Guest Post - Healthy, High Energy Foods

    Today we have another featured guest post "Healthy, High Energy Foods" by Rosie S. of The Board Basement.   This is an informative article that you will find to be very interesting.  Especially if you are trying to eat more healthy foods along with your Spring Exercise Challenge.  Pictures were provided courtesy of Rosie S via outsourced Creative Commons.  Please feel free to leave any questions or comments after her article.  I know you will enjoy this one!

Healthy, High-Energy Foods

If you want more energy as you go about your day but are leery of taurine and other chemically-induced energy highs, look no further. Here are some great natural foods that you can use to up your energy levels and avoid the depressing lows that are often the result of chemically-concentrated energy bars and energy drinks.

• Fruit
• Quinoa
• Oats
• Other Seeds
• Nuts

Fruit

The best fruits to eat when looking for an energy boost that is also healthy are bananas, apricots, kiwi, and cantaloupe. These fruits are high in potassium, which help to keep muscle function at an all-time high. If these fruits aren’t available, practically any fruit contains fructose, fiber, antioxidants, and minerals, which will all help to quickly infuse energy and natural, healthy sugars into your veins. Fruits are best eaten approximately an hour before training or exercise and can be blended together with yoghurt or milk for a fast, high-energy snack.

Quinoa

Quinoa, known in many circles as a super-grain, is actually a seed that features a complete protein. Complete proteins are rarely found in plants. Besides its high levels of protein, quinoa also has lots of healthy carbohydrates, plenty of fiber, and a good amount of iron. Quinoa will also help boost your body’s calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels. Together, these ingredients pack a powerful energy punch that is only found in quinoa.

 

Oats

Have you ever wondered why horses have so much energy and such wonderful, rippling muscles? Oats feature a complex form of healthy carbohydrates that have a low glycaemic index and tons of fiber. They also come with a massive amount of the B vitamin, which will do wonders for your energy levels. Regular, natural oats will give you a lot more energy over a longer period of time than processed, instant oatmeal.

 

Other Seeds
 

 Chia, hemp, and flax are other seeds that can give you a sharp, quick energy boost before exercise. These other seeds contain plenty of powerful omega-3 as well as tons of fiber to help keep your muscles bristling with energy. Chia is high in soluble fiber, which, when eaten, has the effect of swallowing a time-release capsule of energy. A good helping of chia seeds early in the morning can keep you feeling bouncy and chipper for the whole day. This can work wonders during intense training, as the energy will keep coming to you steadily throughout your entire session. These other seeds also contain lots of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help keep your entire body sharp.

 

 

Nuts
 

 Finally, nuts are a great source of monounsaturated fats as well as omega-3 fats that help to boost energy levels instead of midriff sections. Nuts can be ground up and spread on bread or just eaten whole. They can be salted or mixed with raisins for an added boost of fructose.

 

These high-energy foods are also healthy and will provide you with energy while keeping your body fat as low as possible.

Author Bio:

Rosie writes on behalf of The Board Basement, a retailer of really cheap Snowboards and Sanuk Sandals, check out their sale items today for amazing discounts.