Proper Nutrition for Better Energy
How are your energy levels? If you are consistently feeling tired, or if you tend to get an energy rush after you eat followed by a debilitating crash, you need to have a close look at what you eat.
As a basic principle, choose complex carbohydrates rather than simple carbohydrates. Simple sugars tend to be found in processed or refined foods, and are broken down easily in the body. This means that they enter the blood quickly causing a blood sugar spike. You can feel this as a rush of energy, perhaps accompanied by a feeling of nervousness or irritability. Once this energy rush passes, your blood sugar plummets, and so does your energy level, leaving you feeling tired and empty. In addition, simple carbohydrates are more likely to be laid down as fat in the body. Complex carbohydrates provide a more sustained release of energy over a prolonged period of time as they take longer for the body to break down. Try to choose carbs with whole grains such as whole grain rice, and whole wheat pasta, and look for excellent natural sources of natural complex carbs such as yams and sweet potatoes, rather than French fries which tend to be fattier and are broken down more easily.
The foundation stone of any nutritional program is a good breakfast. Breakfast will also set the tone for your energy requirements for the day. A good breakfast will give you a good source of energy that will help you get going right from the start, and will sustain your energy levels through the morning. Excellent sources of complex carbs for breakfast include oatmeal (porridge) and whole grain cereals such as All Bran. Steer clear of sugary and highly processed cereals. For an immediate energy boost to get you going, try a grapefruit which is full of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants, or a small glass of fresh fruit juice.
If you still find that your energy levels are suffering, consider a B-complex vitamin supplement. B vitamins function as coenzymes, or substances that combine with a component of protein known as apoenzyme, to produce active enzyme. This enzyme forms a critical component in the chemical process that converts food sources into energy. If you are deficient in vitamin B, you energy levels are likely to suffer.
Finally, make sure that you stay properly hydrated. Water is crucial to every bodily function, and a lack of it can lead to depleted energy levels. Good hydration can also help to stimulate your metabolism. Try to drink a minimum of 2 liters of water every day.
Your energy level is crucial to how well you function every day. Follow these tips to keep your energy levels ticking over at a steady rate.
