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Your body uses food for energy by turning it into blood sugar, also known as glucose. Carbohydrates are the best macronutrient of choice for eating for energy, because they are the most easily converted into glucose.

However, some simple carbohydrates, break down so fast that they only provide a short-term burst of energy, leaving your blood sugars low, and you back to feeling fatigued and unmotivated.

Here are ten foods that are going to replace the spike and dip act of sugar with a steady energy supply that will keep you going all day.

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1.     Sauerkraut

Raw sauerkraut is high in probiotics, which help speed the digestion process. Since the body has to put less effort into digest your food, you are left with added energy. Most store-bought sauerkraut has sugar so read the label carefully.

2.     Asparagus

High in B vitamins, asparagus naturally supports healthy energy levels by turning carbs into glucose and since it is also high in fibre is helps to maintain the sugar levels and prevent drop offs. Adding asparagus to your salad at lunch is a great way to get an added energy boost to get through the afternoon.

3.     Almonds

Research has shown that being low in magnesium and vitamin B can lead to fatigue, irritability, and poor concentration. Almonds are high in both magnesium and vitamin B, which are great for converting food to energy.

4.    NutButter (almond or cashew)

Nut butter is a calorie dense food, which tends to turn dieters away from it. However, since nut butter is packed with healthy fats, proteins, and fibre it is great to help keep you feeling full. It is also effective at keeping your blood sugar levels stable. Stick with natural nut butters that contain nothing but nuts.

5.    Lemon

When added to water, lemon turns your drink into a natural energy drink that is full of electrolytes that encourage cells to produce energy. Drinking water also contributes to your energy!

6.    Kale

Great sautéed as a side dish, put into soups and pasta, or even used as a base to a salad, kale is an excellent choice for keeping your blood sugars stable. Kale contains antioxidants and fibre as well as the amino acid L-tyrosine that all contribute to giving you a mental boost as well as filling you up and keeping your blood sugars stable.

7.     Steel Cut Oatmeal

Since oatmeal is so fibre rich, it makes for a great breakfast capable of giving you the energy you need to get through the day. Fibre takes longer to digest which helps to stabilize your blood sugar levels and leaves you feeling energized, focused and full.

8.     Hummus

Comprised of garbanzo beans, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice, hummus makes a great mid afternoon snack, especially when used as a dip for vegetables such as red pepper strips or carrot sticks. All of the ingredients in hummus contribute nutrients to stabilize blood sugar levels and boost energy to get you through the mid-afternoon slump.  

9.     Bananas (Only if you exercise)

Making a great pre or post workout snack, bananas are packed with nutrients that promote sustained energy and muscle function. This is because they are filed with B vitamins and potassium. However, bananas are also high in natural sugars and can affect your weight loss plans if you do not exercise.

10.  Salmon

The high amount of protein and healthy fat in salmon is great for promoting satiety; this makes it a great choice for a dinner option to give you energy for the evening without feeling the need to snack.

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As an added bonus, a square of dark chocolate is a great after meal snack. Dark chocolate contains decent amounts of the natural stimulant theobromine, which boosts both your energy and your mood.

Increasing your energy levels doesn’t have to come along with the sugar crash that many people are accustomed to suffering from.By indulging in the options above, you are sure to get through your to-do list without consuming extra calories from sugar (or gulping that extra cup of coffee).

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