All foods give energy. But not all give energy equally. There are some that contain high amounts of calories and are easy to digest but cause a bad energy crash. For example, foods like burgers and fries.
However, they’re so highly processed that they end up with little nutrients and are loaded with saturated fat, added sugar, and salt. As a result, you’ll quickly gain weight and feel perpetually sluggish. So what foods should you eat to keep your energy up throughout a busy day? Read on.
1. Bananas
Potassium is a major mineral found in bananas. This essential component is vital in regulating muscle contractions. As a simpler explanation, eating bananas regularly helps sustain energy levels for prolonged physical activities.
If you’re a solopreneur with a business that involves a lot of muscle work, your home should always have a hand of bananas in the kitchen.
2. Fatty fish
Inflammation is the common cause of fatigue and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce that. Omega-3 is commonly found in fishes like salmon, mackerel, tuna, anchovy, herring, pilchard, and trout.
3. Poultry
Red meat from livestock and cattle are good sources of protein – a macronutrient your body uses for energy if it’s low on carbohydrates and fats. The problem is that red meat is high in saturated fats. The better option? Choose lean meat from turkey and chicken, they still provide quality protein but with less saturated fat.
4. Whole grains and complex carbs
We get our carbs mostly from rice and bread. But the bread we usually eat, especially white bread, is made of all-purpose flour – a highly processed grain that has little to zero nutrients. What’s worse is that white bread has added sugar.
If you really want a healthier variant of carb-rich foods, go for whole grains and complex carbs like oatmeal, whole wheat bread, and quinoa. Moreover, they still have most of their nutrients intact from minimal processing.
5. Eggs
Eggs are calorie and protein-rich foods. As a result, they get digested slower and produce a fuel supply that doesn’t run out fast. It’s a food that keeps you full for longer hours and helps prevent a mid-morning energy crash that causes unnecessary snacking.
6. Beef liver
Beef liver is probably one of the most underrated energy-giving foods out there. It’s rich in protein and vitamin B12 – a compound that’s needed to convert fat and protein into calories.
7. Oysters
Like poultry meat, oysters are a good source of protein that is low on fat. This shellfish is also packed with zinc – a mineral that helps fight off germs and infections that cause severe fatigue.
8. Beans
For the vegetarian and vegan solopreneurs reading, beans are your non-animal source of protein. Despite being a micro food, they are full of fiber that slows your digestion so that you can stay satisfied – a feeling that most animal products can only provide. On a microscopic level, beans are rich in magnesium – a mineral your cells need to produce energy.
It’s important to remember that some of these foods can be bought in processed forms from convenience stores and groceries. For example, if you buy packaged or canned tuna, you’re already buying the unhealthy version of an energy-giving product. You must only buy their raw version and cook them yourself.
More health and wellness tips for a better solopreneur’s life here!
