By Veronique Belmar
All the energy we need comes from
our food and is burned by the body. When we feel vitalised, we feel really
good, don’t we? So with all this energy we go through a busy day and have
energy left to spare at the end of the day. Therefore, one need to insure that
good-to-be-alive feeling remain. So eat healthily, take regular exercise, and
remove yourself from stressful situations. Vital to remember, recharge your
batteries by taking time to unwind.
For a steady stream of energy: eat
starchy foods, such as pasta, brown rice, potatoes and wholemeal bread. Do not
forget your fruit and vegetables. One need to also cut down on foods that
contain hardly any nutrients, such as sugary foods, Alcohol, and caffeine
drinks.
The starches and sugars which are
plentiful in plant foods such as fruit, vegetables, pulses and cereals are
great foods for physical energy. The majority of energy needs are met by
carbohydrates. Why, because several of them break down easily into glucose,
which is the most accessible source of energy for the body.
When we eat sugars in the form of
foods, such as fruit, they provide energy along with valuable vitamins,
minerals, and fibre. Table sugars, yes, provide us with energy, but no
nutrients. Is it then not better and healthier getting our sugar from fruit and
fruit juice? Just a reminder, many athletes eat a lot of complex carbohydrates,
such as pasta while training and in the run-up to a competition. Why do they do
this; so that they could build up their body’s energy stores?
Take note here, our body absorbs
different carbohydrates at different rates, that is, depending how quickly they
release sugar into the bloodstream. If you need a quick spurt of energy:
bananas, dates, raisins, dried apricots, bread, rice, cornflakes, wheat-based
cereals of muesli made with flaked wheat. If you rather wish to have a steadier
stream of energy, eat lentils, porridge oats, oatmeal biscuits, muesli made
with oats or cracked wheat, peas, pasta, potatoes, and apples. Staving yourself
for most of the day, then, eat a large meal late at night, can encourage weight
gain; and is unhealthy.
Question:
What can add years to your life?
Answer:
Make sure you have enough rest, eat
healthily, get enough fresh air, exercise regularly; such good habits will help
you stay well.
