How To Get More Energy

Many people are eager to learn how to get more energy and stop being so tired. Lack of energy is caused by many different factors, but most experts will agree that poor nutrition is the leading cause.

Below you will find a list of foods that are natural energy boosters. I have also included my recipe for a homemade all natural energy drink that really works fast.

To increase energy we need to fuel our bodies with nutritious foods that will give us optimum performance. This means eliminating chemical laden processed foods that bog down our systems and replacing them with whole natural foods.

Carbohydrates are especially vital for boosting energy levels – they are the preferred source of energy for our bodies. It is important to avoid carbs that contain sugar which cause our blood sugar levels to go up and down and can lead to fatigue and mood swings.

The carbs that are best to increase energy are whole grains with lots of fiber. Our bodies absorb whole grains more slowly which keeps our blood sugar and energy levels stabilized.

It is recommended that you eat small meals during the day consisting of energy boosting foods rather than eating three large meals. This will keep your body fueled with a steady source of energy all day so you won’t fall into a slump.

Another important factor is water. Make sure that you are drinking enough water. If you are dehydrated – even just a little bit – it can cause fatigue and slow down your metabolism.

A good rule of thumb is to drink a full glass of water when you wake up in the morning and then drink a glass each hour that you are awake. The water you drink should be pure water that is filtered – not just tap water.

Below are some of the best natural energy boosters:

Whole Grains – including oatmeal (not instant), barley, brown or wild rice, buckwheat, bulgur, millet and popcorn. Make sure that the label says “whole grain” .

Quinoa is also a fantastic energy booster. It is often thought of as a grain, but it is actually a seed.

The Incas used it to increase the stamina of their warriors. It is high in protein and contains all nine essential amino acids along with numerous minerals. Quinoa is a slow releasing carb which will keep you feeling full and keep your blood sugar level steady. It is eaten just like rice and you can replace the rice in any recipe with quinoa.

Chia seeds are another seed that should be incorporated into your daily diet. They not only give you lots of energy, but they fill you up and keep you feeling full. The Aztecs used these seeds as a high energy endurance food when they went on marches. They often lived on just a teaspoon a day. You can add a tablespoon of chia seeds to just about any recipe. Read our article on chia seeds weight loss to find out more.

Raw nuts such as almonds, walnuts, cashews and hazelnuts are rich in protein and other minerals that can boost energy. Make sure you are eating raw nuts without salt.

Beans and lentils are fiber rich foods that contain lots of B complex vitamins and other minerals. They provide protein and carbs which are low in fat and calories. They are a great energy booster.

Fresh fruits such as apples, bananas, grapes, peaches, kiwis and pineapples are a delicious snack that provide lots of energy to our bodies. Add a little protein such as peanut butter and you have a terrific high energy snack. Apple and peanut butter or banana and peanut butter are a quick snack that just about everyone loves.

Caffeine is the best known energy booster. When talking about how to get more energy, you just can’t ignore caffeine. Coffee, tea and dark chocolate are among the most popular. They will boost your energy and improve mental focus. It is best to limit the amount of caffeine that you consume at one time. Small doses throughout the day are better for your system.

Incorporating more whole and natural foods into your diet and eliminating the energy zapping processed foods are the easiest ways to have more energy. You will look and feel much better. Take a look at our FREE Healthy Diet To Lose Weight for more information on what foods to eat to insure that your body is performing at optimum levels.

As promised, here is my recipe for an all natural energy drink that will provide you with lots of nutrients to energize and renew your strength.

You will need a blender to make this drink. It is called a Green Smoothie. If you are not familiar with them, they are a fruit and vegetable smoothie. They are delicious and extremely nutritious. Green smoothies are a meal replacement that are filled with all natural energy boosters.

2 Cups Fresh Spinach
¾ Cup Water
1 Large Banana
1 Cup Frozen Fruit (cherries, strawberries, blueberries, mango, pineapple)
1 tablespoon chia seeds

Add the spinach and water in the blender. Blend until you have a green liquid. Add the banana (break into chucks), fruit and chia seeds. Blend until smooth. Slowly eat with a spoon.

Read our Healthy Green Smoothie Recipes article for lots of additional green smoothies recipes.

When talking about how to get more energy, we must also address exercise. There is no doubt that exercise boosts energy and enhances your mood.

It is essential that you incorporate some type of exercise every day. Aim for at least thirty minutes a day. You can even break it up into three 10 minutes sessions or two 15 minute sessions.

I have found that a walk outside in nature is one of the best energy boosters. Breathing fresh air and absorbing the sunshine will naturally increase your energy.

Now that you know how to get more energy, start incorporating these ideas today.

Don’t miss our Weight Loss Affirmations article.