Ways to boost your energy levels so you can exercise
Lose 10 pounds fast | July 22, 2008
Hello-
It’s hard to want to exercise after a long day of work when all you want to do is sit back and watch your favorite TV show. You hardly have any energy left.
Here’s some suggestions to help you boost your energy levels so you can stay motivated to exercise:
* Herbs - There are several herbs that people use to increase their energy levels. Some of these are ginseng, gotu kola, guarana, ginkgo biloba, and yerba mate. Some herbs, however, do contain forms of caffeine, so if you’re looking to avoid that, be sure to do your research.
* Nuts - Nuts are high in protein, vitamins and minerals and low in cholesterol, making them a good snack for an energy boost. They also take longer to digest than foods that are high in carbohydrates, so they provide energy for longer periods of time.
Which Nuts Are Best?
All types of nut will give you energy. But some varieties do have added benefits. Here are some of the best types of nuts:
* Almonds - Considered a superfood by some, almonds have lots of nutritional value. A serving contains as much protein as many meats. Almonds also provide potassium and iron, which are essential in maintaining energy levels.
* Walnuts - One serving of walnuts provides as much as 90% of the recommended daily value of Omega 3 fatty acids. They are also high in L-arginine, an amino acid that can be converted into glucose and glycogen.
* Pecans - Pecans contain lots of protein and unsaturated fats. They are also a source of at least nineteen vitamins and minerals.
* Cashews - Cashews are lower in fat than most other nuts, but they are packed with amino acids and minerals. They are a good source of copper, which is essential to energy production.
* Bananas - Eating a banana provides a very healthy energy boost. They contain vitamin C, iron, and antioxidants, all of which contribute to our energy levels as well as our overall health. Eating a banana about an hour before physical activity will provide a nice increase in energy.
* Carbohydrates - There are two types of carbohydrates: simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates, also known as simple sugars, are the ones that provide a quick burst of energy but tend to make you crash just as quickly. Complex carbohydrates are found in foods such as pasta, rice, bread, oatmeal, and certain fruits and vegetables. These give us more stable energy.
Ideally, we should obtain our energy through our diets. But in today’s busy society, good nutrition through meals tends to get overlooked. There are energy bars on the market that include beneficial vitamins, minerals and herbs that can pick us up when we’re dragging. There is no harm in using them as needed, but it is best to try to get as much as possible of the things we need from balanced meals.
Living a healthy lifestyle is the best way to keep our energy levels up. But sometimes we need a quick pick-me-up. When we do, there are things that can satisfy without causing us harm. So instead of reaching for your favorite caffeine-filled drink, why not try something a little healthier?
-Adam
