10 foods that boost your energy

We all hate to work; why? Because we are usually too tired from the previous day's work or because each work day leaves us with little to no energy for a fun evening.

Well, we give you 10 foods that will boost your energy in an instant, guaranteed. Firstly, to pump up your energy you need foods that provide sufficient calories and stimulants. Secondly, you need foods that will increase your metabolism. So pull up your socks, stop making excuses and get ready to do the locomotion.

Glucose - This component is found in carbs. Yes! You need carbohydrates; it is a means of providing energy to the brain, muscle and the nervous system. But bad carbs can increase the level of sugar in the blood that will not only increase your appetite but also the fat accumulation. Hence when it comes to carbohydrates, stick to whole wheat bread, cereals, brown rice - essentially, the good carbs that aren't processed and refined.

Caution: Consume in moderation.

Fiber - It has several reasons to be part of your daily diet, since it curtails certain types of cancer, improves memory as well as energy, and aids smooth digestion. Fiber takes longer to digest, which results in higher energy supply. A great way to start your day is oatmeal. Other foods with plenty of fiber are: Fruits, grains, lentils, vegetables, nuts and beans.

Caution: Choose high-fiber foods that aren't loaded with calories or fat. Ex - even though almonds are rich in fiber, you can't eat too many every day.

Dry fruits - Almonds, dried figs and cashews may be a great accompaniment with alcohol, but there's more to it than meets the eye. Unsalted nuts, closest to their natural state, contain magnesium that converts sugar into energy, while dried figs purge your blood of toxins. However, figs are naturally high in sugar so don't over indulge in them.

Caution: The nuttier you are, the more magnesium you have.

Lean meat - Meat eaters will love this one. Whether you love chicken, pork, beef or turkey you're assured of sustained energy. 'But' it has to be skinned and trimmed, in other words, as lean as possible. Your brain needs two types of chemicals - dopamine and norepinephrine, and both are propelled by tyrosine found in meat.

Caution: Strip the fat, but consume in moderation.

Fatty fish - It's strange that meat has to be lard-free while fish needs to be fatty. But before you reach for those frying pans, what we are looking for is Omega 3 in fish - a natural oil that your body needs for general health. It will enhance your energy as well as help fight heart related ailments.

Caution: Eat in moderation and use healthy cooking methods.

Leafy greens - The key ingredient in leafy vegetables is folate or B-9. It increases metabolism, as well as increases blood count which improves the intake of oxygen. This, in turn, produces energy. Spinach is 'the' veggy for folate. As you may recall Popeye had a surge of energy after he ate spinach, now you know why.

Caution: Wash spinach well and add a little bit of salt to it while soaking prior to cooking.

Water - Everyone must have told you to drink 8 glasses of water a day. And now you know why. Science says that if you're tired, you're dehydrated, which results in lowering the rate of metabolism. Also no water, no energy and coke, caffeine or tea won't do as substitutes.

Caution: Drink up and make sure the loo is accessible.

Fresh fruits - Slice it, dice it, or mix it. Fruits not only hydrate you, they also give you a glow while improving your energy levels. Watermelon, pineapple, various berries, oranges, etc are freely available in every market. It can be a midday snack or dessert. You can add fruits to your cereals for breakfast, to some yogurt for a snack, or some nuts and honey for a dessert. Fresh fruits are the most versatile energy foods of all.

Caution: Have a fruit salad as a snack not as a meal.

Addictives - These, in our everyday lives, imply coffee, tea and chocolates. While some of us over-indulge in them, which is bad, some consume them within limits. This helps increase your energy levels in an instant. You are alert and bright but for a short period of time. Consume in small quantities after long intervals, and you're assured to be awake from nine to five.

Caution: Don't get addicted.

Coconut water - The summer drink as well as a great hangover cure can also boost your energy levels. Coconut water hydrates your system and washes out toxins. Coconut water is organic and loved by the young and old alike.

Caution: Induge in coconut water but limit the coconut flesh to 1-2 servings a day.