Hitting that afternoon slump can be a real drag. Literally! No one likes that sluggish, heavy feeling we get when our energy levels dip, usually around 3:00 pm in the afternoon.
This energy dip can happen for a number of reasons, including:
- lack of sleep
- medication side effects
- stress
- poor diet
Foods that Give Your Body Energy
A healthy diet full of whole foods, and low in sugar, high-fat and processed foods will allow you to maintain your energy levels throughout the day, every day!
- Leafy Greens: Dark, leafy greens contain folate and iron. A major factor in anemia (low levels of folate or iron) is a common reason for low energy levels.
- Whole Grains: Complex carbohydrates give us sustained energy. As fiber slows the digestion of the carbohydrates, it allows our bodies to use the energy over time rather than forcing the liver to store it as fat. Some whole grains, like quinoa, also contain protein.
- Legumes: Beans, like whole grains, are carbohydrates that are high in fiber, giving us long-lasting energy and stabilizing our blood glucose levels.
- Bananas: Bananas and other foods high in potassium help to optimize the efficiency of energy use in muscle.
- Nuts: Packed with protein, nuts also contain magnesium, which works in conjunction with potassium to boost energy. Discover 4 nuts that support the health of your liver.
- Lean Meat: Almost any lean meat gives us tyrosine, an amino acid that increases alertness and energy levels.
- Fruit: High in natural sugar, fruit gives us a quick boost while also containing fiber to slow the digestion enough that our bodies can process the carbohydrates efficiently.
- Yogurt: The probiotics found in yogurt, especially in Greek yogurt, aid in digestion. We get our energy from the food we eat, so optimizing the metabolism of that food will increase our energy levels.
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