Our bodies get energy when the cells receive stimulation from products such as caffeine; when we ingest enough, not excessive, calories to burn for fuel; and when cells receive products that increase metabolism temporarily, such as sugars in energy drinks. Stability of sugar and nutrient intake is key to continued energy when the body is getting what it needs to run regularly. Thus, caloric nutrition is the best option for keeping energy levels high even during midday slumps.
Energy drinks are not the most healthy sources of body fuel because they provide only short-term solutions. The most common effective ingredients of these drinks - caffeine and sugar - stimulate the body for a few hours or increase metabolism to provide fuel temporarily, rather than at a slow and constant rate. Energy is provided in a burst instead of overall for the day; the body is left with less energy and fewer healthy resources for fuel afterward, which causes cyclic fatigue instead. In addition, nutritional shakes provide calories without fullness and may lead to increased overall daily calories if it does not replace an entire meal.
Best Foods to Provide Energy and Constancy
Complex carbohydrates, which are found in breads, pastas and wheat sources, provide vital fuel to build cell components and proteins, and they provide a sensation of being full instead of hungry. The body can use carbohydrates throughout the day to keep organs and muscles running efficiently. As an added benefit, these complex carbs increase serotonin, a chemical in the brain that triggers happy feelings. Simple carbohydrates, or simple sugars like sweet foods, do not provide the same health benefits or sensations and simply give the body a jolt of energy. Oatmeal and cereals that provide whole grains, fiber and complex carbs are some great examples of energy sources.
Bananas and nuts contain magnesium, which contributes to increased energy by converting glucose, or body sugar, to useful fuel, and they are an easy midday snack. Dried fruit is another easy midday snack that provides iron to to keep red blood cells high and prevent anemia symptoms like fatigue. Regular fruits like sliced apples and pears provide dietary fiber to regulate digestion as well. Lean meats for protein and fish like salmon for healthy fatty acids that are used to keep the nervous system healthy are good options for mealtime energy boosts.
Tactics for Getting an Extra Boost
Even with healthful food choices, energy can wane during a day with busy kids. One way to provide a midday energy boost safely include splitting the lunchtime meal into numerous mini-meals that fuel the body repeatedly during the afternoon. Similarly, providing a caffeine energy burst with small amounts of coffee or tea during a short time period is better than drinking a large coffee all at once for a caffeinated energy peak. Finally, remembering to drink water throughout the day is an easy way to prevent mild dehydration, which can quickly cause an energy slump.
Sources:
MayoClinic.com Nutrition. Energy Drinks: Do They Really Give Me Energy?
Quality Health.com. Energy Boosting Tips.
MedicineNet.com. Picture Slideshows: Energy Foods Slideshow: A Diet to Boost Your Mood and Energy Level, November 2008.
Nicole Van Hoey - Trained as a pharmacist, Nicole has enjoyed providing drug and health information to many patients through work and now attempts to ...
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