Foods to Eat for Energy

At some point in life, everyone will experience that mid afternoon slump. While some people are lucky enough to take a nap to re-energize, others must try to find other ways to get more energy. If you are in the latter group, food can be the answer, as long as you eat the right types of food and eat them in moderation.

Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates, including whole grains, provide a healthy energy burst. When you eat carbs, your body turns those carbs into glucose, which gives you energy.

Protein

• Proteins, such as peanut butter or salmon, should be eaten with carbohydrates to boost energy. The protein slows down the body's absorption rate of glucose.

Fruit

• Certain fruits, including blueberries and strawberries, have energizing effects. These foods provide your body with vitamins and minerals to function properly without becoming sluggish.

Timing

• Just as important as the type of food you eat for energy is the time you eat it. In order to have get the most energy, you must eat small amounts of the energizing foods throughout the day in five to six mini-meals.

Foods to Avoid

• High calorie, high fat, sugar-laden foods should be avoided, as should foods with high amounts of caffeine. A chocolate bar, for example, will give a boost of energy but, you will soon become sluggish when the caffeine and sugar from it wear off.