High Energy Foods

The role of high energy foods would be to provide our body with the much-needed energy necessary to perform daily activities. Foods full of complex carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and that are low in sugar, cholesterol and fats behave as energy boosters for the body. Complex carbohydrates provide long-lasting energy towards the body. Protein not only helps you to release energy, but also provides a back-up energy provider when carbohydrates aren't available.

Bananas, eggs and nuts are top energy-boosting foods that may be easily included in the diet. The majority of the foods mentioned below provide energy and are generally rich sources of vitamins and minerals.

Healthy Energy-boosting Foods
Whole grain products: Being complex carbohydrates, whole grain products are the best energy foods for athletes. Moreover, wholegrain foods contain high levels of fiber and antioxidants, and therefore, prevent various health problems. Whole grain products digest slowly, and therefore, offer you long-lasting energy levels.

• Cereals
• Whole grain bread
• Brown rice
• Quinoa
• Oats
• Pasta

Legumes: Legumes are excellent natural energy boosters with lots of health benefits. One of the important options that come with legumes is, they are lower in glycemic index and hence are some of the best energy foods for diabetics. They are excellent sources of complex carbohydrates and therefore serve as a good fuel for that body. They absorb unhealthy cholesterol in the body and assistance to maintain a healthy cholesterol level. Legumes are rich causes of important minerals required by the body, including, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. Because of so many different types of legumes available, you are able to prepare various recipes from their store and enjoy their nutritional benefits.

• Baked beans
• Lentils
• Chickpeas
• Kidney beans

Fruits and vegetables: There are numerous benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables. When cooking vegetables, try steaming or microwaving these to retain their nutrients. Vegetables like beet, carrot, cabbage could be consumed in their natural raw state for optimum health benefits. Moreover, if you are attempting to lose weight, green leafy vegetables can prove useful to you. Vegetables like cabbage, spinach and broccoli are high in vitamins and minerals and supply the body with the much-needed energy. Citrus fruits like oranges are full of vitamin C, which helps to relieve fatigue, while the simple banana is high in potassium and fiber.

• Apple 
• Banana 
• Pear 
• Citrus Fruits 
• Red Grapes 
• Avocado 
• Mango 
• Papaya 

Milk products: Dairy products are the major causes of dietary calcium for the body. Their intake enhances the energy levels without significantly enhancing the total calorie or fat intake.

• Milk
• Low-fat cheese
• Low-fat yogurt
• Skim milk smoothies

Seeds and nuts: Nuts and seeds are loaded with proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and healthy fats which behave as a great source of energy for the body. Eating a handful of these nuts and seeds will keep you full for a longer time, keeping the energy levels up.

• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Pecans
• Cashews
• Soy nuts
• Sunflower seeds

Non-vegan Foods: Non-vegetarian foods are rich protein sources and vitamins, especially vitamin B12 which isn't available in plant sources. Though proteins from animal sources are essential for that body, they should be consumed in moderate amounts. Steak contains a high amount of saturated fats which can lead to an increased risk of heart diseases. Include types of fish in your diet as they are lower in fat and are good protein sources, vitamins and minerals. High energy non-vegan foods are:

• Fish
• Meat
• Chicken
• Lamb
• Pork
• Turkey
• Veal
• Beef
• Shellfish

Other Energy-enhancing Foods

• Biscuits
• Cakes
• Desserts
• Egg
• Pulses
• Peanut butter
• Pea and ham soup
• Bran muffin
• Juices
• High protein energy bars
• Smoothies
• Soups

The body converts the energy stored in these foods into a form of energy that may be used by our body. So, whenever we talk about the calories present in a food, it is actually the amount of energy kept in that particular food. Thus, we are able to say that foods that are full of calories are a great source of energy. But, not every energy-providing foods are beneficial for your body. Many high calorie foods like those containing sugar, provides souped up that last for a short time. Moreover, the calories given by such foods are quite unhealthy given that they get converted into fats. But, there are lots of foods that are low in calories and supply enough energy to accomplish the daily tasks without posing any health issues. Thus, one should rely on low-calorie foods for a healthy diet.