Foods for Energy at Work

by Spectrum Health

When we eat, the food we consume is broken down by the acids & enzymes in our bodies. The carbohydrates in our food then turns into glucose, which enters our bloodstream and can be used for energy or stored as fat. This is accomplished with the help of insulin, which our bodies essentially track in real time. So when we eat, our bodies can react almost instantly, and we can get more energy.

You probably have an idea of how food gets turned into energy, but that hopefully makes things a little more specific. We all know that different foods give us different nutrients, and that some are better for energy than others. Below we’ve listed ten foods that will give you enough energy to keep you going all day.

Brown Rice

Brown rice is rich in protein and carbohydrates, and has long been hailed as one of the best things you can eat. This is a versatile, satisfying dish that can be eaten any time in the afternoon or evening, and will give you a big energy boost, as well as help you move towards a balanced diet.

Spinach

There’s a reason this little green lead became so famously associated with Popeye’s strength, and it’s because of its high iron content. In addition to iron, it is also filled with magnesium, potassium, protein, fibre, and a wide range of vitamins, making this one of the best choices for long-lasting energy.

Apples

The natural sugar in apples helps keep your blood sugar levels normal, while also giving you lots of Vitamin A & C. Apples are also relatively high in carbs & fibre, and are a great way to wake yourself up in the morning.

Beans

Beans are full of potassium, magnesium, Iron, calcium, and a range of vitamins. Combine those with its high-fibre content, which will allow the energy to be released slowly throughout the day, and you have one of the most reliable energy boosting foods.

Bananas

Filled with glucose, fructose, and sucrose, bananas are one of the healthiest sources of sugar around. They are also high in fibre and potassium, and although potassium does not give us energy directly, it does help our bodies produce it.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal has always persisted as a popular breakfast item, despite its simultaneous unpopularity with the general public. The texture may put you off, or you might think it’s bland, but oatmeal has lasted all these years for a reason. With lots of fibre, iron, calcium, and a variety of vitamins, oatmeal is a fantastic source of energy and the perfect way to start the day off on the right foot.

Eggs

Eggs are a great source of a number of vitamins, such as A, B, B-6, & D. But it is their protein that mas made them such a popular food choice for health fanatics and people who need a boost of energy. The good thing about eggs is that they can be eaten, in one form or another, with any meal.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt has become a popular way to top off cereal in recent years, although it can also be eaten as a snack or with fruit. High in carbs and protein, Greek yogurt is the perfect way to compliment a number of the above items and give yourself an extra boost.

Avocado

Avocados are one of the most popular fruits at the moment, and not without good reason. They are very high in fibre, and although they don’t offer as much of a vitamin range as other items on this list, it is high in Vitamin B-6 & C. But it is the fibre content and so-called “good fats” in an avocado that help you get a quick, but lasting, boost of energy.

Popcorn

Definitely not what people think of when we talk about healthy, slow-release energy, but popcorn is technically a wholegrain, and it’s full of fibre. It’s also very filling, making this the perfect choice for people who are fussier. Unfortunately, this doesn’t include popcorn that is loaded with salt, butter, caramel, or anything else they sell in the cinema.

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