Visit: WellnessTogether. Date: Tags: Brain Health , Depression , Energy , Mental Health , Recipes , Science , Science and Research , Tips and Tricks. Written by Sue Mah, Registered Dietitian When the days are cold and dark, we could all use a little pick-me-up.

Salmon and other fatty fish Not only does fatty fish contain protein for energy, but it also provides omega-3 fats. Dark chocolate Guess what? This information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.

Mental health supports and services. TEXT: WELLNESS adults or FRONTLINE to Visit: WellnessTogether. Related content. Here are more great ParticipACTION articles and videos to move you. Key habits for a healthy heart Featured Read More.

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Beyond the scoreboard: 5 game-changing mental health benefits of team sports Read More. Fuel your movement recipe of the month: Minestrone soup Read More. Popcorn may make a person feel full for longer than other carbohydrates.

As a study in Nutrition Journal notes, people who ate popcorn rather than potato chips felt fuller from the snack. This may be helpful for dieters, as popcorn usually contains fewer calories than potato chips. Quinoa is a seed, but most people treat it as a grain.

Quinoa is high in protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. The combination of amino acids and slow-release carbohydrates may make for sustainable energy rather than a short burst of glucose from other grains.

One of the benefits of brown rice may be that it retains much of the fiber from the husk. The husk is not there in white rice, which may cause the body to absorb the carbohydrate content quickly. This may lead to a spike and then a crash in energy levels. By having the husk, brown rice may help slow the digestion of these carbohydrates, therefore, releasing energy more slowly.

Whether roasted soybeans or young edamame beans in the pod, soybeans contain protein with a wide variety of amino acids, as well as magnesium and potassium , according to the USDA. Lentils are a relatively cheap form of protein and fiber, which may make them a great option for people on a budget.

The USDA note that 1 cup of lentils contains about 18 g of protein, 40 g of carbs, 15 g of fiber, and less than 4 g of sugar. The fiber may help to manage the digestion of the carbs, keeping the body full and providing a source of sustained energy.

Many nuts contain a blend of protein, fats, and some carbohydrates to provide energy throughout the day. Nuts are typically also rich sources of vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, calcium , or phosphorous.

Nuts are usually high in essential fatty acids. As a study in the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition notes, these fatty acids may help reduce inflammation, which may also reduce fatigue.

Peanut butter is typically rich in protein, fats, and fiber, and may help a person feel full for longer after eating it. This may cut the need for constant snacking, which may also leave a person feeling drained as their body has to digest continuously. Many seeds, such as pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and flax seeds, are rich sources of fatty acids and fiber, which may translate to more energy.

Seeds are also easy to carry and make a great addition to a quick trail mix. Water is the most crucial energizing ingredient on this list. Water is vital for every cell in the body to work correctly.

While most people think of dehydration as an extreme scenario, the body may become partially dehydrated if a person goes all morning without water. Maintaining energy can be as simple as carrying a water bottle around and sipping it throughout the day to stay properly hydrated.

Coffee is a recognizable energy booster. The caffeine in coffee makes the body and mind feel alert and may make people more productive. Coffee also contains antioxidants called polyphenols, which may reduce oxidative stress in the cells and help the body function better. Coffee is a stimulant, however, so people should consume it in moderation.

Too much coffee may lead to energy loss as the body withdraws from the caffeine. Green tea still contains small amounts of caffeine, but it also has compounds that may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

The result may be a smoother transition than coffee to a more awake and energetic state. Yerba maté is a drink native to South America.

Drinking the herb as a tea provides the body with similar stimulating effects as tea or coffee. Yerba maté contains many active nutrients, antioxidants, and amino acids. People who drink yerba maté say it provides a much smoother form of energy by comparison to the jolt of energy from coffee.

As a study in the journal Nutrients notes, yerba maté may also improve mood and help people feel full, even after exercise, which may be helpful for those looking to lose weight while maintaining their energy levels.

While most foods provide energy, the ones above focus on sustained energy. Foods to try to avoid may include:. While this list is not exhaustive, the idea behind finding energy boosting foods is to consume a varied, balanced diet.

Vitamins, fiber, fats, and proteins are all essential for energy, but it is crucial to find a balance between them. People should try to choose a varied diet containing many different, nutritious foods that give the body sustained energy. Some foods can benefit a person's liver health.

Learn more about the best food and drink options here and what options to avoid to benefit the liver. Some research suggests that certain dietary changes could help some people with diverticulitis.

Eating smaller portions and choosing minimally processed foods and whole foods may help reduce fatigue. Your body runs off what you feed it.

Besides what you eat, when you eat can also impact your energy. Did you ever notice how you feel sluggish after a big lunch or dinner? The easiest way to avoid the post-meal coma is to eat several smaller-portioned meals throughout the day.

This will keep your body fueled regularly and may even help you lose weight. Processed foods, such as some packaged or canned foods, candy, boxed meals, and precooked meats are typically full of preservatives, additives, sodium, trans fat, and artificial ingredients that may slow you down. The fresher your food is, the more nutrients it will contain.

Unlike processed foods that may be stripped of nutrients for a longer shelf life, fresh foods typically contain higher nutrients. Eating in-season fruits and vegetables means they ripened naturally. Caffeine is OK in moderation, and it has been shown to have some health benefits.

If you must have your fix, opt for black coffee or unsweetened tea. Sodas and energy drinks can be full of refined sugar and artificial ingredients that can cause you to crash, and lead to other health issues if overconsuming.

Red meats marbled in fat adds saturated fat to your diet. Leaner meats, like chicken, turkey, and fish, still provide quality protein, but contain less saturated fat. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and tuna, can add beneficial, heart healthy fats. Just like processed foods, refined carbohydrates like sugars and white flour add little nutrition.

Choosing whole grain foods and complex carbohydrates ensures that your body gets the full benefits of the hull of the grain that adds fiber to your diet. Nuts and seeds are some of the best foods to beat fatigue and fight hunger. Getting a variety of nuts and seeds in your diet can provide healthy nutrients and energy.

Try almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Eating raw, unsalted versions is recommended.

Drinking water is essential for optimal functioning of the body. Sip on water throughout the day, and try to swap out sodas, coffee, and other drinks for a glass of water.

Consulting with a nutritionist or homeopathic doctor could get you started on a nutritional supplement regimen. Researchers compared bananas to carbohydrate sports drinks in cyclists who needed sustained energy for their long rides.

They found that the banana offered just as much fuel to the riders as the drink. Bananas, right? Turns out, bananas are packed with potassium, fiber, vitamins, and the perfect amount of carbohydrates that provide you with a big boost of natural energy.

A big bowl of oats packs a punch of filling fiber and even a little protein.