So, ever since my last post on exercise and energy, I’ve been researching foods that increase energy. And now that over a week has gone by, I realize that I can’t procrastinate any longer and I just have to tell you the truth:
No one food, on its own, is really going to increase your energy that much.
Now I know that’s not what you want to hear, but you come to Prayers and Apples for mind/body/spirit science, not mind/body/spirit brainwashing.
Healthy foods fix a lot of problems, but let’s keep it real – a wheatgrass smoothie isn’t going to change your life.
That being said, food does play a huge role in the energy equation. But my point remains: one magic food off an “energy list” isn’t going to make you feel like you drank a Red Bull. Which is why, as much as I love a good list, I just couldn’t bring myself to call this post, “The Top Ten Energy Foods!”…even though I seriously came like this close.
(Oh and by the way: don’t drink Red Bull!)
How the body processes different types of foods, the combination in which nutrients enter the digestive system, the timing of various meals – these are the factors that make food important to energy. I don’t care if you eat halibut for breakfast, lunch and dinner (and, like the Red Bull: I wouldn’t recommend it) – no one food is going to turn you into a super hero.
(Unless it’s spinach and you’re Popeye – in which case, yes, that will definitely 100% happen.)
Even though it’s really interesting (I promise!), figuring out how your body breaks down food can take a while. And so, instead of going into all that today, I thought we could talk about magnesium because that sounds like so much more fun? because that way, we can still make a list! And everybody knows: when you read an article about food and energy – or food and anything – you’re really just looking for the list of foods at the end (don’t worry – I do the same thing!).
Thank you so much for sharing this! I really love learning about and getting up to date info about what our bodies need to function properly.
Any amounts of sugar puts me into a coma. :/.
Thanks girl!
Brandi: I’m the same way! Sugar is a killer! I wrote a post on low blood sugar you might like – I’m planning on putting together a really comprehensive article on sugar in the next month :) thx for reading! :)
Hey Jessica! I just discovered your blog and love it! I love the mix of faith and nutrition. It’s so great that you have such informative posts too. I will definitely be back :)
Hey! So glad you like it! That just made my day :)
I eat a lot of spinach because I secretly believe, deep down in my heart, that it does make you super-strong like Popeye. It hasn’t happened yet, but that may be because I use fresh instead of canned, but have you ever had canned spinach? Blech!
maybe that’s my problem too! lol :) i’ve never tried it… and i think that’s gonna stay on the “never” list haha
I suffered from terrible bouts of insomnia and restless leg syndrome. Someone mentioned I should try Magnesium supplements, I did and I have been sleeping like a baby from the day I started. It was freakish how quickly they kicked in. Thankfully my levels are up now so I maintain my Mg levels through diet alone. Go the science and nutrition geeks I say !
Yay for the science and nutrition geeks indeed! :) We get better sleep, energy AND moods ;) ..so glad it worked for you!
Great post. I’m experiencing a few of these issues as well..
I would also like to add that low magnesium levels may also lead to PVCs and PACs . That is what happened to me. Doctors could not figure it out so I had to become a physiology expert on my own to solve the riddle. As soon as I started taking a triple magnesium supplement my PVCs/PACs completely went away. As a bonus my energy went way up.
I was unaware of that connection, Paul – thank you for writing! I’m glad you were able to find something that works :)
Great article!After taking magnesium supplements I experienced relief of stiffness and better sleep.I would also add that dark chocolate (more then 60% cocoa) is good source of magnesium.
Thanks, Mizra! And always good to have another excuse to eat chocolate! ;) hehe Thanks for for reading! xo
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and they had recently put me on steroids to lessen the inflammation & stiffness….wasn’t working. My primary doc recommended magnesium supplements to help lessen the night cramps in my hands….and all of a sudden I feel like a new person. I’m glad you are confirming my theory that the magnesium is helping relieve the stiffness. Good luck to you!
Hi Angelina! Thanks so much – and so glad to hear your stiffness is getting better! :)