Energy To Burn - Pt. 2

Yesterday, we talked about energy drinks and how unhealthy they are. We saw evidence that helped us come to the conclusion that while these drinks provide minimal nutritional value, they've also been linked to high blood pressure, anxiety, irritable bowels and insomnia. We also saw how using these drinks in combination with alcohol increases the danger that they present to the body by increasing the risk of cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular failure.

Today, I am going to provide you with healthy energy boosting alternatives to these energy drinks. Having energy throughout the day is the primary goal of everyone, whether they work outside or behind a desk, sit in class all day or lounge at home. Whether struggling with energy ups and downs or worse, feeling tired all the time, a lack of energy is a real drain on your work and social life. There are many factors that affect your energy levels, but one of the most important is what type of food you put in to your body. For the most part, your diet should consist of minimally processed foods, fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins.

Foods For Seismic Energy

• Oatmeal or Brown Rice - In the morning or for lunch, these two foods are loaded with fiber to slow down carbohydrate absorption. "A fiber-packed whole grain cereal, oatmeal is your best breakfast choice for long-lasting energy," says William Evans, PhD, director of the nutrition, metabolism, and exercise laboratory at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences/Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
• Chicken, Beef or Fish - Adding protein to every meal is essential to keeping your energy levels up. Protein contains essential amino acids that help the body produce energy and enhances mental function.
• Melons - An exceptional energy food because of the combination of vitamin B6, dietary fiber, folate, and niacin (vitamin B3). The B vitamins (necessary for the body to process sugars and carbs) combined with fiber (which helps the sugars be distributed gradually) support energy production by keeping blood sugar levels stable.
• Almonds - These tasty nuts are rich in manganese and copper, both of which are essential cofactors of an enzyme called superoxide dismutase. This enzyme helps keep energy flowing by inhibiting free radicals inside cells' mitochondria (the energy-producing area of cells). Plus, they also contain riboflavin, another important component of energy production.
• Water - Of course it's not a food, but we have talked at length about it's importance to the body. It is the vehicle by which all bodily processes are carried out and energy production is no different.

There are also supplements that you can take to give you sustainable energy throughout the day.

Supplements For Energy

• B-complex vitamins - B vitamins are converted inside the body to substances called coenzymes, these coenzymes activate enzymes crucial to the production of energy from the breakdown of the carbohydrates, fats, and proteins we eat.
• L-carnitine - It increases the use of fat as an energy source by transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are ‘burned’ to release energy for body functions.
• Multi-Vitamin
• Ginseng - Ginseng is known as an adaptogen, which means it increases resistance to physical, chemical, and biological stress and builds energy and general vitality.
• Green Tea - Powerful antioxidant that boost metabolism and increases energy.
• CoQ10 - Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a compound found naturally in the energy-producing center of the cell known as the mitochondria. CoQ10 boosts energy, enhances the immune system, and acts as an antioxidant.

So, there you have it. When you feel that 10am nod coming on or that after lunch slump approaching, don't reach for that soda or that energy drink. Take a look at the list that I have provided above and do yourself and your body a big favor. Thanks for your ear and keep reading.