Nowaydays we are super busy, a generation that is continuously jumping to reconcile work, home, relationships, affections and social activities; why wonder if we feel exhausted?
It happens to almost everyone, children and adults, to face periods in which one feels particularly tired. Sometimes the fault is insomnia, other times stress or intense physical activity. If you do not want to spend the day drowsy, lacking in energy and in a bad mood, it is good to have a solution.
Reducing stress and trying to get enough sleep (at least 7 hours a night) is essential to regain the lost energy, but they are not the only useful measures against fatigue: even food can help you get back into shape, helping to satisfy the energy requirement and that of specific micronutrients involved in energy metabolism.
In fact, a temporary fatigue is frequently caused by a lack of minerals or vitamins which can be remedied by acting on the daily diet.

What are the foods that give energy?
The best medicine to prevent fatigue is to ensure a healthy and balanced diet that includes all categories of food: fruit and vegetables; cereals and potatoes; milk and dairy products; foods rich in protein (beans and other legumes, fish, eggs and meats), as I always like to say “a little bit of everything”.
In addition, to avoid drops in energy it is good to try to eat at regular intervals. This will make it harder to run out of energy and your body will learn to manage your appetite better.
Many experts recommend 3 main meals plus 2 snacks – one mid-morning and one mid-afternoon – also underlining the importance of breakfast: it is the source of the energy needed to start facing the day in the best possible way.

As for the well known energy food par excellence, the sugar, it is important to remember that, even if it is an immediate source of energy, sucrose and all simple sugars (such as those found in sweets) are not the best solution to avoid feeling tired: they give an energy boost which however runs out quickly.
Complex carbohydrates are a more suitable choice, because they are absorbed more slowly and, therefore, release energy for a longer time; by doing so, they reduce the risk of finding yourself running out of energy in the middle of the day. Whole grains stand out among the best sources (and therefore also wholemeal pasta, rice and bread), because thanks to the presence of fibers they create a system capable of further slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates.
Other foods useful for bringing energy are those rich in iron. Anemia due to a deficiency of this mineral can easily cause fatigue. To feel full of energy, it is therefore important to consume meat and other sources of this micronutrient, such as green leafy vegetables. However, it must be remembered that the iron present in foods of plant origin is more difficult to absorb than in foods of animal origin; for this reason it is good to take them together with a source of vitamin C, a micronutrient that increases the bioavailability of iron. So make way for recipes such as spinach and meat seasoned with lemon, a source of vitamin C.

Magnesium and potassium are also two mineral salts that help the body to function at full capacity. Both are involved in muscle contraction and the transmission of nerve impulses. They also allow the correct development of various metabolic reactions; magnesium, for example, is involved in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, while potassium is important in the reactions that convert glucose into glycogen, the form in which glucose is stored in the muscles and liver.
Finally, to avoid annoying drops in energy, you should have a diet rich in the right vitamins. From this point of view, the most useful are the B vitamins, such as vitamin B1, B6, B9 and B12.
Vitamin B1 also called thiamine is present in whole grains, wheat, pork, liver, legumes and nuts. Vitamin B6 is found in wheat, liver, meat, fish, whole grains, potatoes, avocados, bananas and legumes.
Vitamin B9 also called folic acid is contained in abundance in green leafy vegetables. Other food sources of folic acid are represented by legumes and whole grains.
To take vitamin B12, it is essential to consume foods of animal origin, such as meat, dairy products, liver and shellfish. Those who follow special diets (especially the vegan diet) must take it in the form of food supplements.

Other important substances are those with antioxidant power, such as vitamins C and E, and flavonoids, such as carotenoids and anthocyanins.
Vitamin C is mainly contained in kiwis, citrus fruits, strawberries, currants, peppers, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables and potatoes.
On the other hand, vegetable oils of any type (olive, corn, soy, peanuts, various seeds and so on) and dried fruit (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds) are rich in vitamin E.
To fill up on carotenoids and, in particular, beta-carotene precursor of vitamin A you have to go in search of yellow-orange or red fruits, such as pumpkin, tomatoes, peppers, carrots and oranges. Foods rich in vitamin A are liver, egg yolk, fish and milk.
Anthocyanins, on the other hand, are found in abundance in blue-purple or dark red vegetables, such as berries (in particular, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and currants), grapes, plums, black cabbage, Tropea onions, beetroot and aubergines.
Let’s see 10 foods that we should eat for a boost of energy

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Oats
Oats are rich in calcium, potassium and magnesium, as well as B vitamins, which promote energy production.
As we have seen above, magnesium plays a fundamental role in the conversion of food into energy; a lack of magnesium in the diet can cause a lack of energy. Oats also have a low glycemic index and therefore promote a gradual release of energy.
Have breakfast or a snack with muesli, oatmeal or oat biscuits.
Nuts
Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals as well as good fats, nuts can make a great snack when you are running low on energy.
Almonds contain magnesium and calcium, minerals that promote the increase of energy. Walnuts are rich in potassium, zinc and iron, while peanuts are a good source of vitamin B6, which helps the body to use and conserve the energy derived from proteins and carbohydrates that we consume with food.
Choose the one you prefer, but don’t exaggerate, because nuts are high in calories and fat; the ideal serving is a small handful or two tablespoons.

Fruits
Rich in vitamin C and fiber, fruits are ideal for a snack that can give us energy.
Vitamin C is vital for the production of carnitine, a molecule that helps the body produce energy by burning fat. A lack of vitamin C not only causes a feeling of tiredness and apathy, but also forces the body to store fat that does not burn in the muscles.
Oranges and citrus fruits abound in vitamin C; bananas are also an excellent choice, because they are a rich source of carbohydrates (the body’s favorite energy source) and contain a lot of potassium, an essential element for growth and maintenance processes.
In any way, there is no such thing as “bad fruit”, so consume a large assortment to add variety and nutrition to your diet.
Vegetables
As I always say, don’t forget to eat your veggies.
Broccoli, spinach (rich in iron, an important mineral for energy), asparagus and Brussels sprouts are all high-energy vegetables and also abound in essential vitamins and minerals for the body.
Sweet potatoes are also an excellent choice, because they are rich in carbohydrates and vitamins A and C, essential for energy.
Whole Grains
Replacing traditional rice, bread, and pasta with their wholegrain versions helps stabilize blood sugars.
Refined carbohydrates contain very little fiber and are subject to heavy processing, while unrefined carbohydrates are rich in fiber, which slow down the release of sugars from carbohydrates and therefore do not cause swings in blood sugar and energy levels.
Unpolished rice and wholemeal bread are excellent sources of vitamin B5, which helps the body extract the nutrients that give energy from food.

Fish
Fish is a good source of protein as well as many vitamins and minerals.
Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, trout, herring, fresh tuna and sardines all have a high content of vitamins B6, B3 (niacin) and B12, which are important for the conversion of food into energy.
Fish is also rich in magnesium, another essential mineral for energy production.
Fatty fish also contain omega 3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for normal heart function.
Lean red meats
This is not always spoken well about, but a consumption of lean red meats can help the body to replenish proteins and iron, both of which are vital for energy.
As we have seen above, iron deficiency can cause anemia, the main symptoms of which are fatigue, apathy and a general lack of energy.
Meat is also a major source of vitamin B12, which is essential for producing energy from the food we consume.
Beans and lentils
Promote a gradual release of energy and are rich in fiber, which slow down digestion, ensuring a more constant supply of energy.
Beans and lentils are high in iron, an important mineral for maintaining energy levels.
Curry dishes, soups, salads: beans and lentils are very versatile and satiating ingredients.

Eggs
One of the few foods to be defined as ‘complete protein’ as they contain all 9 essential amino acids – the building blocks of the body’s proteins.
These amino acids are vital for muscle development and the tissue repair process.
Being a rich source of protein, eggs are very suitable for giving a boost of energy.
Garlic
Eating a lot of garlic may not be the best in social relationships, due to its particular smell, but its great beneficial virtues have been known for centuries.
This powerful herb can help reduce fatigue and increase energy levels.
Garlic has also been associated with the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system and the regulation of blood sugars; in addition to all this, it gives great flavor to many dishes!

Lacking in energy? Here you have lots of foods that can help you!
What is your favourite food to eat when you’re feeling tired?
Wow, that’s so informative.
Thank you very much!
You’re welcome 😊
Avocado. It’s healthy and I whenever I eat it, I’m full for a long time and I feel good.
I love avocado too 🥑 I often add it for breakfast or in salads or as a snack I do guacamole 😉
Mmmmm.
Nuts! I usually pack a tiny mason jar of nuts to munch on between meals for that instant boost of energy.
That’s great! Me too! Nuts are my favorite snacks between meals 😉
Your usual through, educational, post. As I have aged my capacity has reduced. I once enjoyed a good fry-up for breakfast, but now eat two balanced meals a day with no snacks in between. During my marathon running days it was advised to stoke up on pasta the night before.
Thank you very much Derrick! Yes, I guess with the age, we tend to eat lesser…a few years back I used to eat much more than I eat now…😊 Honestly when I have pasta, the day after I’ll have more energy for my work out 😉
Wow good to know, Thanks
Thank you very much for stopping by!
This is a really well balanced article!
Thank you very much Dorothy!
Most all are my favs! I hope you are happy and helathy.
I’m glad you like them! Thank you, so far so good 😉 Stay safe and healthy too!
I can’t believe I’m still alive. I don’t eat any of those things…since they aren’t chocolate. Plus, I’m a vegetarian and have been for a million years. Great post. I do eat cheese sandwiches and yogurt. I hope that counts. Oh, I eat sweet potatoes once in awhile too. I don’t really cook anymore. Does chocolate chip banana bread count? I hope so. I really do. Sigh.
Hahaha…a diet based on cheese, yogurt and chocolate? 🤪 well, as long as you eat veggies, that should count 😉
Such a fantastic and educational article, my friend. There are many foods we can eat that can help take you from sleepy to supercharged! Resorting to processed foods with added sugar for energy will only make us feel worse. Natural whole foods can provide us with the boost we need to keep us feeling light and energized… without the crash. Cheers and have a good weekend. Aiva 🙂
Very true Aiva! Processed foods can give us a boost but unfortunately only a temporary one…Natural foods are always the better option for our body and general health 😉 Hope you had a wonderful weekend! Stay safe and have a lovely week ahead!
Really cute food pictures … and very informative too!
Thank you very much!
Wonderful post.
Thank you very much!
When I make a sandwich I use spinach leaves instead of lettuce. I figure it has more oomph to it. And eggs are such a great food that can be made up in so many ways and even taken as snacks when hard boiled. Good post Ribana!
Thank you very much Anne! I do love fresh spinach too! I add it in salad and sandwiches too 😉 Yes, eggs are good and so versatile!
Last few weeks I started eating more vegetables and fruits. I’ve noticed recently that I wasn’t eating healthy enough last few months. Very useful post! Enjoy your Saturday! 🙂
I’m really glad! Adding fruits and veggies in our diet is such a great thing and our body will always be grateful 😉 Enjoy them, will only make you good 😉 Thank you very much! I wish you a lovely week ahead!
This is a great list! I definitely need to add more of these foods to my diet. I could use more energy!
Thank you very much Michelle! Yes, with our every day busy schedule, we need a good boost of energy 😉 and luckily we have so many delicious foods that can help us 😉
Very informative.
Thank you very much!
Hey Good morning Ribana,
Here’s hoping you have had a lovely Tuesday 🙂
https://aguycalledbloke.blog/2021/03/30/universal-greetings-30/
Hi Rory, good morning to you! Thank you very much 😉
Hey Ribana, you are always very welcome 🙂
A great post as usual Ribana! I should be eating more of some of these foods. I do lack on the leafy greens for sure. I have been anemic all my life so have to concentrate a lot on eating iron rich foods, but still need to take iron supplements too. I have started snacking on peanuts, I wonder why?🤔😂😹🐿🐿🥜🥜 Have a great day!😀😺🌞
Hahaha…thank you very much Steve! Spinach is a good source of iron and is also leafy greens 😉 I know why…you’re surrounded by little being that loves peanuts 🥜🤩😹
Must admit, they did get me going on those peanuts!😂😹🥜🥜
Hahaha 🤣😹😹😹
So many excellent choices! Thank you for such wonderful information. 💕
Thank you Diane! Yes, we’re lucky we have so many options 😉
Educational as always 🥰 but I rarely eat snacks, fruits are usually serve as desserts
Thank you dear Jess. Oh really? Very rarely I go a day without snacks 😋😋 I’m too much of a food lover 😂😂
Informative 🥰😻My favorite are Eggs boiled without yolk, fruits, veg salads and fish 😋 We would love to know what’s your favorite too 🤓 I follow your regimen eat like a king in morning and a mid meal and afternoon lunch.
Thank you Simon! Of course you like boiled eggs without the yolk, you’re all proteins focus 😆 💪🏻
I do like fruits and veggies and yogurt and nuts are my go to favorite snack 😉
Food is so delicious 😋 and have such a huge impact on our body! Eat healthy, stay healthy! 😉
😺 That’s right 😁 eat healthy, stay healthy. Liked your favourite snack too 😻 fruits and yogurt seems to be a lovely combo 😍.
Thank you Simon! We are what we eat 😉
Its nice to use mindful writing as therapy. I encourage more people to write and improve their wellness and health journey. Talk more about your experiences at whjonline.com which is solely dedicated to mental health because your nutrition is a big part of your mental health.
This is an amazing list! Glad I came across this 🙂 Thank you !
Thank you very much! Very appreciated!
wow so much content and richness….well done dear one…
Thank you very much for your kind words and for stopping by!