Diets for Energy

April 10, 2009 by Tisha Tolar  
Filed under Nutrition

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It is not unusual for people to feel tired often, especially if you consider the average lifestyle.  People are generally packing every waking minute of the day with scheduled activities and tasks, and we’re a society of people who are rushing from one thing to the next.  If you’re feeling fatigued and having trouble keeping your eyes open – you may want to take a closer look at the causes of your fatigue.  There are a number of reasons why someone might feel fatigue – from physiological problems such as thyroid hormone levels to emotional issues (too much stress) to the amount of quality sleep you’re getting each night.  If you don’t think any of these common causes are the issue, or you’ve already tried to make adjustments to your lifestyle to reduce fatigue without results – you should look at your diet.

There are a variety of foods that people tend to reach for when their energy levels drop, and unfortunately – these foods actually end up stripping you of the energy you do have!

Caffeine – it’s true that coffee and anything with caffeine can give you a temporary burst of energy, but it also has a very uncomfortable rebounding effect.  As the caffeine gets “used up” in your body, you’ll be left feeling even more tired and sluggish than you did before you drank that double-shot expresso.   Eliminating or reducing caffeine can help you find and draw from your natural energy sources easier.

Simple Sugars – some of our favorite snacks, like cookies, candy bars, soda, bakery items and fruit drinks are just filled with simple sugars.  Simple sugars give quick energy bursts by raising your insulin level and then just as quick as they boosted you up, they leave you wanting a nap.  Some people will equate this decline in insulin as falling “into a food coma”.

Carbohydrates – over the years, carbohydrates have earned quite the negative reputation!  They alter the level of serotonin in your brain, which is the feel good center – and as a result, eating carbs brings on relaxation and feelings of calmness.  Carbs are not a bad idea as a before bed snack, but when you eat them for lunch you’ll be fighting off the urge to take a nap by mid afternoon.

There are also foods that can help keep your energy levels higher, and fight off the fatigue.  If you’ve had your thyroid checked, try incorporating an energy diet into your lifestyle, as well as getting an adequate amount of quality sleep at night and reducing your stress for improved energy.

Protein – protein is broken into amino-acid building blocks when your body digests it.  One of those amino acids (called tyrosine) increases the production of chemicals that get released naturally when you are under mental or physical stress, and are known for their ability to increase the level of alertness and establish feelings of increased energy.  As long as you don’t combine your proteins with carbohydrates, you’ll get the maximum energy boosting benefits these power foods offer.  Some suggestions for proteins:

•    broiled fish and vegetables
•    sliced turkey or chicken breast with celery or lettuce wraps
•    tuna salad
•    hard boiled eggs

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