A blog about my journey as an athlete and a woman. Come step into her shoes...

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Foods That Give You Natural Energy!

Here are a just a few of the energizing foods that will do your body good. As long as you don't eat them in excess, these foods will make you feel lighter and more inspired to move around.

  • Blueberries
  • Beans
  • Cantaloupe
  • Strawberries
  • Mango
  • Spinach
  • Salmon
  • Nuts
  • Tea
  • Tomatoes
  • Soy
  • Low fat dairy products
  • Oatmeal
  • Whole grains
  • Citrus fruit
  • Peppers
  • Sweet potatoes

( from Quality Health)

10 Foods That Give You Energy

Daily

1. Whole grains. They're high in fiber (which can help slow the breakdown and absorption of sugar) and complex carbohydrates. They also contain antioxidants similar to those in fruits and vegetables. Additionally, they reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Adults should eat 6 to 11 servings of whole grains per day. Examples include whole grain breads, pastas, and rice.

Breakfast

2. Oatmeal. According to the American Dietetic Association, oat products are some of the best sources of soluble fiber. You can combine oatmeal with raisins, honey, and yogurt for extra flavor and energy.
3. Bananas. This fruit is packed with potassium, which helps your muscles contract. One per day prevents stiffness that comes from sitting at a desk.
4. Orange Juice This drink is ideal for the morning and is extremely high in vitamin C, which helps you get the most iron out of other foods. (I think a real orange would be better)

Meals

5. Pasta.
When athletes "carbo-load" before a game, they usually eat a big plate of spaghetti. It's extremely high in complex carbohydrates and low in calories, fat, and sodium.
6. Salmon. This fish is high in protein, and its high concentration of omega-3 fats and B vitamins can boost your cardiovascular health.
7. Beans. A small, powerful vegetable packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, beans can be used in creative ways. Add them to soups, burritos, pastas, and dip spreads. In 2005 the Department of Agriculture recommended that Americans eat three cups of beans per week.

Snack

8. Dried fruit. These high-energy, low-fat snacks are easy to pack and almost never go bad. Try a medley of apricots, figs, and raisins. However, be aware that some commercially packaged dried fruits contain sulfur dioxide, which has been shown to increase your risk of asthma.
9. Almonds. Ounce-for-ounce, this is the most nutrient-dense nut. Research has shown that adding two ounces of almonds to your daily diet increases your intake of vitamin-E and magnesium.
10. Yogurt. Quick, easy, and delicious, yogurt is available in a variety flavors. One cup of low-fat yogurt contains almost 13 grams of protein and 17 grams of carbohydrates-just what you need for great energy.

( from Quality Health)

WOW, I eat all of these so I guess I am on the right track, I just need a good night sleep and a rest day!

Lunch was great, I was in a hurry today so I had an Amy’s Organic Bean and Cheese Burrito with some fruit and veggies(and PB of course).

8

Well I have a short break so I am off to check out your blogs today!!!

See you tonight!

15 comments:

My Sensei said...

Great food list! My boyfriend has been emailing me the pasts couple weeks at work saying how tired he is during the day. I have been telling him to eat energy food, and does he listen? NO! I am emailing him the link to your post immediately :-) Thanks!

Sheri@phablifestyle.com said...

I too eat all of these! Most of the time I do feel great but right now I am battling off a bit of a cold! So I have been upping my intake of some of these foods! Thanks for the list.

Pearl said...

great food list, bobbi! fruits always make me feel more energetic!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for posting that list! I also eat everything on it, so it looks like we're both doing a good job! ;)

LOVING the nut butter at lunch! YUM!

Anne said...

I eat just about all of these, except orange juice--but I eat oranges, does that count? Haha. Thanks for the list, I liked reading it. Have a great day!

Meredith said...

Oh yay! I eat most of the foods listed (blueberries, oranges, almonds, spinach, etc.).

QUESTION: I think my body is low on potassium. What do you eat after a race to restore your potassium levels? I've had pains running and it may be due to that.

Alison Can Read said...

Cool list. I like all of those except for canteloupe.

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog and lovee it, you have such a great mentality for nutrition and fitness! :)

Amy's burritos are the best, especially when smothered in salsa!!

Oh, and I saw you mentioning a SD blogger meetup on someone else's post, I'm from SD too!!! I'd love to get more info on this......

Matt said...

I eat those foods every day :)

Brandi said...

looks like you had a great day! and i love that I eat a lot of the stuff on that list, too

Melissa @ For the Love of Health said...

Bobbi- awesome post! I love facts like these! Thanks!

Wendy said...

Great list!

Much Ado said...

This is a great list, thanks for sharing it!

Andrea (Off Her Cork) said...

Awesome list! And I can say from experience that bananas give you energy! Back in my dancing days, whenever we had long days or the day of a competition, we ate bananas. While most others were cramming candy bars for the quick sugar, we had a better option! :)

alex said...

I eat those foods every day