If you want to stay active even after your lunch, you should have foods that have nutrients high in energy. Here’s a list of energy-boosting nutrients and healthy recipes using them.
Most women have productive morning, but after a heavy lunch, they find it hard to keep their eyes open. Energy starts to slip away and everything seems to move at a glacial pace. There are also some who struggle to stay active throughout the day. The dip in energy might have to do with what you eat. If you don’t get enough of the nutrients that are needed for energy, your body will act accordingly. So, make sure to include energy-boosting nutrients to stay active throughout the day.
HealthShots connected with Shruti Keluskar, Executive Nutritionist Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Pune, to know which all nutrients give us energy.
Energy-boosting nutrients:
You must have heard of the essential nutrients that are needed to be healthy. Let’s take a look at nutrients that provide energy in abundance.
1. Carbohydrates
According to Keluskar, carbohydrate is a major energy giving nutrient. Voluntary as well as involuntary actions like something as simple as breathing and blood pumping, need the utilisation of glucose. Right from whole grains to cereals to pulses to fruits and vegetables, they all have carbohydrates.
2. Fat
You might be trying to get rid of body fat through dieting and exercises. The fact is that without enough fat in your diet, energy levels will fluctuate. You will get hungry more quickly, and you could find it difficult to concentrate. Including more healthy fats and adding just a small of fat to your meals will keep you energetic. You can add nuts and oilseeds to your smoothie bowls or olive oil to your salads.
3. Fiber
Fiber helps to keep us full for longer periods of time. You can increase your intake of fiber by eating black beans, lentils, chickpeas and almonds apart from whole grains, fruits and vegetables. The expert advises to combine fiber with adequate fluid for good bowel health apart from sustained energy levels.