5 Foods That Help Keep You Energized
We know that
UnFranchise® owners are very busy people who work from
dawn to dusk – and then some! Since running out of energy just isn’t an
option for you, feeding your body well is essential. So rather than
reaching for yet
another cup o’ joe, here is our list of 5 energy-rich foods you should incorporate into your diet.
Eggs
Did you know that eggs contain the highest complete form of
protein than any other food? And don’t think that protein is only good
for maintaining muscle mass; protein is essential for keeping your
energy levels up, keeping you fuller longer, and it doesn’t cause a
spike your blood sugar. Whether you eat eggs scrambled or sunny side up,
choosing eggs for breakfast is a great way to start your day off right!
Brown rice
Why is brown rice so much healthier for you than white rice? It
all goes back to the way the grains are manufactured. White rice starts
out brown, but it’s milled to remove the outer layer of the grain where
the fiber and nutrients reside. Less fiber means your body converts the
carbohydrates into glucose (“energy”) faster than your body needs,
causing a spike in excess blood sugar. And when your blood sugar spikes,
you can bank on an energy crash an hour or two later. Brown rice on the
other hand retains all of the nutrients found in the outer layer of the
grain, which helps keep you full without spiking your blood sugar.
Water
Yes, we know that water is not technically a food, but if you
want to keep your energy levels up, you have to drink up. When you’re
dehydrated, your cells use energy less efficiently, which causes
fatigue. To ensure that you’re drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day,
keep a bottle on your desk, in your car, and anywhere else that will
make it easy to reach for. Juices, sodas, and coffee are
not substitutes for H
2O, but feel free to dress your water up with lemon slices or mint to make it more palatable.
Nuts
Did you know that cashews, almonds, and hazelnuts are rich in protein
and
magnesium, a mineral that helps convert sugar into energy? If you feel
like you’re running low on energy, try incorporating more magnesium-
rich foods into your diet. If getting enough magnesium proves to be
challenging for you, incorporating a
magnesium supplement into your diet might be the way to go.
Fresh fruits
Snacking on fresh fruit will help keep you energized, satiated,
and hydrated. Apples, strawberries, and pears are great choices because
of their high fiber, good carbs, healthy nutrients, and water content.
Go a step further and combine fresh fruit with a source of healthy fat
and protein for a well-rounded snack that will keep your energy levels
up while keeping hunger away for hours. For example: snack on apples
slices with a serving of natural peanut butter, or try pairing a pear
with a few squares of cheddar cheese.
These are our favorite foods for staying energized, but we want to
hear from you! Tell us in the comments below what you like to snack on
to keep you going all day long!
