What To Eat For Energy and Weight Loss

We’re all aware that food is fuel and it directly affects our energy levels. There are eating strategies that will help you ward off fatigue while avoiding foods that are concentrated sources of sugar, which don’t provide long-term energy.

Your body uses food for energy by turning it into blood sugar, also known as glucose. Carbohydrates are the best macronutrient of choice for eating for energy because they are the most easily converted into glucose.

However, some simple carbohydrates, like sugar, break down so fast that they only provide a short-term burst of energy, leaving your blood sugars low, and you back to feeling fatigued and unmotivated.

Here are 10 foods that are great to eat for energy and weight loss and will replace the spike and dip act of sugar.

10 Key Foods To Eat For Energy and Weight Loss

1. Sauerkraut

Raw sauerkraut is high in probiotics, which help speed the digestion process. Since the body has to put less effort into digest your food, you are left with added energy. Kimchi is one way to get this superfood into your diet if you are a fan of Korean cuisine. If not you can top your streetcar hot dog with sauerkraut for the same energy boost.

2. Asparagus

High in B vitamins, asparagus naturally supports healthy energy levels by turning carbs into glucose and since it’s also high in fiber is helps to maintain the sugar levels and prevent drop offs. Adding asparagus to your salad at lunch is a great way to get an added energy boost to get through the afternoon.

3. Almonds

Research has shown that being low in magnesium and vitamin B can lead to fatigue, irritability, and poor concentration. Almonds are high in both magnesium and vitamin B, which are great for converting food to energy.

4. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a calorie-dense food, which tends to turn dieters away from it. However, since peanut butter is packed with healthy fats, proteins, and fiber it is great to help keep you feeling full. It is also effective at keeping your blood sugar levels stable. Stick with all-natural peanut butter that contains nothing but nuts.

5. Lemon

When added to water, lemon turns your drink into a natural energy drink that is full of electrolytes that encourage cells to produce energy. Drinking water also contributes to your energy. Studies have shown that women who are mildly dehydrated report feeling fatigued.

6. Kale

Great sautéed as a side dish, put into soups and pasta, or even used as a base to a salad, kale is an excellent choice for keeping your blood sugars stable.

Kale contains antioxidants and fiber as well as the amino acid L-tyrosine that all contribute to giving you a mental boost as well as filling you up and keeping your blood sugars stable.

7. Hummus

Comprised of garbanzo beans, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice, hummus makes a great mid-afternoon snack, especially when used as a dip for vegetables such as red pepper strips or carrot sticks. All of the ingredients in hummus contribute nutrients to stabilize blood sugar levels and boost energy to get you through the mid-afternoon slump.

8. Oatmeal

Since oatmeal is so fiber-rich, it makes for a great breakfast capable of giving you the energy you need to get through the day. Fiber takes longer to digest which helps to stabilize your blood sugar levels and leaves you feeling energized and focused.

9. Bananas

Making a great pre or post-workout snack, bananas are packed with nutrients that promote sustained energy and muscle function. This is because they are filled with fiber, B vitamins, and potassium.

10. Salmon

The high amount of protein in salmon is great for helping to keep you full. This makes it a great choice for a dinner option to give you energy for the evening without feeling the need to snack.

As an added bonus, a square of dark chocolate is a great after-meal snack. Dark chocolate contains decent amounts of the natural stimulant theobromine, which boosts both your energy and your mood.

6 Daily Habits To Boost Your Energy Levels

Increasing your energy levels doesn’t have to come along with the sugar crash that many people are accustomed to suffering from. By indulging in the options above, you’ll be able to get through your to-do list without consuming extra calories from sugar.

Remember that a balanced diet and plenty of exercise is better for you than a diet that tries to eliminate fats or carbs or calories and promises a quick solution. Lifestyle choices, poor diet and a lack of physical activity all influence your energy levels. This free report, 6 Daily Habits To Boost Your Energy Levels reveals simple to follow routines that will keep you going day-in and day-out.