Everything you do throughout the day can have an impact on your energy levels. For example, did you know that if you vape, you might experience fatigue? Did you know that staring at a computer all day could be causing your eyes to burn? Most importantly, though, were you aware that the foods you eat could actually be the biggest contributor to how energetic you feel? You may have heard the saying “you are what you eat,” but you may not realize just how much that rings true when it comes to your energy levels. With that in mind, whether you want to establish healthier habits this year or you’re simply trying to avoid that afternoon slump, let’s look at a few foods that can give you a natural energy boost. 

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Oatmeal

There may be no better way to start your day than with a bowl of steel-cut oats. Oatmeal is full of complex carbohydrates. It releases energy slowly, instead of giving you a burst of it quickly and then fading away. Not only will it help to keep you satiated throughout the morning, but you’ll feel energized until you’re ready to eat lunch. 

Pair your oatmeal with antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries for an extra healthy way to make your morning complete. 

Spinach

Moving onto lunch, kick up your energy levels with a delicious spinach salad. Or, enjoy a protein-rich omelet with fresh spinach. Spinach is rich in iron, which helps to efficiently move oxygen through your body. That’s needed for active energy production. 

Spinach also contains a lot of magnesium, which plays a large role in energy function and can help you from feeling fatigued. So, whether you do enjoy it in a salad, on your sandwich, or as a side, try to get more spinach into your daily diet. 

Fruit

You probably already know that a sweet treat can give you a burst of energy. But, reaching for a candy bar or cookie is only going to cause you to “crash” a short time later. Whether you need an instant pick-me-up in the afternoon or in the evening, go for a piece of fruit, instead. 

Fruit contains a lot of natural sugars. That will help to give you the instant energy boost you need. But, it won’t leave you crashing or feeling lethargic later. Plus, most fruits are rich in other nutrients and contain a lot of fiber. That can help you to feel fuller longer, so you’re less likely to overeat or choose the wrong things. 

When you’re choosing what to include in your daily diet, be sure you’re focusing on more than just calories and fat. Eat for your overall wellness and health, not just to lose weight or gain muscle. Those things will come when you start focusing on your body, as a whole. 

If you struggle with low energy, start looking at your diet. Making small changes and additions to your daily menu can make a big difference in how you feel, and can give you the energy you need to conquer each day.