Food for Energy

We're always on the go - whether it's packing the kids up for school, hitting the gym, or just getting through a project at work - and we constantly rely on high levels of energy to get through it all. Yet no matter how many cups of coffee we've had, there are times when we feel lethargic and at a loss for what we're looking for. In order to get through our busy and hectic schedules, it's important to turn to the right sources of energy, and not the high-sugar and caffeinated drinks that we usually depend on.



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We know that food is our fuel, but there are specific foods that are great at keeping us energized. Protein-packed foods like kale, rolled oats, and beans are great for providing you with energy all throughout the day, and they carry additional health benefits, too. In addition to foods that can give you energy, there are certain things you should eat because they're great for helping to unlock energy in other foods. For example, did you know that you'll become lethargic faster from lack of water than you would from lack of food? Or that we digest Greek yogurt slowly, so it's great for supplying long-lasting energy?



Camilla Saulsbury, food writer and health expert extraordinaire, knows the importance of keeping up her energy. While, professionally, she's an endurance sports trainer, she now considers herself an endurance trainer for a different kind of sport - motherhood and marriage. Saulsbury knows that most of us have a budget and schedule to live by, so she devised a power food plan that is simple to execute, tastes great, and gets rid of any junky additives that come from store-bought energy bars. Her new cookbook, Power Hungry, set to release in early September, is filled with practical and delicious energy recipes that utilize natural ingredients exactly how they're meant to be used, as our fuel.



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These power bars are great to keep in your recipe box and to whip up on a Sunday night so you're set for the week. And along with sharing her recipes, Saulsbury shared a list of 10 of her favorite energy-supplying foods with The Daily Meal, because eating for energy isn't just about knowing which foods to eat, but about understanding why and how these foods work the way they do. Through 10 simple ingredients that are easy to keep on hand, Saulsbury helps us understand that, in addition to her terrific power bar recipes, there are stress-free ways to boost your energy with food. Simple things like frozen chopped kale, pea protein, and quick brown rice are easy and convenient to add to your meals to make sure you're getting enough energy - and it all starts with understanding why.



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Pre-Chopped and Cleaned Kale



Sometimes all it takes is making it easy on yourself, and Saulsbury shares her secret to how she does it with kale:



"Kale is my secret weapon for fueling my super-long days; still, I'm not brave enough to munch on plain leaves. Here's what I do to keep the über-healthy vegetable handy: I throw a big bag of pre-chopped kale in the freezer. That way I can easily grab a handful anytime I need it for adding to smoothies, soups, casseroles, and egg dishes. It's great because the frozen kale will crumble in your hands - no need to finely chop - and makes the flavor milder."



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Bananas



Having Greek yogurt pre-workout and a banana post-workout is Saulsbury's go-to energy plan.



"Is there a more amazing food that you can buy for a quarter? If I need energy after a workout, I turn to the humble banana for the mega dose of potassium they deliver," she says.



Water



It's not just about eating foods that give you energy, but about making sure they're utilized correctly, too. A practically free ingredient, water's hydrating powers are crucial to maintaining energy levels throughout the day, says Saulsbury.



"You'll start to feel sluggish from lack of water far sooner than lack of food; even if you eat superstar superfoods, you cannot properly metabolize it into fuel if you don't get enough water. I find it hard to drink a lot of cold water all at once, so I actually prefer to drink room-temperature water," she explains.



Canned Black Beans and Red Beans



Yes, it's OK to say yes to the can sometimes, and Saulsbury explains why:



"My pantry is bean central. I make quick salads, chili, soups, dips, and even bars and brownies with beans. Ready-to-eat, inexpensive, versatile, delicious, and super-healthy (high fiber, low fat, high protein), what's not to love? I eat white beans and chickpeas, but for maximum energy, I opt for dark-colored beans because they are rich in antioxidants."



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Homemade Power Bars



Of course, another great way of taking most of the ingredients on this list and packing them all into one, convenient snack that can be taken on the go is making homemade power bars. Saulsbury's book, Power Hungry, is loaded with delicious, easy, and energizing recipes, and she shares nine of her favorites here with us.



Click Here to see More Foods That Keep Your Energy Level Up



-Anne Dolce, The Daily Meal

