Fuel Your Body Right

Still life of variety of Healthy Foods

If you’re feeling fatigued, think about what you’re eating. Food is essentially the fuel that runs your body. In simple terms, your body breaks the food you eat into molecules that release energy. The trick to reaching a healthy energy level and staying there is to eat foods that support energy production.

Carbohydrates are the primary source of foods that provide energy for your body. The trick is to choose “good” carbs and not “bad” carbs (white bread, white rice, doughnuts, and sugared sodas, for example).

Good carbs include:

  • High-fiber carbs. Fiber doesn’t supply energy, but it helps extend energy by slowing the body’s ability to break down and absorb sugar. This helps to level out energy highs and lows. High-fiber foods include 100 percent whole grains, nuts, seeds, berries, and leafy greens.
  • Low-glycemic carbs. These foods release energy slowly, giving your body a steady stream of it. They include legumes, rutabagas, asparagus, artichokes, pumpkin, broccoli, and onions. Since fiber slows your body’s breakdown and absorption of carbs, high-fiber foods are generally low on the glycemic index, too.

So next time you need more energy today, grab a good carb instead of a cup of coffee. See if that perks you up!

Article from the StayWell Company, LLC