5 Vegetables to Help You Feel Energized
Does having enough energy to get through your daily activities feel like a constant struggle? Do you find yourself wishing for a daily nap at 2 p.m.?
If you want more energy, one place to start is by examining your eating habits.
Healthy eating is important for staying energized and protecting against diseases and deficiencies. A well-balanced diet should have a good balance of meat, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and other foods.
What types of foods give you energy?
The answer is that foods rich in carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and fiber can give you energy.
Some dieters fear carbohydrates because they believe they lead to weight gain or other health problems. However, carbohydrates are an essential nutrient that the body needs to function. Carbohydrates are easily digested by the body and provide the sugar needed to get through the day.
One very healthy source of carbohydrates is vegetables. Most vegetables are not high in carbohydrates; however, they contain enough complex carbohydrates and calories to provide energy.
Vegetables are an important part of a healthy, energetic lifestyle. In addition to carbohydrates, they contain nutrients, vitamins, fiber, starch, and everything else our bodies need to stay healthy and strong. If you often feel tired and have difficulty getting through the day without a nap, consider adding more vegetables to your diet instead of reaching for another cup of coffee or energy drink.
5 Vegetables to Boost Your Energy
Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, chard, collard and other greens are excellent sources of magnesium and antioxidants. They provide energy while supporting muscle and nerve function.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and other cruciferous vegetables are rich in antioxidants, such as beta-carotene.
Sweet Potato: These root vegetables are a great source of serotonin, iron, magnesium, and vitamin C. Their complex carbohydrates and fiber make them ideal sources of fuel and regular energy.
Green Peas: Green peas are starchy vegetables full of healthy calories, carbs, fiber, protein, and vitamins K and C.
Corn: Corn is another starchy vegetable that is a great energizing food. Corn is a complex carbohydrate that provides sustained energy and is a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals.
How to Incorporate More Vegetables Into Your Diet?
There are many recipes for incorporating healthy, life-giving vegetables into your daily life. However, you do not have to “reinvent the wheel” to add more vegetables to your daily routine. Here are a few, easy tips to help increase your vegetable intake.
Add vegetables to a dinner that you regularly enjoy.
Add leafy greens and chopped vegetables to a salad
Snack on cut-up vegetables
Roast vegetables: Roasted sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, or asparagus taste great added to a salad or on the side of a lean protein
Click here for a great Brussels Sprouts recipe: The Best Brussels Sprouts of Your Life
You might typically notice a boost in energy levels within a couple of hours after eating vegetables, as your body begins to digest and absorb the nutrients. However, the most noticeable effects on energy levels from a consistent, vegetable-rich diet may take a few weeks to become apparent as your body adjusts to the increased nutrient intake.
Remember that consistency is key to feeling more energized from eating more vegetables. Incorporate these healthy choices into your diet regularly as part of a balanced meal plan.
Aspire Family Medical, direct primary care provider in Liberty Hill, TX, offers many treatments, wellness and prevention procedures, and medical weight loss programs. Contact us today for more tips on healthy eating. We also offer health and wellness classes to help you achieve a healthy, energetic lifestyle. If you are looking for a healthcare clinic in Liberty Hill that prioritizes holistic health for you and your family, schedule your appointment at Aspire Family Health today and discover truly PERSONalized healthcare.