The most obvious question you might ask yourself when deciding what to eat is, what gives me energy? The answer to this question varies depending on the person and their goals. To make the best decision, it’s essential to understand the different types of foods for energy and how they affect your body. This article will cover what types of food give a lot of energy, which give less, tips for eating more foods that give more energy, and more information about why food affects your mood.
What types of food give the most energy?
1. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are known as the primary energy source for your body. They can provide you with 4 Calories of energy per gram and can be broken into subgroups, including simple and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbs help with instant energy while complex carbs help with long-term energy.
2. Vitamins
Vitamins are organic molecules that the human body needs to function correctly. Some vitamins are water-soluble, meaning those nutrients cannot be stored in your body and will be excreted (ex. Vitamin D) or fat soluble, which means they will store their presence in the body.
3. Proteins
Proteins are the building blocks of all organisms, including humans. Proteins are broken down into amino acids, units of building blocks in protein. Many people mistakenly think that protein is the most critical macronutrient because it gives you four calories per gram and is essential for your body to function correctly.
4. Fat
Fat is the most energy-dense macronutrient in your diet, providing you with considerably more calories per gram than carbohydrates or proteins. Fat provides 9 Calories per gram, 5 Calories more than carbohydrates, and 2 Calories more than proteins.
Types of healthy foods to give you energy in the short term
Foods for energy are generally high in protein with fewer carbohydrates. There are some exceptions, the main one being the protein powders which do not contain significant amounts of carbohydrates but are unnecessary supplements like amino acids or vitamins. Protein powders will help you to reach your daily protein needs with almost no carbs. Foods for energy give great benefits such as increased endurance, suppressing appetite to help overeating, and reducing fatigue.
Different types of foods for energy will provide you with different amounts of energy. Different foods for energy are metabolized differently, meaning that not all macronutrients are processed the same. For example, fat is metabolized very slowly in your body, meaning you will feel full for longer than if you ate a carbohydrate or protein. Carbohydrates have the opposite effect and are quickly broken down into glucose (blood sugar) and digested. Glucose is also responsible for providing your body with energy.
Types of healthy foods to give you energy in the long term
For your body to work correctly and stay fit, it is essential to consume enough calories. For your body to utilize these calories, you need to have enough dietary fat and carbohydrates. Ideally, a person should add some carbohydrates into their diet because they may be used as energy during activity. Protein powder is a great example of healthy food, giving you much energy without effort. Moreover, it regulates all other body processes and helps you maintain lean muscle mass.
Why is nutrition important? The same reason as Chiropractic Care or any other wellness service, is to holistically heal, fuel, and keep your body functioning in the best way possible.
Contact our team with any questions about our nutrition program or any other holistic care services.
