Monday 29 July 2013

Choosing the right foods can have a big impact on your overall health but all too often looking after ourselves comes as a last priority in the daily whirlwind. Swapping unhealthy quick fixes like chocolate bars, fizzy drinks and caffeine for foods that give a natural boost is a simple way to ensure you are getting your energy the right way!

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Here Are The Top 10 Energy Boosting Foods

1. Oats – Oats are a good source of calcium, potassium and magnesium, as well as energy releasing B vitamins. Magnesium plays a key role in converting the food we eat into energy, and contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Oats are also low on the Glycemic Index so they give your body a steady release of energy. Try muesli, porridge, or oatcakes for a healthy breakfast or snack.

2. Nuts – High in protein, vitamins and minerals as well as good fats, nuts are a great snack. Almonds: contain energy releasing minerals magnesium and calcium. Walnuts are rich in potassium, zinc and energy releasing iron, while peanuts are a good source of vitamin B6 which aids the body to use and store energy from protein and carbohydrates in food. Whichever you choose be careful not to overdo it as nuts have a high calorie and fat content - a small handful or two tablespoons is an ideal portion.

3. Fruits – As most fruits are good sources of vitamin c, antioxidants and fibre, fruit is perfect for an energy boosting snack. Vitamin C has many important functions in the body including helping release energy from foods and preventing tiredness and fatigue. Oranges and other citrus fruits are particularly packed with Vitamin C, bananas are also a great choice as they are a rich source of carbohydrate – the body's preferred energy fuel, and potassium, an element essential for normal muscle function There's no such thing as a bad fruit though so eat an assortment for a varied diet and maximum nutrients.

4. Vegetables – Mum always said "eat your greens they're good for you" and she wasn't lying! Broccoli, spinach and sprouts–contain small but useful amounts of iron, which contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue and helps release energy from food,. Sweet potatoes are also a great choice as they are high in energy providing carbohydrates as well as Vitamins C which is required for the release of energy from foods and Vitamin A for the maintenance of normal skin and vision.

5. Whole grains – swapping white rice, bread and pasta for their whole grain counterparts will help release energy more gradually from your food. Refined carbohydrates contain very little fibre and are heavily processed, whereas unrefined carbohydrates are rich in fibre which slows down the rate at which the sugar from carbohydrates is released so they don't cause the same sudden spike and drop of blood sugar. Fibre also expands in your stomach which can leave you feeling fuller for longer. Brown rice, and whole-wheat bread are a good source of carbohydrate energy and Pantothenic acid (better known as vitamin B5) which helps the body extract energy- from food.

6. Fish – Fish is a great source of protein along with many vitamins and minerals. Oily fish including salmon, mackerel, trout, herring, fresh tuna, and sardines are all high in vitamins B6, Niacin (B3) and B12, which are important in converting food into energy. Fish is also rich in magnesium another key mineral for energy production. Oily fish also contain omega-3 healthy fats which are good for your heart.

7. Lean red meat – Red meat sometimes gets a bad press but eating lean red meat can help your body top up its protein and iron levels.. Low iron levels can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, the main symptoms of which are tiredness, lethargy and general lack of energy. Meat is also one of the main sources of Vitamin B12 in the diet which also contributes to the release of energy from the food we eat.

8. Beans and lentils – release energy slowly and are full of fibre which slows digestion providing a more steady supply of energy. Kidney beans, lentils, and baked beans contain iron, which is important for the production of red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body and contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Beans and lentils needn't be dull -from curries to soups and salads they are very versatile ingredients that can help you feel full.

9. Eggs – one of the few foods to be called a complete protein due to the fact they contain all 9 essential amino acids – the building blocks of protein in your body. These amino acids are vital for building new muscles and repairing tissue damage. As a rich source of protein, eggs are great for an energy boost, and you'll feel fuller for longer as they provide a slower release of energy.

10. Garlic – eating lots of garlic might not make you too popular on account of its odour, but its health benefits have been known for centuries. This powerful herb has been linked to heart 

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