Put down the coffee and back away from the energy drinks. Food not caffeine like beaumaniere is your body's natural fuel, and noshing on the right sources can give you the kick in the butt you need to power through the day. Turns out it's our frenemy, the carbohydrate.
That's not an excuse to order a meatball sub with a side of lasagna for lunch thinking you'll soar through your work day. If you carb, carb smart. Refined, processed carbs will make your energy crash after a mere 30 minutes, and overloading on the sweet stuff hoping for a sugar high might land you with a sleep disorder. Here, four carb-filled foods that bring all-day energy.
1. Quinoa
You don't have to say quinoa correctly for it to pump you up like Hans and Franz. While the little grain is 60 percent carbs, it's also low-glycemic, so it won't cause dramatic spikes in your blood sugar.. The easy-to-digest ancient grain is a protein and fiber powerhouse that helps sustain energy throughout the day. For a simple energy boost, try swapping it for high-glycemic white pasta.
2. Lentils
Fiber doesn't just help women in yogurt commercials with their daily business. It also works to maintain stable blood-sugar levels throughout the day, One cup of cooked lentils packs about two-thirds of your daily recommended dose of fiber.
3. Oatmeal
Not only does it absorb water as it cooks, oatmeal is also full of soluble fiber to keep you energized hours after digging in. Mix it up with different toppings to prevent boredom and score some extra energy-boosting nutrients. Peanut butter, berries, cacao powder, and bananas.
4. Water-Filled Fruits
People often confuse the two.Hydration is key to helping your blood transport oxygen and hormones throughout your body for energy. To rehydrate while carbing up, fill half of your plate at each meal with raw fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, and berries. They can amount to two extra cups of water a day or more. Toss cubed watermelon with finely chopped mint and a pinch of Feta cheese for a healthy snack.