Boost Your Energy With These Super Foods

Boost Your Energy With These Super Foods

The work from home culture has indeed created havoc in everybody’s daily life. Slouching on the bed or couch all day and staring at the screen has made fitness and health take a backseat. Many people often feel tired or rundown at some point during the day which drastically affects their daily activities and makes them less productive.

The coronavirus is here to stay and there seems no respite from the deadly outcomes of the pandemic. This has triggered the idler in each of us. Not surprisingly, the type and quantity of food people eat plays an essential role in determining their energy levels and their mood throughout the day. Food loaded with carbs leads to a dramatic spike in blood sugar levels and can leave you starving and sluggish. Even though all foods give energy, some foods contain nutrients that increase energy levels and maintain alertness and focus throughout the day.

With lockdown being the new normal, My City Links talked to fitness enthusiasts and people confined to their homes to find out about foods that not only boost the immune system but also play a major role in keeping our energy levels high throughout the day.

Oatmeal

A bowl of whole-grain oatmeal provides the body with energy since it is rich in fibre and has a low-glycemic index which keeps you fuller for longer than other breakfast choices and stops you from binge eating.

DJ Azex, a fitness enthusiast, swears by a bowl of oats every morning. “Besides being high in fibre, they are a great source of essential minerals and vitamins, all of which help energize the body and help in keeping you active all day long,” he shared.

Yogurt

Loaded with proteins, calcium and good fat, yogurt keeps the gut healthy and running. It helps improve digestion and keep the body cool while providing energy as well.

“Yogurt is my go-to snack while I’m working. It is easily available and very easy to eat on the go, which makes it a great alternative to fast foods. Since the body is lethargic because of no physical activity, it is a great snack to aid digestion and treat the taste buds,” shared Prerna Mohanty.

Eggs

Eggs are nutritional and provide the body with plenty of protein and nutrients for sustainable energy. It is also enriched with vitamins and minerals to help keep the body energized and feeling full for longer than other snacks. Hard-boiled eggs provide ample amounts of energy to keep the body up and moving without feeling lethargic.

Bananas

For those with a sweet tooth, bananas are a great alternative. Filled with natural sugars, including glucose, fructose and sucrose, bananas provide the body with energy as soon as you eat them. Generally known as the ‘happy food’, it is also rich in potassium and fiber.

Subhadeep Roy Choudhury, a fitness expert revealed, “Bananas or mostly any fruit may be the best quick snack for sustained energy. Bananas contain helpful nutrients that make the body feel full of energy and help in maintaining an alert mind. A balanced diet and a mini-workout alongwith it can do wonders.”

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds ensure the consistent release of energy. Including peanuts, almonds, flax seeds and pumpkin seeds in your daily diet prevents your energy levels from dwindling. They are also rich sources of vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus which helps in reducing fatigue.

Sameera Swain, an IT professional, confined to her work and room has faith in nuts as her favourite munchie. “I munch on a mixture of nuts when I have that undying urge to munch on something while sitting at my desk. But nuts are high in calories, as well, so people should be mindful of how many they consume in a day. It is a tasty and filling snack that boosts the body with energy,” she informed.

Quinoa

Quinoa is high in proteins, carbs and dietary fibres and is rightfully called a superfood. It has a low glycemic index ensuring that the carbs in it are absorbed slowly and provide us with sustained energy throughout the day. 

Oranges

Oranges are enjoyed by people for its tangy taste. But it is also rich with the antioxidant vitamin C, which is an immunity booster. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in the body and prevents exhaustion. It boosts the mood and brings down the feeling of confusion, anger, or depression.

Aishwarya Chattar, a student preparing for civil services, finds comfort in devouring oranges while she ravages through a maze of books on her bed. “Studying for long hours elevates stress levels. Whenever I take a break, I choose to munch on an orange or any other tangy fruit to satisfy my hunger as well as boost my energy,” she said.

Sprouts

Sprouts are rich in complex carbs and proteins which keep the spirits high and make you feel fuller for longer and they increase iron absorption. A well-soaked bowl of sprouts topped with onions, tomatoes, green chillies and lemon can be served as a great snack at any time of the day.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is an easy and delicious way to increase energy. Rich, dark chocolate usually has much less sugar than milk chocolate. It benefits the cardiovascular system by increasing the pumping of blood around the body.

Namrata Parija, a fashion blogger, swears by the benefits of dark chocolate. “Being a blogger, being idle, is not a perk that I can enjoy. Working out is a must, but a cheat here and there boosts positivity. Dark chocolate is not a cheat meal but rather my go-to diet snack. More cocoa content means more of the benefits of cocoa, including helpful antioxidants such as flavonoids. Dark chocolate not only provides energy but also carries fresh oxygen, which may also make you feel more awake and alert. It does magic to your skin as well,” she shared.

Water

Water is the most crucial energizing ingredient of a daily balanced diet. It is vital for every cell in the body to work precisely. The body needs to be amply hydrated at all times to encourage the breakdown of food and release of energy. A glass full of water after waking up, activates the cell and the organ systems in the body. To ensure continuous boosting of energy, water is essential to stay properly hydrated and active.

Foods To Avoid

Most foods do provide energy but the ones mentioned above focus on sustained energy. Sustained energy is needed to keep the body active and energized, hence avoid hampering good health of the body. Foods to try to steer clear of may include:

• fast foods or fried foods like chowmein, burgers and fritters
• added sugars like ketchup and soft drinks
• packaged snacks and candy bars
• baked sweets such as cakes and cupcakes

With the coronavirus becoming a part of our life, the idea behind finding energy boosting foods is to consume a varied and balanced diet. Vitamins, fiber, fats, and proteins are all essential for energy, but it is crucial to find a balance between them. Choosing a diet to keep the mind and body healthy is essential to keep the daily blues away. But more essentially, a mini workout along with a healthy diet can do wonders to the body.