I’m getting sleep, Like I said tryong to eat right , plenty of greens, pasta limited junk food( have to have some). I do work physically, not over weight. I’m just always tired
Eating Healthy is great, Congratulations!
I’m currently taking a nutrition course (towards a healthcare career) and "energy" translates into calories…not consuming too many empty ones is the key.
Here is a list of some foods you can eat that will help you not to peter out mid day….
REMEMBER! All things should be taken in moderation…
Also, check with a Dr., if you’re tired ALL THE TIME, it could be something else besides your diet…
(My fiance has a condition in which one of the syptoms is daily fatigue; we are both now eating foods with little or no processing, added sugars and preservatives, which has us both feeling so much better!)
You CAN eat even less junk food!
Go to your nearest Trader Joe’s (or a nearby natural/organic grocer) or Costco, to get these items…most or all, will be less expensive than chain grocery stores
Energy Food List
Almonds:
Grab a small handful of almonds (about 22 pieces) to maintain your energy.
Yogurt:
Eight ounces of yogurt provides a bunch of B vitamins, which help the body convert other nutrients into energy. This energy food also is a fabulous source of potassium, an important mineral for energy, and even supplies a dose of power protein. The active cultures in yogurt will bolster your energy as they tune-up your immune system. It is best to go with low-fat plain yogurt as the flavored ones usually have too much sugar. To make yogurt more interesting while simultaneously upping its nutritious value, add fresh berries, dried fruit or trail mix. The added fiber is digested slowly, and this will cause the energizing effect to last longer.
Bran Muffin:
A medium-sized bran muffin is a wonderful source of magnesium, a mineral your body uses to change carbohydrates into energy. And this energy food has plenty of complex carbohydrates to convert so the energy lasts a long, long time. Just be sure to stay away from those monstrous jumbo bran muffins found at your local grocery/convenience store, which also add plenty of fat.
Hard-Boiled Eggs:
Egg whites are an amazing source of protein, which will supply you with a steady stream of energy. The egg yolk adds an extra dose of B vitamins, which give this energy food the ability to put a little more “pep in your step”.
Peanut Butter:
Peanut butter is chockfull of both protein and magnesium. (Be sure to buy the low-sugar, all-natural variety, which is positively scrumptious!) But don’t go too crazy. A tablespoon of peanut butter will give you maximum benefits. Don’t become a peanut butter fiend Overdosing on peanut butter can mean weight gain. Spread it on celery sticks or bananas for extra nutritional power. For a really delicious energizing smoothie take a tablespoon of peanut butter, a banana, two tablespoons wheat germ, and two cups of Simply Smart brand milk. Throw all ingredients into a blender and enjoy! Not only is it delicious, but you will also get all the benefits of peanut butter, two servings of dairy, two servings of fruit (half a banana is one serving of fruit), and the nutritional benefits of wheat germ!
Trail Mix:
Trail mix is teeming with iron, complex carbs, proteins, and natural sugars, which are found in its dried fruit, nuts and seeds, making it a powerful energy snack. Find a low-fat, low-sodium variety of this energy food that you like or make one yourself with a low-sugar whole grain cereal (like Cheerios), and a handful of dried fruit, nuts and perhaps some pumpkin seeds.
Pumpkin Seeds:
A 2.5 oz packet of this delicious, crunchy snack will provide you with over 400 mg of magnesium. According to studies, this amount can decrease fatigue by up to 89%! The reason behind the miracle: magnesium helps convert food into energy. Pumpkin seeds are also full of iron which nourishes your cells with oxygen. For a yummy, nutritious snack, mix pumpkin seeds with raisins, nuts, or trail mix.
Watermelon:
Watermelon is a sensational, refreshing source of 4 great fatigue fighters: Vitamin C, lycopene, iron, and potassium. As its name suggests, watermelon is also a great source of water. While you should get at least 8 (8 oz.) glasses of water a day, water fruits like this energy food will hydrate you even more, giving your cells greater functionality and therefore your body will experience added energy!
Lean Roast Beef:
Zinc is a fatigue-fighting miracle nutrient! Studies show that zinc is critical for at least 80 body reactions that increase energy levels. Zinc even helps to get rid of fatigue-inducing carbon dioxide from muscle tissue. Zinc also keeps your mind alert and prevents feelings of sluggishness. Just 4 oz of lean roast beef packs 12 mg of zinc and is therefore one of its greatest sources. Try a whole-wheat pita with 4 oz of lean roast beef, tomato slices and a bit of mustard. Or get a 6 inch Subway brand roast beef grinder with any of their low-fat sauces and as many veggies as your heart desires! Subway is a very convenient way to get this fabulous energy food!
Peanut Buttered Apple:
Spread one tablespoon peanut butter on a sliced apple for a delightfully flavorful, highly nutritious, anytime snack. You already know that peanut butter is an excellent source of protein. But what you may not know is that it contains the amino acid tyrosine, which helps you stay attentive and helps you concentrate. The apple also helps the energizing effect by nourishing your body with its main source of fuel- carbohydrates.
High Protein Energy Bars:
Energy bar consumers must heed this warning: Some of the bars on the market do not increase your energy, but cause fatigue with their high sugar content! You should instead buy a bar that gets at least 40% of its calories from protein. These particular bars actually do boost your energy and contain almost the same amount of many vitamins and minerals as a multivitamin! The best brands? Ironman PR, Balance, and Zone Perfect (many celebrities are adherents of the Zone diet). These energy foods are portable and convenient!
Kashi Cereal with Fruit:
Eat your kashi cereal with ½ cup low-fat milk and sliced fruit, like a pear or banana, or berries. This concoction is great for breakfast or as a snack and is high in fiber. When you don’t get your daily dose of fiber, your body is slow and you feel groggy. Maintain your high energy level by eating this or other high-fiber cereals often.
Energy Smoothie: Combine one cup of skim milk, low-fat yogurt, berries, ice cubes, and a dash of cinnamon. A delicious blend of carbs, vitamins, and protein.
Cheerios with Fresh Fruit:
Cheerios is a magnificent source of niacin, adding fruit and milk transforms his breakfast or snack into a nutrition powerhouse!
Handful of Soy Nuts: Soy nuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your body, especially your circulatory system.
A Cup of Berries: Berries are bursting with nutrients and antioxidants.
Cocoa: Cocoa has been shown to contain chemical ingredients that help you stay alert by increasing activity in certain parts of the brain. Do chocolate in moderation. Two Hershey’s Kisses is enough!