclusion and stop the growth of cataracts, and also eases the signs of the normal cold.
6. Cabbage
Getting energy through energy rich foods is not a one-way process of eating the best foods. On the other hand, removing toxic from the body have equal importance. The lesser the toxic in our bodies, the more energetic we would feel. One of the best anti-toxic foods that is a must in our diet plans is cabbage. There are two main types of detoxifying enzymes in our liver and cabbage helps in activating both of them. Cabbage is one of the best know natural foods to prevent diabetes. Cabbage is high on fiber, which helps in weight loss that is in turn a crucial factor in the fight against diabetes. Cabbages are a rich source of vitamin C, which reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
7. Papaya
If there is one food that signifies the importance of getting vitamins from food rather than medicines and pills, it is papaya. Papaya is not only rich in vitamins and minerals but its high water content and low-energy density means that a large portion contains very less calories which is a boom for those on a weight loss program or weigh loss diet schedule. The beta-carotene, vitamin C, folate and vitamin E are found in the papaya have been proven to be helpful in colon cancer by throwing out toxins from the colon.
8. Fish
Fat is not always a bad thing. In fact, the good sources of healthy fat are needed to nourish your cells, hair, brain, heart, nails and skin. Foods rich in omega-3 fats are particularly important as they fight against all forms of heart disease, improve our moods and also help prevent dementia. Fatty fish such as salmon and sardines are the best natural sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
9. Fiber rich foods
One of the most important menu in any type of menu is always the inclusion of fiber-rich items like whole-grain breads, brown rice, green vegetables and high-fiber cereals like muesli which generate a continual stream of energy as they are broken down easily by our bodies. Green leafy vegetables also help in detoxifying the liver because of their chlorophyll content and can be consumed in diverse forms. Fiber rich foods also help in relieving constipation by adding more fiber to the stool. Meanwhile recent research has also shown that getting around 25 gm of fibers a day can also help is burning up to 30% more fat as compared to those without any fiber rich foods in their diet.
10. Water
And lets not forget the most important nutrient without which our bodies would not be able to sustain energy at all. Water, yes water is as important as any of the foods as our bodies consist of 60 to 70% water. Our bodies sadly do not have any way to store water for emergency situations and its recommended that we stay well hydrated most times so that most of our bodily functions work at the optimum levels. One cannot overstate the importance of drinking enough water. It helps to regulate body temperature and digest food.