If you plan it right, what you eat can help keep you healthy and energized all day long. The key is to maintain balanced blood sugar levels and to eat meals made up of low glycemic index carbohydrates combined with protein and small amounts of healthy fats. A well-balanced meal can keep you fueled for as long as four hours, so another pro tip is to eat every four hours or so, to keep a steady flow of energy. The worst foods to eat for sustained energy are high-sugar foods because they cause your blood sugar to quickly rise, triggering the release of too much insulin, which triggers a plunge in blood sugar levels, AKA a sugar crash.
Steady energy feels great. To optimize your daily energy level, try adding some of these foods into your meal plan.
- Oatmeal. The complex carbs in oatmeal mean it’s a slow-burning source of energy. Oats also boost serotonin production which can help us manage stress and enhance learning and memory function. Caveat: sugar-packed packets of flavored instant oats are worth avoiding. Make your own instead and load them up with berries, bananas and a drizzle of maple or honey for a healthy treat of a breakfast.
- Bananas. One of the best foods for energy, whether frozen and blended into a smoothie, sliced onto oatmeal or eaten on the go. They’re full of complex carbohydrates, vitamin B6, potassium and even a little protein.
- Yogurt. The carbs in yogurt are mainly in the form of simple sugars, such as lactose and galactose. When broken down, these sugars can provide ready-to-use energy. Greek yogurt is an especially good choice. Top with fresh berries and a drizzle of local honey or maple syrup.
