Working out is one thing, but working out without energy is another. If you’re exercising on an empty stomach, your asking for trouble. In order to get the best out of your workout, staying energized is a must. When you stay energized, you ward of fatigue and hunger, and you keep your metabolism high.

To keep you energized during your workout, here are some great food ideas to try:

·    Almonds - If you’re low on energy, try almonds. A handful of almonds are packed with protein giving you a great energy boost!

·    Peanut Butter - Another protein packer is peanut butter. Grab a tablespoon of the stuff and spread it on whole-wheat toast or try a peanut butter shake. Just add rice or soymilk and a banana. This is a great option for an early morning workout.

·    Soy Nuts – Love the taste of soy? Soy nuts are another great food for energizing your workout. Soy nuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for your circulatory system.

·    A Cup of Fresh Fruit – A cup of fresh fruit can provide you with the nutrients and antioxidants needed to keep your workout going. If you want to kick it up, add a tablespoon of peanut butter.

·    Yogurt – Packed full of calcium and vitamin B, yogurt can help keep your immune system in-tune while giving you a boost of energy. If you’re bored with the same old flavor, you can spice it up with some fruit or nuts.

·    Hard-Boiled Eggs – Believe it or not, eggs are a great source of protein. If you can’t stand plain hard-boiled eggs, try turning them into a deviled egg using mustard, paprika and a dash of salt and pepper.

·    Lentil Beans – For a major amount of energy, try a cup of lentil beans. Lentil beans are a great source for complex carbohydrates, which will burn slower than simple carbohydrates. If lentil beans aren’t your thing, try other beans like kidney or pinto.

·    Bran – Bran contains a great source of magnesium, which your body uses to change carbohydrates into energy. Not sure how to incorporate bran into your diet? Try a bran muffin or bran cereal. You can also add bran to a peanut butter shake for an extra boost of protein.

So now that you know what foods will give you energy during your workout, do you know what foods can bring you down? If you’re in need of energy, avoid:

·    Sweets such as cookies, candy bars, sodas and fruit drinks. These are loaded with sugar, which can leave you even more drained than before.

·    Although caffeine can give you a boost of energy, it is short term. Once that energy is gone, your caffeine kick can give you the jitters and even make you drowsy.

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