Getting Energy From Your Diet, Not The Energy Alternatives

By: Theresa Carmichael

So many of us rely on multiple cups of coffee, energy drinks, 5-hour energy shots, and more to keep us going through out the day.  These drinks, when purchased multiple times a week, turn out to be extremely expensive and not as effective as you think they might be.  Although coffee in small amounts can have positive effects on the body, people normally take it over-board by consuming more than 3 cups a day.  Other energy drinks are also loaded with caffeine, sugar, or both and may cause nervousness, sleeplessness, and rapid heart beat.  Labels claim these products are “all natural” and “naturally found in the body”.  Well, the absolute truth is that the only way to know for sure that you are getting the best energy source is by eating calories from whole foods (Calories= Energy!).  The list of foods that contribute to a good amount of energy without any empty calories include foods such as blueberries, broccoli, eggs, spinach, oranges, bran flakes, whole grains, and more.  Most of these foods contain the perfect amount of calories to be consumed multiple times through out the day to keep a consistent energy level.  By taking these snacks on the go instead of all at one meal, your energy becomes more regulated among a longer period of time.  Also, whole foods are usually filled with antioxidants known to prevent damage to cells that may cause cancer or other diseases.  Wouldn’t you like to gain rejuvenation through out the day without the irritable side effects and costly prices? Next time you want to buy your addictive energy alternative at the store, play a game of “consume this, not that” with yourself and feel the difference!